Todd Helton: Going Out In Style

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

We’re lucky.

The last thing any of us would have wanted would be an awkward farewell to the greatest player in franchise history.

Let’s face it, with Todd Helton‘s troublesome back and declining statistics in the last few seasons, the potential of a cringe-worthy ending to an otherwise stellar career was very much in play.

Instead we have been treated to a homestand with big moments and vintage swings. Helton continued that thoroughly enjoyable trend with three hits on Sunday afternoon in the team’s 13-9 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. His two doubles brought him within four extra-base hits of 1,000 for his career. That might be a long-shot, but the way Helton has been swinging the bat, it is not completely naive or seen through purple-colored glasses to think that he can pull it off.

How about this? Two doubles Tuesday night, and then a double and a home run Wednesday night so that he accomplishes one last feat in front of the Coors Field faithful. It might be a little bit Disney-movie to think that would happen, but once again, the way the Toddfather is swinging the bat in his final games it is not impossible.

In so many ways we have been lucky to watch Todd Helton play for the Rockies for the last 17 years. In this case, I feel like we are especially fortunate to watch him end his career on a successful note and, perhaps most important of all, on his terms.