A new reason to want the World Series for the Rockies.
Back on July 22, coach Mike Coolbaugh of the Rockies' Double AA
minor league team, the Tulsa Drillers, was killed by a line drive to
the head. It was a totally freak accident, as he was hit on exactly the
right spot that could cause death. Its never happened in baseball
before. Mike Coolbaugh was coaching first base when the tragic accident
happened. Coolbaugh, only 32 years old, left behind a widow and two
young sons. A revered coach with a passion for the game and its players
was so senselessly lost.
The Rockies, in a gesture of pure class, defying this era of selfish and greedy athletes, decided among themselves to award a
full share of playoff money
to Mike Coolbaugh's widow. The players thought up the idea, and Rockies
management had no vote or input in this decision. In baseball, teams
that make the playoffs and advance can amass a "pool" worth in the
millions. A typical playoff share may be worth as much as $400,000 per
recipient. The minor league players and coaches do not make the big
money like the major leaguers do. This share to Coolbaugh's widow
should be meaningful as she raises her family.
The vote by the Rockies players was 25-0 -- all players voted yes.
With stories of multi-million dollar contracts in baseball and other
sports, this story needs to be told. Just 15 years old, the Rockies are
not one of baseball's storied franchises. The Yankees, Red Sox, Mets,
Cardinals, Cubs and Dodgers have massive payrolls, yet this team has
come out of nowhere to capture the attention of the sports world. They
certainly have captured the attention of Amanda Coolbaugh, Mike's
widow. She is very deserved of the Rockies' tremendous generosity.
I have really taken a liking to this Rockies team, but if they face
my beloved Cleveland Indians in the World Series ... ooh, a tough
decision! Who do I root for?!!!