Rockies honor McGregor with 10-run salute
Jorge de La Rosa earned the win to go with 3 RBI on a somber day for the Rockies' organization
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The Colorado Rockies’ sleepy offense exploded for 10 runs on Tuesday evening after Team President Keli McGregor was found dead in his Salt Lake City hotel room that morning. The cause of death was unknown, but natural causes are suspected. McGregor was 48.
Colorado scored 8 runs in an impressive 3rd Inning that saw Rockies pitcher Jorge de la Rosa knock in 3 RBI on a base-loaded double. Ryan Spilborghs followed immediately with a home run to right field, scoring himself and de la Rosa to bring the Rockies’ lead to 10-0.
The Washington Nationals, who chased Colorado starter Aaron Cook in the 3rd Inning of Monday’s game, got 2 runs back in each of the 5th & 6th Innings. The game was never in doubt, though, and the Rockies held the Nationals to those 4 runs on 12 hits.
Despite the big win to bring Colorado back to a .500 record (7-7) the mood was somber both before and after the game in the Rockies’ clubhouse.
Keli McGregor was with the organization since its inaugural year in 1993. Over 17 years with the Rockies, McGregor worked his way up the administrative ladder, settling into the Executive President position in 2001. Keli and 1st Baseman Todd Helton were good friends. Along with players like Helton, McGregor helped to form a Christian core within the Rockies organization that regarded character as highly as talent.
McGregor leaves behind a wife, three daughters and a son. Recognized as a family-first individual, many of today’s condolences were directed at Keli’s wife Lori and the McGregor children.
Said Rockies Manager Jim Tracy of the Colorado Clubhouse before today’s game in DC, “We said a little prayer for him… The prayers are as much for him as for Lori and for those four children.”
Keli McGregor was a multi-sport athlete at Colorado’s Lakewood High School. He was a walk-on at Colorado State University, parlaying that opportunity into a 4-year starting slot at tight end for CSU’s football team. McGregor was named an All American in 1984 & 1985, and was drafted in the 4th round by the Denver Broncos later that year.
