1993 Expansion Inaugural Season

Lore & Background

The first manager named for the Rockies was Don Baylor. First baseman Andrés Galarraga represented the Rockies at the MLB All-Star Game, held at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Colorado finished with a record of 67–95, in sixth place and 37 games behind the NL West division-champion and NL pennant-winning Atlanta Braves, ahead of only the San Diego Padres. At Mile High Stadium, the Rockies sold 4,483,350 tickets to their home games, setting the Major League record for attendance, which still stands. Galarraga concluded the season winning the NL batting title with a .370 batting average, also leading the major leagues. Shortstop Vinny Castilla was the last player from the Rockies' inaugural season to retire, playing his last game at the end of 2006.

Reader's Guide

The Rockies' home opener starter was Bryn Smith. Key transactions included signing Andrés Galarraga as a free agent on November 16, 1992, and trading for Dante Bichette on November 17, 1992. The Rockies participated in the 1992 MLB June amateur draft, selecting John Burke in the first round, and also held an expansion draft. The team's first game was on April 5, 1993, a 3–0 loss to the New York Mets.

Did You Know?

• Andrés Galarraga won the NL batting title with a .370 average in 1993.
• Vinny Castilla was the last player from the 1993 Rockies to retire, playing his final game in 2006.