Colorado Rockies trivia: 5 questions that could stump you

Here are some trivia questions surrounding the Colorado Rockies that could prove challenging for even the most hardcore fan.

Since the Colorado Rockies franchise first appeared on the diamond in 1993, there have been plenty of moments that have been historic and note-worthy. And, let’s be honest, some moments have been historic for reasons that are more pleasing to Rockies fans than others.

We thought we would look back through Rockies history to find some of those moments and put together some trivia questions that will have Rockies fans thinking hard about players from seasons past. We’ll assign points per question but the points really don’t matter, much like on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” We’ll let you keep track of points and challenge friends to see who is the king or queen of Rockies trivia.

Let’s start with our first question. We will flash back to the 1999 season. That was the last time that four Rockies hit a home run in a single inning. Can you name any of those Rockies who were part of this historic inning? Bonus points if you get two players and massive bonus points if you name three or (dare to dream) all four.

Think about your answer. We’ll give you the names of the four players on the next page.

Who were the players involved in the last triple play for the Colorado Rockies?

Well, the photo above should give you a big clue if you haven’t already gotten the answer.

Yes, it was the immortal combination of Jose Reyes to DJ LeMahieu to Ben Paulsen that was the last triple play turned by the Rockies. Another important fact to note about this date is that the photo above actually shows Reyes smiling in a Rockies uniform. That was a rarity during his short, troubled time in Denver.

And that’s the last time we will be talking about him any time soon.

Let’s get back to a happier thought. Who was the Arizona batter who started the events that would lead to the triple play? Paul Goldschmidt. With that, there is proof that, every once in a while, he doesn’t completely destroy Colorado pitching.

And speaking of pitching, let’s move on to our third trivia question as we focus on the mound … kind of. You see, we are wanting to know if you can name the last Rockies pitcher to steal a base? It also happened against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but we’re going to up the points for this one by not telling you which year it happened.

Think you know the answer? Ready to guess? Head over to the next page.

Who was the last Colorado Rockies pitcher to steal a base?

If you guessed Mike Hampton, you really should go buy a lottery ticket or something because you are on a roll.

Hampton stole the base in the third inning of Colorado’s 5-1 road loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. After singling off Curt Schilling to open the frame, Hampton stole second. That’s as far as he would get, however, as the Rockies couldn’t get another base runner in the frame.

In all, Hampton would steal three bases in his career, and this swipe would be the only one of his in a Rockies uniform (the other two would come in 1998 with the Houston Astros.

Along with stealing a base against Arizona, Hampton would have a decent outing on the mound that night. Over six innings, Hampton scattered five hits and allowed three runs. He would also strike out two, walk two, and give up solo homers to Matt Williams and Luis Gonzalez.

Let’s stick with pitching and ask you a question that involves a trio of trouble. Can you name any or all of the three pitchers who were involved in the game nine years ago when the Rockies last logged three blown saves in a single game? Put on your thinking cap and join us on the next page for the answer and our final question of the session.

Who were the three pitchers involved in the last game where three Colorado Rockies blew a save in the same contest?

We tried to give you a clue to this one with the photo that was the lead photo for this article. It was Rafael Betancourt, just like the guy who is pictured right above.

Played at Miller Park in Milwaukee on May 20, 2011, the Rockies had plenty of chances to win the game but ultimately dropped a 7-6 decision. Part of the reason Colorado couldn’t capture the victory is because their relievers couldn’t nail down the victory.

It began in the bottom of the eighth with the Rockies leading 4-3. Betancourt entered the game and Casey McGehee, the first batter he would face, blasted a 1-0 pitch over the left-center field wall to tie the game.

More from Rox Pile

• A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
• Colorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton had played football instead?
• Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
• Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
• Colorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?

After Seth Smith knocked a triple to drive in Alfredo Amezaga in the top of the 13th to push the Rockies to a 5-4 lead, Huston Street was brought in to secure the win. However, just like Betancourt, Street gave up a home run on the second pitch he threw, with Yuniesky Betancourt sending the homer down the left field line.

Dexter Fowler looked to play hero in the top of the 14th with an RBI single, but the Brewers once again spoiled the party. After Ryan Braun drew a one-out walk, Prince Fielder blasted a two-run homer off Felipe Paulino to win the game.

So the trifecta of sadness that was the answer to this question was Rafael Betancourt, Huston Street, and Felipe Paulino.

Our last question involves pitching, but with a happier ending. One pitcher holds two impressive feats. He is not only the last pitcher to get a pinch hit for the Rockies, but he is also the last pitcher to earn a walk in a pinch-hitting role.

Who is he? Find out on the next page.

Who was the last Colorado Rockies pitcher to earn a pinch-hit hit and a pinch-hit walk?

Yep, it’s Jhoulys Chacin. He is the answer to both questions we posed on the previous page.

Let’s start with the pinch-hit walk. On June 13, 2013, against the Washington Nationals, with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Chacin drew a two-out free pass off Craig Stammen.

By the way, in that game, a 5-4 Washington win, Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond went 4-for-4.

How about the other pinch-hit record? After a rain delay knocked Colorado starter Jorge De La Rosa out of the game against the San Francisco Giants on May 22, 2014, after just three innings, Chacin entered as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the fourth, taking Tommy Kahnle’s place at the plate. On a 1-0 pitch, he knocked a single to left off San Francisco pitcher David Huff.

There’s your trivia questions and answers. Share this with your friends and family members who are Rockies fans and see who might be the king or queen of trivia in your circle.