The Colorado Rockies came into the National League as an expansion team in 1993. Though they do not have a long history, the Rockies have certainly made an impression at home.

The team’s story started back in 1985. It took a Congressional review into Major League Baseball’s expansion practices, as well as much maneuvering, before the Rockies could come into being. In 1990, Denver started a drive to sell baseball tickets to prove to the MLB that it could support a team in that city. It wasn’t until five months later, in July 1991, that season ticket holders learned a team was actually coming.

April 1993 saw the Rockies play their first at-home game in Mile High Stadium, where they started while their new ballpark was being built. One of the interesting facts about this season is that the Colorado Rockies Foundation agreed to provide over 100,000 baseball tickets to the less fortunate, providing a huge public relations boost for the franchise as well as cementing ties with the community.

It quickly became apparent with this team that the community supported and loved them. Rockies tickets sold very well, with the fans setting attendance records all through the first season. In 1995, the Rockies moved to their own park, Coors Field. That year, they made an appearance for a National League Wild Card berth but were unable to capitalize on it.

Over the relatively few years of their existence, the Rockies have featured some excellent players that have represented the team at the All-Star games. First baseman Andres Galarraga, winner of a Silver Slugger award, made the All-Star trip twice. Dante Bichette went four times, and three-time Silver Slugger winner Vinny Castilla was invited to the All-Stars twice. Larry Walker, with double Silver Sluggers and five Gold Gloves, was an All-Star outfielder three times. First baseman Todd Helton has been honored as an All-Star four times, to match his four Silver Slugger and three Gold Glove awards.

Unlike many teams, there has not been a lot of controversy surrounding the Rockies. While there have been controversial actions, including owners trading away one of the most popular team members, full blown fights and legal wrangling has been markedly absent. In fact, the official website of the Rockies trumpets the team’s involvement within the community. For example, the team has a field refurbishment program that helps provide ball fields for the area’s youth.

Though the team has yet to establish a winning tradition, the Rockies enjoy a warm welcome within their home town. Fans will continue to buy Rockies tickets and fill the stands at Coors Field, hoping to cheer their beloved team on in the race for the pennant.