Jordan Patterson Using 2016 Experience to Build for Future

Jordan Patterson is hoping his short time with the Colorado Rockies this fall turns into the beginning of a long and fruitful career in Major League Baseball.

After having his contract selected by the Rockies on September 6, Patterson saw action in 10 games. In 18 at-bats, he finished with a .444 average (8-for-18), scoring one run and logging two RBI.

“It was great to be up here in September,” Patterson said. “It was great to have an opportunity to be with these guys and help them win. I didn’t play a ton but I tried to stay locked in and came to the field every day like I was going to play every day. That’s what happened the last two days. I was just happy and blessed to have the opportunity to be here and play hard.”

The last two days of the season were big for Patterson and showed his potential. He went 3-for-5 with a run scored against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday night, then followed that with a 3-for-5 performance with a double and two RBI against the Brewers on Sunday.

Sunday’s performance was clutch to say the least. Patterson drove in one run with a double in the fifth and another with a single in the ninth, tying the game both times.

“It’s kind of nuts how baseball works,” Patterson said. “Saturday night, I had the same opportunity and didn’t get it done. All I was thinking going into the last at-bat (on Sunday) was, ‘Hey man, you get it again so let’s do something with it.’ I wanted to take a good approach and I got enough of it to flip it into right field. It was cool to have the opportunity and come through.”

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Considering Patterson was at Class-A Modesto as recently as 2015, it’s been a quick rise for Patterson. He has much potential but, because of his meteoric rise, has needed to slow the game down in his head.

“Realizing it’s the same game is important. They’re still throwing from 60 feet, 6 inches,” Patterson said. “There are more fans and more money involved but it’s the same game. For me, I needed to slow the game down. It gives me incentive to go into the offseason and work my tail off and be ready to go next year.”

The 24-year-old went 6-for-10 filling in at first base over the final two games of the season. Showing what he can do in first base as well as the outfield was crucial in Patterson’s mind.

“That’s important. I can play outfield but I have a background at first base, so to show them I can play first base is huge,” Patterson said. “Anything I can do to help these guys win and be a part of it, I’m willing to do.

Next: Who Was Colorado's MVP in 2016? We discuss.

“Whatever I can do to help the team win, I’ll do. I’m constantly learning from these guys like CarGo (Carlos Gonzalez) and Charlie (Blackmon) and picking their brain. I can always evolve as a player. It’s my job to help these guys win and whenever my number is called, do my best, play hard, and give it my best shot. I want to stay locked in and help these guys win.”