100 Greatest Colorado Rockies: 52 Charlie Hayes

We continue our look at the top 100 Colorado Rockies of all time in this article. Here, we look at No. 52 on our list, Charlie Hayes.

Charlie Hayes is an unsung hero in the early days of the Colorado Rockies. While he might be better known for “The Catch” the clinched the 1996 World Series for the New York Yankees, Hayes holds a special place in Colorado franchise history for being the first third baseman in Rockies history.

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Hayes excelled in his first year in Denver after playing for the Giants, Phillies and Yankees. In 1993 he hit .305 with 45 doubles, 98 RBIs and 25 homers. Those numbers are all career highs for Hayes.

His play didn’t dip the next season in 1994 as Hayes hit .288 with 50 RBIs and 10 home runs. Seemingly the only thing that could stop Hayes run on the Rockies was the 1994-1995 MLB strike.

He became a free agent before the 1995 season and resigned with the Phillies. He did well but not to the standards he set in Colorado and left to play with the Pirates signing a four-year contract with Pittsburgh. He didn’t make it through one season their and was traded back to the Yankees. Hayes played for the Giants, Phillies and Yankees all in two separate stints.

Hayes said he is asked “every day” about his catch in foul territory to clinch the 1996 World Series.

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But Hayes 4.0 WAR in Colorado should not be forgotten. While Haye’s departure led to the rise of Vinny Castilla, Hayes leadership and production made him an integral part of the inaugural Rockies team.

Check out the previous player on this list, number 53 Manny Corpas here.