6 Baseball Players who Played for the Rockies and Yankees
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 New York Yankees.
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 Yankees.
Popular Choices
Guys in this tier are likely to be popular picks because of a combination of the impact they made on both teams and/or how recently they’ve played for both the Rockies and Yankees.
DJ LeMahieu
DJ LeMahieu is in his 13th season in the majors. He’s a versatile infielder who is currently with the Yankees but has also played for the Rockies and Cubs.
LeMahieu is a 3-time All-Star (Rockies, Yankees) and a 4-time Gold Glove winner (Rockies, Yankees).
LeMahieu’s best season may have been during the shortened 2020 season when he led the majors with a .364 batting average.
*LeMahieu has previously been the most popular pick for this square (Grid 95).
Matt Holliday
Matt Holliday was a big-time player in baseball from 2004 to 2018. He started with the Rockies, had a nice run with the Cardinals, but also had brief stints with the A’s and Yankees.
Holliday was a beast at the plate and played a huge role in the Cardinals’ World Series win in 2011.
He hit over 300 home runs and maintained a strong .299 batting average throughout his career. He made the All-Star team seven times.
Rare Choices
The following players are generally well-remembered in one of the uniforms but not necessarily both.
Troy Tulowitzki
Troy Tulowitzki, or “Tulo,” was a standout shortstop in Major League Baseball from 2006 to 2019. He spent the majority of his career with the Colorado Rockies where he was renowned for his blend of powerful hitting and exceptional fielding.
Tulowitzki was a five-time All-Star (Rockies) and two-time Gold Glove winner (Rockies), showcasing his all-around skills. He boasted a career batting average of .290, and he hit over 200 home runs.
Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Tulowitzki’s contributions during his peak years with the Rockies established him as one of the most talented shortstops of his generation.
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.
pitcher Shawn Chacon played for both as well, as did Joe Girardi.