Colorado Rockies flashback: Todd Helton mashes the Montreal Expos

On May 1, 2000, Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton went 4-for-5 to pace an 18-hit assault against the Montreal Expos as the Rockies took a 15-8 win at Coors Field.

Absolutely, on the surface, a 4-for-5 day is certainly something to take note of. However, considering three of those four Todd Helton hits went for home runs, well, it was absolutely a special day in Denver for “The Toddfather.”

After grounding out to lead off the bottom of the second, Helton took Expos pitcher Dustin Hermanson deep for a two-run shot in the third as the Rockies scored five times in the inning. Helton would hit another two-run blast in his next at-bat (in the fifth inning, again against Hermanson).

Jeffrey Hammonds would also connect for a home run against Hermanson, who gave up eight runs on 10 hits in 4.1 innings of work. A single by Hammonds following Helton’s second long ball would spell the end for the Montreal starter.

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While Hermanson was having issues keeping Colorado off the board, Rockies starter Kevin Jarvis wasn’t faring much better. He left the game after just four innings, giving up seven runs on 12 hits, including four home runs.

However, on this day, Colorado would have more than enough firepower. Helton would strike for his third homer of the day in the seventh inning against Montreal reliever Anthony Telford.

The Toddfather’s sizzling start to the month would be a preview of what was to come in May. During the month, Helton would post a .512/.588/1.000 slash line and would strike out just nine times in 82 at-bats. He would be named National League Player of the Month for his May efforts.

His 11 home runs and 26 RBI in the month would set the stage for a season where he would lead Major League Baseball with a .372 average, .698 slugging percentage, and 1.162 OPS. His 405 total bases would also lead the Majors.

Helton earned his first of five consecutive All-Star Game appearances in 2000, as well as his first of four straight Silver Sluggers. He would also finish fifth in the MVP voting, which would be the highest finish of his career.