Rox Pile
Fansided

Growing up in Grand Junction: The first step toward the Colorado Rockies

ByKevin Henry|
GRAND JUNCTION, CO - MARCH 24: Amtrak's California Zephyr rolls past a farm during its daily 2,438-mile trip to Emeryville/San Francisco from Chicago that takes roughly 52 hours on March 24, 2017 in Grand Junction, United States. President Trump has proposed a national budget that would terminate federal support for Amtrak's long distance train services, which would affect the California Zephyr and other long distance rail lines run by Amtrak. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
GRAND JUNCTION, CO - MARCH 24: Amtrak's California Zephyr rolls past a farm during its daily 2,438-mile trip to Emeryville/San Francisco from Chicago that takes roughly 52 hours on March 24, 2017 in Grand Junction, United States. President Trump has proposed a national budget that would terminate federal support for Amtrak's long distance train services, which would affect the California Zephyr and other long distance rail lines run by Amtrak. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
4 of 4
Jon Gray of the Colorado Rockies
May 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray (55) in the dugout fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

As a 22-year-old rookie and first-round draft pick, Jon Gray went 4-4 with a 4.05 ERA in 13.1 innings in Grand Junction.

More from Rox Pile

“I wasn’t used to it. All of the host families are nice and easy to get along with. It made the transition much easier,” Gray remembered of his time in Grand Junction. “It was a beautiful place to play. The people there love their beer and baseball.”

Gray is one of several Rockies who got their start in Grand Junction. David Dahl recalled his rookie league time fondly in this article when the Rockies caravan made a stop in Grand Junction prior to the start of the season.

When you walk into Suplizio Field, you get a sense of just how important this place is to the development of tomorrow’s Rockies players. Pictures of Dahl, Tapia, Gray, Scott Oberg and Carlos Estevez are on display. So are pictures of Eddie Butler and Jayson Aquino, who are now with other organizations.

Next: Colorado's 10 best individual seasons in franchise history

They are symbols of the success that can happen to the players who step onto the field at Grand Junction. They are reminders that this baseball town in western Colorado isn’t just linked to Denver by I-70. It’s also linked to the Mile High City in dreams of big league cheers and Coors Field moments as well.

Home/Colorado Rockies Prospects

Schedule