DENVER — Left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland, deeply connected to his hometown of Denver and its baseball team, reluctantly held back tears as he reflected on the challenging times facing the Colorado Rockies. The team has been experiencing a dismal start to the season, recording a 7-33 mark, one of the worst beginnings in major league history. As a result, their manager Bud Black was relieved of his duties this past Sunday.
Freeland’s Denver pride is etched not just on his face but also his right arm, which sports tattoos featuring the city’s elevation, area code, and mountain outline. Each loss for the team weighs heavily on him. The franchise decided to part ways with Bud Black, marking a significant change as Black was the most successful manager in Rockies history and a fixture for many current players.
Taking over the reins in hopes of steering the team toward better days is Warren Schaeffer. Unfortunately, the Rockies are on a historically bad path, comparable to the 1988 Baltimore Orioles’ 6-34 start. At their current pace, they are on track for a 134-loss season, reminiscent of the Chicago White Sox’s infamous performance in 1970. Schaeffer has been promoted from third-base coach to interim manager and faces the hefty task of revitalizing a team struggling in numerous aspects.
The Rockies are languishing near the bottom in terms of runs scored, despite playing in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field. Additionally, they are racking up a troubling number of strikeouts and have a pitching staff notorious for allowing the most runs while recording the fewest strikeouts.
“This is a burden we all share,” Freeland commented regarding the recovery the team must undertake. “We must improve and keep advancing forward.”
The decision to let go of Black followed an embarrassing 21-0 defeat to the San Diego Padres. Coincidentally, the announcement came during a basketball showdown at nearby Ball Arena, where the Denver Nuggets narrowly fell to Oklahoma City.
Schaeffer is known for his energy and communication skills, qualities that he’s hoping to channel into positive changes in the Rockies’ clubhouse. Before taking on the big league coaching role, Schaeffer spent a decade working his way up through the Rockies’ minor league ranks.
General manager Bill Schmidt expressed optimism about Schaeffer’s connection with players: “Just really how he communicates and relates with players, his connection to players. I think just a different voice here — we’re at that point where we needed to do that.”
Despite the odds stacked against them, the Rockies aim to avoid a third consecutive 100-loss season. To achieve this, they must secure at least 56 more wins out of their remaining games. This season alone, they’ve experienced three separate losing streaks of eight games apiece.
“Have the memory of a goldfish,” advised first baseman Michael Toglia, emphasizing that players should not dwell on past failures.
Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch, who was part of the 2003 Detroit Tigers that had an exceptionally challenging 119-loss season, expressed understanding of the Rockies’ struggles. Drawn from his own experience, Hinch underscored the importance of appreciating the bright moments amidst difficult seasons.
Regarding Black’s dismissal, Hinch mentioned, “I apologize to Tram every year that I was part of the 119-loss team,” referring to then-Tigers manager Alan Trammell. In a recent series against the Rockies, Hinch offered support, having learned to value the positive moments on the field.
Freeland openly showed his emotions after a challenging game where he gave up nine runs, five of which were earned. “Please keep your faith in us,” he requested from Rockies supporters while fighting back tears.
In the eyes of infielder Ryan McMahon, remaining process-focused is key. “I know how to show up and play baseball. That’s the way I’m wired,” McMahon said. “That’s the way a lot of these guys are wired. The record is what it is at this point. It doesn’t affect the game tonight and doesn’t affect the games after that.”
The Rockies last made the playoffs in 2018, and their lone World Series appearance in 2007 ended in defeat by the Boston Red Sox. Clint Hurdle, their manager at the time, has now returned to the Rockies as the interim bench coach under Schaeffer’s guidance.
“Being from here is a unique situation for me. I grew up with the Rockies. It means a ton to me,” stated Freeland, who began his Major League career with Black as his manager in 2017. “I will be prouder of us as a group achieving this turnaround than being a Denver native leading us to the postseason or World Series.”