MajorMike
10-05-2007, 12:51 PM
Rockies to share postseason payout with Coolbaugh's widow
ESPN.com news services
Updated: October 4, 2007, 8:27 PM ET
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Besides their surprising 14-1 finish to the season, the Colorado Rockies are giving baseball fans another reason to cheer for them this postseason.
The widow of Rockies minor league coach Mike Coolbaugh, who died after getting hit by a line drive this season, will be granted a full share of the team's playoff winnings after a team vote.
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said the gesture spoke volumes about the quality of the character in their locker room.
"I was passed on the information that they voted Amanda Coolbaugh a share, a full share, which I found speaks to their awareness, speaks to their passion, speaks to every good thing about them," Hurdle said.
Coolbaugh, who is 32 and pregnant, won't attend Saturday's Game 3 of the NLDS between the Phillies and Rockies at Coors Field. But her two sons, Joseph, 5, and Jacob, 3, will be in attendance and will throw out the first pitch.
"When I heard about what the players did, I almost cried," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "This was the players' idea. I think it's remarkable."
Mike Coolbaugh was a first base coach for the Tulsa Drillers. The former major leaguer was killed July 22.
Shaken by Coolbaugh's death, Rockies first base coach Glenallen Hill now wears a helmet.
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said awarding the family a share was the right thing to do.
"We're obviously happy with the decision,'' Tulowitzki said on Thursday. "I hope they are, too, and I'm sure they will be.''
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
ESPN.com news services
Updated: October 4, 2007, 8:27 PM ET
Comment
Besides their surprising 14-1 finish to the season, the Colorado Rockies are giving baseball fans another reason to cheer for them this postseason.
The widow of Rockies minor league coach Mike Coolbaugh, who died after getting hit by a line drive this season, will be granted a full share of the team's playoff winnings after a team vote.
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said the gesture spoke volumes about the quality of the character in their locker room.
"I was passed on the information that they voted Amanda Coolbaugh a share, a full share, which I found speaks to their awareness, speaks to their passion, speaks to every good thing about them," Hurdle said.
Coolbaugh, who is 32 and pregnant, won't attend Saturday's Game 3 of the NLDS between the Phillies and Rockies at Coors Field. But her two sons, Joseph, 5, and Jacob, 3, will be in attendance and will throw out the first pitch.
"When I heard about what the players did, I almost cried," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "This was the players' idea. I think it's remarkable."
Mike Coolbaugh was a first base coach for the Tulsa Drillers. The former major leaguer was killed July 22.
Shaken by Coolbaugh's death, Rockies first base coach Glenallen Hill now wears a helmet.
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said awarding the family a share was the right thing to do.
"We're obviously happy with the decision,'' Tulowitzki said on Thursday. "I hope they are, too, and I'm sure they will be.''
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.