October 16, 2007 - The Colorado Rockies magical run continued Monday night with a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The victory completed a four-game sweep for the Rockies and gave the franchise its first-ever National League pennant.
The Rockies championship has been fueled by a group of 13 former Drillers players, including National League Championship Series MVP Matt Holliday. Tulsa has been Colorado's Double A affiliate since the 2003 season.
The win over the Diamondbacks was Colorado’s 21st in its past 22 games. The Rockies will now face the winner of the Boston Red Sox-Cleveland Indians match up in the World Series. The series will begin on October 24 with game’s three, four and five scheduled for Denver’s Coors Field October 27-29.
All 13 former Drillers have contributed to the Rockies success, but outfielder Seth Smith has been particularly noticeable. He joined the major league club on September 16, the day the Rockies began their 21 wins in 22 games streak. Smith provided the go-ahead hit in Monday’s clinching victory with a two-out, two-run double in the fourth inning that erased a 1-0 Arizona lead.
A list of the former Drillers players that were on the Rockies 25-man roster for the NLCS is below.
The World Series appearance will be the first for Tulsa’s parent club in nearly 40 years. The last time it occurred was in 1968 when the Oilers were the Triple A club for the National League Champion St. Louis Cardinals. The Cards lost a seven-game series to the Detroit Tigers.
Player-Position-Year(s) In Tulsa
Jeff Baker-Outfielder (2004)
Manuel Corpas-Pitcher (2006)
Jeff Francis-Pitcher (2004)
Brad Hawpe-Outfielder (2003)
Matt Holliday-Outfielder (2003, 2005)
Chris Iannetta-Catcher (2005, 2006)
Ubaldo Jimenez-Pitcher (2005, 2006)
Franklin Morales-Pitcher (2007)
Seth Smith-Outfielder (2006)
Ryan Spilborghs-Outfielder (2005)
Ryan Speier-Pitcher (2004)
Cory Sullivan-Outfielder (2003)
Troy Tulowitzki-Shortstop (2006)