6 Baseball Players who Played for Rockies and Nationals
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played on both the Rockies and Nationals.
Popular Choices
Larry Walker
Larry Walker was a standout player from 1989 to 2005, known for his time with the Expos and Rockies, but also had a brief stint with the Cardinals.
Walker was a powerhouse at the plate and a whiz in the outfield, with a hefty .313 career batting average and over 380 home runs including a National League leading 49 home runs in 1997. He won the MVP title that year with the Rockies and made the All-Star team five times.
Not only that, but Walker also bagged seven Gold Gloves for his top-tier defensive skills. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020, Walker was a complete player who left a huge mark on the sport.
*Walker was the most popular pick for this square in a previous grid (Grid 138)
Andres Galarraga
Andres Galarraga, who played from 1985 to 2004, is best known for his time as a first baseman with the Expos and Rockies. However, he also played for 5 other clubs including the Giants, Braves, Rangers, Angels and Cardinals.
Galarraga was a powerhouse at the plate, amassing over 2,300 hits, 399 home runs, and a .288 career batting average. In ’93 he led the majors with a .370 batting average and in ’96 Galarraga hit 47 home runs and led the majors with 150 RBIs.
Galarraga, nicknamed “The Big Cat” for his quick reflexes at first base, was a five-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner.
Rare Choices
Players in this tier are generally well-remembered for one team but not necessarily both.
Vinny Castilla
Vinny Castilla, a Mexican-born third baseman, was a key figure in Major League Baseball from 1991 to 2006. He spent most of his career with the Colorado Rockies during the ’90s, where he shone as part of the famed “Blake Street Bombers.”
Castilla was known for his power at the plate, smashing over 300 home runs in his career, including three seasons with 40 or more. He was a two-time All-Star and a three-time Silver Slugger winner (all with the Rockies), finishing with a .276 career batting average.
Despite his power stats being somewhat influenced by Coors Field, Castilla’s ability to deliver clutch hits solidified his reputation as a top slugger in his era.
John Vander Wal
John Vander Wal, a journeyman outfielder and first baseman, played in the Major Leagues from 1991 to 2004 for eight different teams, most notably the Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies.
Vander Wal was renowned for his pinch-hitting skills, setting a single-season record with 28 pinch-hits for the Rockies in 1995. Over his career, he accumulated over 700 hits, 97 home runs, and a career batting average of .261.
Although he never reached superstar status, Vander Wal’s ability to consistently deliver hits off the bench made him a valuable asset for many teams throughout his career.
Preston Wilson
Preston Wilson is a Center Fielder who played in the majors from 1998 to 2007 who was a solid player for most of his career. However, he had one amazing season in 2003 with the Rockies when he led the National League in RBIs with 141, making his lone All-Star game that year.
Thanks to a late-season trade he also won a World Series with the Cardinals in 2006.
Preston played for 6 different teams over his 10-year career including the Marlins, Rockies, Cardinals, Mets, Nationals and Astros.
Brad Hand
Brad Hand was selected by the Florida Marlins in the second round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He is a relief pitcher known for his quality fastball-slider combination.
Throughout his career, Hand has received several honors, including three All-Star selections in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He has also been among the league leaders in saves multiple times.
Hand has played for 9 different teams in his 13-year career (6 just in the last three seasons) including the Marlins, Padres, Indians, Nationals, Mets, Blue Jays, Phillies, Rockies and Braves.
Hand Key Stats
- All-Star (Padres, Indians)
