Goodman headed back to All-Star Game for 2nd straight year

DENVER -- Saturday was like so many days back in Arlington, Tenn. Hunter Goodman dreamed his dreams and practiced his swing, with his father, Robert Goodman, pitching to him.

This time the venue was Coors Field. And after the session, things turned really special.

The Rockies closed the clubhouse to all but players, coaches and the club officials who are around all the time for a special announcement. The event was no secret.

Goodman’s home run-hitting ways meant he would be announced as a National League All-Star for a second straight year. He will be a reserve behind starter Drake Baldwin of the Braves.

But just before the expected but still-special moment, Robert Goodman came in with manager Warren Schaeffer to share in another baseball moment with his son, 26.

“It was pretty awesome, being around all your teammates and getting to celebrate with them,” Goodman said after getting two hits and walking twice in the 6-4 loss to the Giants. “Dad was here throwing BP and we invited him in. I wasn’t expecting him, so it was pretty cool."

Goodman entered Saturday’s game with a home run rate of one every 11.59 at-bats -- second in the Majors only to the Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber (10.53).

Goodman’s 27 homers are tied with Hall of Famer Larry Walker (2001) for the Rockies club record through the first 90 games in a season. He is also tied for third in homers among primary catchers -- with Mike Piazza (2000), behind Cal Raleigh (35 in 2025) and Johnny Bench (28 in 1970) -- through 90 games in MLB history.

“It’s awesome,” manager Warren Schaeffer said. “You can’t say enough good things about Goody. He’s been doing it the past couple of years at a very high level. To get honored by the All-Star Game. It’s something that you can’t take away from him.”

While a home run anywhere is a good play, the fact Goodman has 18 of his homers on the road eliminates the criticism that has beset many Rockies stars past -- that playing in Colorado’s altitude somehow discounts their accomplishments. Goodman’s road homer total is tied for ninth most over a season in club history.

The home runs beg the question: Does Goodman get his shot in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby? The full field had not been announced as of Saturday, but he has been practicing at Coors Field this week with his father, who would be his personal pitcher if he is asked to participate in the event in Philadelphia.

“I would love for him to – that would be an awesome experience,” Goodman said. “He still [throws to me in the offseason] – not every day, but we go hit together probably two or three times a week in the offseason. We go to a facility close to where we live when he gets off from work.”

Hunter Goodman, C
Previous All-Star appearances: 2025
Something to know: Until Elias Díaz was chosen -- and earned All-Star Game MVP honors in 2023 -- a Rockies catcher had never been invited. Now, with Goodman’s consecutive honors, it’s three times in four years.