20 years ago, the Rockies acquired the final piece of the Blake Street Bombers: Larry Walker
20 years ago, the Blake Street Bombers were born
The Colorado Rockies joined Major League Baseball for their first season in 1993. They finished in sixth place (67-95) that year and in third (53-64) in the strike-shortened '94 season. But then, in 1995, things changed.
Third base prospect Vinny Castilla was ready for full-time duties, veterans Andres Galarraga and Dante Bichette were coming off big years of 31 and 27 homers, respectively, and on this date in '95, the Rox signed All-Star outfielder Larry Walker:
Thus, the legendary Blake Street Bombers (named for the street across from Coors Field) were born. Galarraga (31 HRs, 106 RBIs), Castilla (32 HRs, 90 RBIs), Bichette (40 HRs, 128 RBIs) and Walker (36 HRs, 101 RBIs) powered Colorado to the NL Wild Card title and their first postseason ever. Having Eric Young's 36 steals and an outfield tandem of Ellis Burks and John Vander Wal (remember John Vander Wal?!) coming off the bench probably didn't hurt either.
Unfortunately, they ran into the eventual World Series-winning Braves and lost in the NLDS in four games. The original Bombers would never enjoy an October together again, but we can still gawk at their home runs.
And stare longingly at their pictures:
Happy anniversary to Larry Walker and happy birthday to the Blake Street Bombers.