Colorado Rockies: The most memorable debuts in franchise history

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DENVER – SEPTEMBER 19: Starting pitcher Jason Jennings #32 of the Colorado Rockies delivers against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on September 19, 2006 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

Jason Jennings

Jason Jennings holds the disticntion as the Rockies only Rookie Of the Year winner (2002). In the year prior, Jennings made seven starts in the later half of 2001. His first coming against the Mets in Shea Stadium.

Jennings, known as a workhorse for the Rockies in his six years with the team, did not disappoint. Jennings pitched a complete game, five hit shutout striking out eight while walking four. Not only did Jennings give the Rockies woeful bullpen a rest, he provided the games only home run and led the team in total bases (6). Jennings would also finish 3-for-5 at the plate. Jennings was traded in 2006 in part of the Willy Taveras deal to the Houston Astros.

Jennings will always be remembered as a workhorse (pitched over 180 innings in 5 of his 6 years with the team) and as provided hope that home grown pitchers could have success with the Rockies.

Mark Brownson

Mark Brownson only started nine games for the Rockies over two years and was out of big leagues after three seasons but, boy, did he make an entrance. Brownson outdueled future Rockie Mike Hampton by pitching a complete game shut out earning his first big league win (5-0) on July 21, 1998.

Brownson struck out seven while only walking one. Unfortunately, the magic wore off quickly for Mark. In the following season, Brownson went 0-2 with a 7.89 ERA. The Rockies did go 4-3 in his seven starts that season but was waived by the Rockies in November of 1999 and picked up by the Philadelphia Phillies. He appeared twice with the Phillies before retiring due to injuries.

Brownson died on February 1, 2017 at the age of 41 after having issues with painkillers (in which he became addicted to after his injuries) and, later, heroin.