The 2026 Colorado Rockies season has been bittersweet for me. I’m ecstatic that the team has been playing better and that the new front office has a clearer sense of direction, but I’m also saddened that my dad isn’t here to enjoy the climb.
I’ve missed being able to talk to him about the Rockies to lament losses, rejoice in the big wins, and theorize what the best course of action for the team is. My older brother and I will text each other about things happening during the game (usually venting
frustrations about relievers giving up a lead), but there is still that missing piece for both of us. Even attending Rockies games since his passing has felt like there was an empty seat where he should have been with us, eating a hot dog and sipping a Coke.
June has turned into a particularly tough month as it marked a year since my dad passed away after his battle with cancer. June features my dad’s birthday, my parents’ wedding anniversary, and the anniversary of his passing, all within a week. Add in Father’s Day later in the month, and that’s a lot of emotional tolls to pay. I’ve thought about him a lot this month, and my mind has lingered on the idea of how much he would have loved the team’s new look this year, particularly in the player personnel.
My dad loved the Rockies and loved to cheer for the players. He’d have to rely on me to inform him about players initially, but would make his decision based on watching them play.
As I’ve watched the new faces of the 2026 Rockies, I couldn’t help but try to figure out some of the players that would likely be among his new favorites.
TJ Rumfield
There is no doubt Dad would absolutely enjoy watching TJ Rumfield. The rookie first baseman has been nothing short of amazing in his first year of big league action and has been a steadying presence at the Rockies’ most tumultuous position. His dedication to working hard and playing the game “the right way” is quite evident in his performance night after night. Dad always loved those players who spoke softly, worked hard at their craft, and let their play on the field do the talking. Rumfield so often reminds me of a mix of Todd Helton and DJ LeMahieu by his approach at the plate and the fact that I’m not sure I’ve heard him speak more than a single sentence at any given time. It’s hard not to admire the way Rumfield plays baseball and, hopefully, continues to have a fantastic season and career.
Troy Johnston
There is always a need for those fan favorite players that are mostly here for the vibes, with an added bonus of playing well. Troy Johnston checks those two boxes relatively easily. What makes Johnston such an easy player to root for is that he appears to be an infectiously joyful individual. In a world where so many star athletes approach the game like it’s a typical 9-5 because of their dedication to being the best, Johnston reminds us that it’s okay to have fun and be goofy. The defense may leave a lot to be desired, but his bat and clutch hits have been a joy to behold. I’ve also enjoyed those moments of levity where he hops into interviews to ask teammates why they are so handsome. Dad loved players like Johnston who become part of the heart and soul of a team, even for a short while.
Tomoyuki Sugano
There is always a love-hate relationship when it comes to a majority of Rockies pitchers. You rejoice when they are excellent, but curse them when they struggle. And yet, every once in a while, a pitcher comes along that you can’t help but root for every time out, no matter what, because of what he brings to the table. Tomoyuki Sugano is that type of pitcher. I can imagine that Dad would be skeptical of Sugano, like so many of us. Sure, he had a great career in Japan, but the home runs were an issue in 2025, and he’s old by baseball standards. It only took a couple of starts for Sugano to prove that he’s easily one of the most reliable and consistent starters for the Rockies this season. He is in the mold of the “old school” pitchers that pound the zone and locate very well, which my dad grew up following. When we would plan out our annual trip to Coors Field, a major part of it would be trying to figure out which starting pitcher we would see that day. Sugano is the pitcher Dad would be thrilled to see in person.
Moving forward
Through the rest of the 2025 season, the changes of the offseason, and the growth of 2026, I’ve longed for those days when I could recap what’s happening in the world of the Rockies with my dad. Having suffered through so many bad seasons, he deserved a year like 2026, where hope has begun to flourish, and that classic LoDo magic was re-conjured. He deserved to root for players like those listed above.
And yet, in a way, I can’t help but feel that this season is something of a gift from beyond for me. The team is full of players that he would adore, and he would cheer for each of them as much as he could. As I watch the players above alongside others not mentioned, I can feel like I’m still watching games with my dad, even if he isn’t here physically.
Baseball was the greatest source of bonding that I had with him, and I’m grateful that the 2026 Rockies and the new faces on the team have enabled me to enjoy that bond even more through one of the most difficult things I’ve ever experienced.
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