Todd Helton

   Think about opening day next year without the longest tenured Rockie starting at first base.  If that is a little tough to do, join the club.  Todd Helton has officially announced his intentions to retire at the end of this season.  The announcement comes as no surprise due to the fact that his contract will expire at season's end, as well as the fact that he has played his healthiest season in recent memory.  

   

   Todd has had a very nice season so far hitting just under .250 with 13 homers and 52 rbis.  He also has climbed to 16th all time in doubles in MLB history, as well as collecting his 2,500th hit.  He received a monstrous ovation as he stood on second base, just as he had done so many times before.  

   Todd said he is leaving knowing he gave the game his best, while also realizing that it is a young man's game now.  At 40 years old, Helton will be able to finish off his career with the same team that allowed him to take the field for 16 years.  Undoubtedly, his number 17 jersey will be the first number retired as a Rockie, and fittingly so.  He has had an amazing career and will go down as the best Rockie to play for many years to come.