PHILADELPHIA - The Colorado Rockies voted a full playoff share for the widow of minor league coach Mike Coolbaugh, killed by a line drive this season while coaching first base.
Some of the veteran players decided to award a full share to Amanda Coolbaugh. Their two sons, five-year-old Joseph and three-year-old Jacob, will throw out the first pitch in Game 3 at Colorado.
Coolbaugh was a first base coach for the Rockies’ Double-A affiliate, the Tulsa Drillers. The former major leaguer was killed July 22, when a line drive struck him in the head.
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.”
Shaken by Coolbaugh’s death, Rockies first base coach Glenallen Hill now wears a helmet.
Manager Clint Hurdle was touched by the gesture.
“(It) speaks to their awareness, speaks to their passion, speaks to every good thing about them,” Hurdle said.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
DeMarco: Plug in a well-heeled ownership group and negotiate one of those mega-bucks TV deals that are going around, and the Dodgers could become the west coast version of the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox.
NLDS: Phillies vs. Rockies |
Rockies win series 3-0 |
HardballTalk headlines |
Interactive |
Slideshow |
Unbreakable records in baseball A look at the most unbreakable records in baseball including Nolan Ryan's seven no-hitters. |
Slideshow |
The top tools of baseball You hear a lot about the tools of baseball, but who are the best hitters, fielders and pitchers? We break it down. more photos |
Slideshow |
The Week in Sports Pictures The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more. more photos |