6 Baseball Players who played for Rockies and Reds
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 Cincinnati Reds.
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 Reds.
Mike Moustakas
Mike Moustakas is a player recognized for his power hitting, primarily playing third base and occasionally at second. He started his Major League Baseball career with the Kansas City Royals in 2011, where he quickly became a cornerstone of their lineup.
His role was integral in the Royals’ successful runs to the World Series in 2014 and 2015, with the latter resulting in a championship. His offensive prowess earned him two All-Star selections during his time in Kansas City.
Following another All-Star season with the Brewers in 2019, Moustakas has bounced around a bit with stops in Cincinnati, Colorado and LA (Angels) and has struggled in recent years to regain his previous All-Star form.
Dante Bichette
Possibly best known for his mullet, Dante Bichette was a major force at the plate during his 14-year career. I will always remember Bichette in a Rockies uniform, but he also played for the (California) Angels, Red Sox, Brewers and Reds.
Bichette was part of the Rockies’ “Blake Street Bombers,” and his 1995 season was particularly epic, hitting over .340 with 40 home runs and 128 RBIs – finishing second in MVP voting.
For his career, he hit over 270 homers and drove in over 1100 RBIs. Bichette made the All-Star team four times.
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.
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.
Denny Neagle
Denny Neagle was a notable left-handed pitcher who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1991 to 2003. He had stints with the Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Colorado Rockies.
Neagle’s career stats included a 124-92 win-loss record, a 4.24 ERA, and 1415 strikeouts in 1979.2 innings pitched. He shined in the 1997 season with the Braves, posting a 20-5 record and a 2.97 ERA, which earned him an All-Star nod and a third-place finish in the Cy Young voting.
Neagle Key Stats
- All-Star (Pirates, Braves)
- 20+ Win Season (Braves)
Jeff Francis
Jeff Francis, a Canadian left-handed pitcher, played in the Major Leagues from 2004 to 2015, most notably with the Colorado Rockies. His career also included stints with the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Francis was a key figure in the Rockies’ rotation for several seasons, with his best season coming in 2007, when he posted a record of 17-9, an ERA of 4.22, and racked up 165 strikeouts.
His outstanding performance that year helped lead the Rockies to their first and only World Series appearance. Francis finished his career with a 72-82 win-loss record, a 4.97 ERA, and 869 strikeouts.
