Colorado Rockies Countdown: Top Five Third Basemen

Jun 28, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; General view of the stands of Coors Field during a hail and rain storm causing a delay in the start of the game between the Toronto Blue Jays against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

5. Charlie Hayes (1993-1994, fWAR 4.8)

As a member of the inaugural 1993 squad, Charlie Hayes is the “original” Rockies third baseman, starting at the hot corner for Colorado’s first-ever game. Hayes’ stint in Colorado didn’t last long however with no thanks to a strike-shortened 1994 season.

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In his lone full season in Denver, Hayes made a significant offense impact as he led the National League in doubles with 45. Hayes would set career bests in RBIs (98) and home runs (25) in that lone Colorado season. Among Rockies all-time two-baggers, Hayes ranks second with an impressive .298 AVG.

The most memorable moment of Hayes’ stint in purple and black came on June 15, 1993. In a game against those lovely Los Angeles Dodgers, things got testy and the breaking point happened when Hayes charged the mound after being plunked by Ramon Martinez. Hayes’ charge ignited one of the biggest brawls in Colorado history.

Hayes, originally a fourth-round draft pick by the San Francisco Giants in 1983, enjoyed a 14-year career spread out between seven different organizations. There are a few interesting facts about Charlie. The first is that Hayes played in the 1977 Little League World Series. As for the other fact, well, you know how every no-hitter has that one spectacular defensive play that seems to signal that a higher power is involved? For Charlie Hayes that moment came when he sealed a Terry Mulholland no-hitter by snaring a line drive to end the game when he was a member of the Phillies.

Next: Hit His Peak on Black Street

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