Charlie Culberson, eh? An unlikely but thrilling walk-off home run (Video)

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Through 17 games Charlie Culberson is batting .143/.200/.286 in 32 at-bats. Small sample size indeed, but Culberson does not strike you as a guy who is on the roster because of his offensive prowess. His value lies in his athleticism and versatility.

Furthermore, the aesthetics of Culberson’s swing are such that you just do not imagine him hitting a home run…ever. He has a nice, compact swing that looks suited to guy who makes a lot of contact. Like with Mark Ellis before him and Jordan Pacheco presently, you just never have the impression that a batted baseball from Culberson has any chance of leaving the yard.

And yet there Culberson was, pinch-hitting in the bottom of the 9th inning of a crazy offense-filled game, and taking veteran reliever Kyle Farnsworth deep for the walk-off home run.

MLB.com

It helps that Farnsworth dished up a center-cut, belt-high fastball, but he did throw it 96 MPH so Culberson’s swing is definitely impressive. Also impressive: Culberson’s sprint around the bases to get to the mob at home plate and his world-class helmet flip before jumping into the pile to celebrate.

You know how I know the Rockies are hot? They have received winning home runs in the 9th inning from Drew Stubbs and Charlie Culberson this week. That’s how I know.