Colorado Rockies: The 5 most memorable moments from 2017

While the Rockies jumped out to a 46-26 record and looked to be a lock for the playoffs after Nolan Arenado’s Father’s Day heroics, getting back to Rocktober was anything but easy for Colorado. In fact, the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals made life very uncomfortable for the Rockies during a September battle when Colorado was just trying to hold on to the second Wild Card spot.

However, Colorado did prevail and make the postseason for the first time since 2009. While the clinching may not have been the most exciting moment, the celebration in the locker room more than made up for any celebration that could have happened on the field.

On September 30, the Cardinals came from behind to post a 7-6 win over the Brewers at Busch Stadium, with former Rockies pitcher Juan Nicasio nailing down the victory that would officially eliminate Milwaukee and send Colorado to the postseason.

The Rockies watched Milwaukee’s loss before they took the field against the Dodgers in Denver. Part of the celebration took place before the game but the real party happened after what became a meaningless end-of-season game.

I was lucky enough to be part of the media contingent in the Colorado clubhouse watching the celebration take place. I still thank Ian Desmond for pouring champagne on my head as part of the festivities. It was something I will never forget.

Next: 3 things the Rockies still need to do before 2018

The outpouring of emotion that night in the Colorado clubhouse is one of the best moments of the 2017 season … and an incentive for many of the Rockies players to get back to Rocktober in 2018.