Rockies Bring Back Team Legend In New Role

The Colorado Rockies are bringing back a huge part of their past, hiring Rockie legend and Hall of Fame hopeful Todd Helton in a front office role.

Todd Helton was named a special assistant to #Rockies GM Bill Schmidt. He’ll be spending a lot of time with minor leaguers, and already is — he’s been working with Michael Toglia since the beginning of March
— Danielle Allentuck (@d_allentuck) April 9, 2022

Helton will work as a special assistant to GM Bill Schmidt. He was a guest coach with minor leaguers during spring training, and that will be a big part of his new role, as a "roaming coach".

Helton mentioned during minor league camp that he wanted to get more involved with the #Rockies and Schmidt has made it an emphasis to bring former stars back. Helton will essentially be a roaming coach
— Danielle Allentuck (@d_allentuck) April 9, 2022

Helton spent his entire 17-year major league career wearing the Rockies uniform, finishing with superb lifetime numbers of a .316 average, .953 OPS and 369 homers. He is the franchise leader in a long list of statistical categories:

Games (2247)
At-Bats (7962)
Plate Appearances (9453)
Runs (1401)
Hits (2519)
Total Bases (4292)
Doubles (592)
Home Runs (369)
RBI (1406)
Walks (1335)
Singles (1521)
Extra Base Hits (998)

The 48-year-old was a 5-time All-Star, 3-time Gold Glover and 4-time Silver Slugger winner. He last played in 2013.

Manager Bud Black couldn't be happier about having Helton back around the team. “I think it’s awesome,” Black said. “I’m glad Todd is jumping back in (to the game). He was great in Spring Training … I think he’s in a good place to get back involved and help. I know he spent most of (his) time (with) the minor league players, which is something that I think (GM Bill Schmidt) wanted him to do.”

Helton garnered 52% in Hall of Fame voting this year, marking the 4th straight year he's upped his vote totals, hopefully on his way eventually to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports