9 Baseball Players who Played for Rockies and Padres
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 San Diego Padres.
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 for both the Rockies and the Padres. Here are some well-known All-Stars mixed in with some under-the-radar players you may have forgotten about.
Jurickson Profar
Jurickson Profar is a versatile player in Major League Baseball known for his ability to play multiple positions.
He started his career with the Texas Rangers in 2012 and has since played for various teams, including the Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres and now Colorado Rockies.
Throughout his career, he’s demonstrated solid batting skills, hitting for both average and power, with a decent number of home runs and RBIs. His defensive versatility is a significant asset, allowing his teams to use him in multiple positions, ranging from infield to outfield.
*Profar was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 110)
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.
Steve Finley
Steve Finley, known for his prowess as a center fielder, had a career that spanned from 1989 to 2007, during which he played for multiple MLB teams, including the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Acknowledged twice as an All-Star and five times as a Gold Glove Award recipient, he compiled 304 home runs and 1167 RBIs, alongside a solid 320 career stolen bases.
He averaged .271 at the plate over his 19 seasons. Finley was also a key contributor to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ World Series triumph in 2001.
Finley Key Stats
- All-Star (Padres, Diamondbacks)
- Gold Glove (Padres, Diamondbacks, Dodgers)
- 100+ RBIs (Diamondbacks)
Greg Vaughn
Greg Vaughn was a formidable power hitter in the outfield with a 15-year Major League career from 1989 to 2003. He had notable tenures with the Brewers, Padres, Reds, and Devil Rays.
Vaughn was a four-time All-Star and finished fourth in the 1998 National League MVP voting when he belted 50 home runs, aiding the Padres to reach the World Series.
Over his career, he compiled a .242 batting average, smashed 355 home runs, and drove in 1072 runs. His best years were likely 1998 and 1999 when he hit 95 home runs combined.
Vaughn Key Stats
- All-Star (Brewers, Padres, Rays)
- Silver Slugger (Padres)
- 40+ Home Runs Season (Padres, Reds)
- 100+ RBIs Season (Padres, Reds)
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.
Andy Ashby
Andy Ashby, a prominent player from 1991 to 2004, is best remembered for his time as a starting pitcher with the Padres, but also had stops with the Phillies, Dodgers, Rockies and Braves.
Ashby was known for his sinker and slider, winning 98 games throughout his career. His best years were with the Padres, including a standout 1998 season where he won 17 games and helped lead the team to a National League pennant.
A two-time All-Star, Ashby was a consistent and dependable pitcher, providing a solid presence in the rotation for a decade.
Ron Gant
Ron Gant played from 1987 to 2003 and is probably best remembered for his time with the Braves and Reds. However, Gant played for 8 teams over his 16-year career making him an extremely versatile Immaculate Grid player.
Gant brought a dynamic mix of power and speed to the game, hitting over 300 home runs and stealing more than 240 bases during his career. In 1993, Gant hit a career-high 36 home runs and drove in 117 RBIs while finishing 5th in MVP voting.
Gant was a two-time All-Star and his 30-30 seasons (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases) in 1990 and 1991 were also high points in his career. After a devastating motorcycle accident before the 1994 season, Gant made an impressive comeback, proving his resilience and further endearing him to fans.
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)
Jhoulys Chacin
Jhoulys Chacín started, and ended, his career with the Rockies – playing a combined 8 seasons with the club. Chacin also played for 6 other teams including the Braves, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Padres and Angels.
Chacín is known for his sinker and slider combination and finished his career with over 1100 strikeouts. His best season came in 2018 with the Milwaukee Brewers, when he won 15 games and had a 3.50 ERA with 156 strikeouts, playing a key role in the Brewers’ deep playoff run.
