Colorado Rockies: Former Rockie Troy Tulowitzki talks about retirement, future

On Monday, former Rockie Troy Tulowitzki had a conference call with the media, including Rox Pile, on his retirement and future endeavors.

Former Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki announced his retirement from baseball due to injuries toward the end of last week after parts of 13 seasons played in the major leagues.

He is the Rockies all-time franchise leader in games played at shortstop, fifth in all-time games played as a Rockie, 7th in all-franchise history in home runs, and 7th in Rockies history in RBI.

Earlier this afternoon, he had a conference call early on Monday afternoon for members of the media, including Rox Pile, and one of the things that he talked about was his best memories with the Rockies.

"“The relationships with [Thomas Harding of MLB.com] and Patrick [Saunders of the Denver Post and other media members] and my teammates–Nolan Arenado, Todd Helton, and so many others– Garrett Atkins, Ryan Spilborghs. I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. That’s what I’ll remember.”"

However, the trade from the Rockies to Toronto was not something that he particularly liked.

"“Everybody knows [my time in Denver] ended abruptly. I still, to this day, wish communication was better but it’s a business and I understand that.”"

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Since he left Denver, the Rockies have made the postseason in two of the last three full seasons since he left and he said that he “would like to think that [he] played a big role in the winning culture [with the Rockies].”

He said that he retired now so that he could spent some more time with his wife and kids and with joining the coaching staff of the Texas Longhorns as a volunteer assistant coach, he will still be able to stay in the game but also devote more time to family.

"“I love college baseball. I did my homework on different programs and thought [coaching at Texas] was the best opportunity for me and my family,” said Tulowitzki. “I know the great baseball tradition that is there [with the Longhorns]…and I want to help the kids along the way [to achieve their dreams in baseball].”"

With some of the best players in the game, sometimes they have a hard time transitioning from playing at a top level to coaching but he doesn’t think that he will have a tough transition.

He said that this is because “[earlier] in my career, I felt like I was coaching…even back with the Rockies.” He said that this kind of came through helping younger players and having offseason workouts with players.

Through that, he realized that he loves teaching baseball.

He was also asked on whether or not his goal is to make it back to the majors as a coach, a manager, or even a general manager but, at least right now, that is not on his radar.

"“I’m a volunteer coach for Texas Baseball…so that’s what I’m focused on right now.”"

As for the Rockies today, they will be starting a crucial series with the Dodgers at Coors Field tonight before the trade deadline on Wednesday. Rox Pile’s Kevin Henry will be at Coors Field for all of our coverage so stay tuned to the site and our Twitter, @RoxPileFS.