Drafted in 2011, Trevor Story navigated a patient maturation process in the minors, waiting for the path to clear at the Major League level. When the opportunity finally arrived in 2016, he didn’t just take the job; he exploded onto the scene, proving he was more than ready for the high-leverage environment of Coors Field. While his first two seasons showed flashes of brilliance, his 2018 breakout campaign established him as a statistical titan. That year, he earned his first All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger, blasting 37 home runs and driving in 108 runs while seeing his average climb to a sophisticated .291.
The peak of his career was marked by a rare, five-tool efficiency that made him a perennial threat in the National League MVP race. Story repeated his All-Star and Silver Slugger honors in 2019, once again eclipsing the 30-homer mark and batting over .290. He wasn't just a slugger, though; he was an outlier on the basepaths, leading the National League in stolen bases and triples during the shortened 2020 season. Even with a high-volume strikeout rate that became a trademark of his aggressive approach, his overall impact was undeniable, as evidenced by an .863 OPS during his tenure in purple pinstripes.
Defensively, Story was a revelation, providing a level of run prevention that rivaled the game's elite. He possessed a vacuum for a glove and a cannon for an arm, finishing in the top ten in defensive bWAR five different times as a member of the Rockies. He arrived as a prospect with high expectations and evolved into a tactical anchor for the infield, shrinking the diamond with his range and instincts. Whether he was launching a moonshot into the bleachers or taking away a certain base hit in the hole, he was the primary engine of the Colorado defense for six seasons.
His identity was synonymous with a new era of Rockies baseball, characterized by a relentless power-speed profile. He amassed 158 home runs and 450 RBIs during his stay in Denver, proving that he could sustain elite production over a significant volume of games. He concluded his journey with the club following the 2021 season, leaving behind a legacy of highlight-reel plays and high-leverage moments that solidified his place as one of the most talented all-around players to ever call the Mile High City home.
Matt Stajan had a nice 15-year career in the National Hockey League, which was split between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Calgary Flames. He would have two 50 Point plus seasons, and was a good second or third line Center who could be used on both the power play and penalty kill.
Known for his exceptional skating speed, Mason Raymond played college hockey for Minnesota-Duluth for two years after the Vancouver Canucks drafted him in the second round of the 2005 Draft.
Martin Erat came from the Czech Republic to the Nashville Predators, where he would debut in the 2001-02 year. The Right Winger would showcase decent two-way hockey, and from the 2003-04 campaign to the 2011-12 year, he would have at least 49 Points in a year.