DENVER (AP) — Todd Helton threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his former Colorado teammate, Charlie Blackmon, in the culmination of pre-game ceremonies Saturday night honoring the former Rockies standout for his induction last month into baseball’s Hall of Fame.
The crowd repeatedly gave Helton rousing ovations during the approximately half-hour ceremony that included remarks from former teammate and current Rockies broadcaster Ryan Spillborghs and former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Helton backed up Manning at quarterback when the two attended the University of Tennessee.
Fans attending the game were given a Helton bobblehead showing his arms raised above his head, reflecting a signature moment in his 17-year career in Colorado when the team’s star first baseman celebrated the Rockies’ 2007 NL pennant.
“I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt I stayed in the right place, on the right team and in the right city for my whole career — 17 years,” Helton said in a video released by Major League Baseball ahead of the ceremony. “Seventeen is a special number for me and I dedicate it to you Rockies fans. When I think about 17, I will be thinking of you, this field and every second I spent in a Rockies uniform.”
Helton was joined on the field by his wife, Christy, and their two daughters. Rockies owner Dick Monfort also was in attendance. Helton’s Hall of Fame plaque detailing his storied career was on display during the ceremony. The plaque will be returned to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, where it will go on permanent display.
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