OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Mile High Dreams: Colorado Rockies Expansion Saga

Fantasy Skipper · 07-28-2025, 11:32 PM

Continuing our journey through the formative years of the Colorado Rockies. In this post, the focus is on a critical juncture in Denver's bid for a MLB franchise: the formal presentation made by the Colorado Baseball Commission to the MLB Expansion Committee in New York. This was Denver's chance to shine and prove it was ready for the big leagues.

Denver's Pitch: A Formal Presentation to MLB

New York, NY -- September 25, 1990 -- The air in the MLB Commissioner's Office conference room was thick with expectation as representatives from Colorado Baseball Commission presented Denver's case for an expansion franchise. Led by a coalition of civic leaders, business figures, and state officials, the presentation was meticulously crafted to highlight Denver's unique strengths and unwavering commitment.

Key Highlights of Denver's Presentation:

--A Booming Market: The Commission emphasized Colorado's significant population growth, particularly within the Denver metropolitan area, painting a picture of a dynamic and expanding consumer base eager for professional baseball. They showcased demographic trends and economic indicators pointing to a robust future.
--Passion for Sports: Drawing on the success of the Denver Broncos and Nuggets, the presentation underscored the region's deep-seated love for professional sports. They argued that Denver wasn't just a city looking for a team; it was a city demanding one, with a proven track record of supporting a franchise with fervent enthusiasm.
--Stadium Vision & Funding: A cornerstone of the bid was the commitment to a new state of the art baseball specific stadium. The commission detailed the recently approved 0.1% sales tax by the Denver voters, specifically earmarked to help finance the ballpark. They presented architectural rendering and discussed potential downtown sites, emphasizing accessibility and a fan-friendly experience.
--United Civic & Political Support: Governor Roy Romer and State Senator Emily Chen were prominent voices, showcasing a united front from Colorado's political leadership. They conveyed a strong willingness to partner with MLB and the future ownership group to ensure the franchise's success, highlighting the bipartisan effort behind the bid.
--Strong Ownership Interest: While a final ownership group had not yet been formally selected, the Commission assured the committee of significant and diverse local interest from financially capable individuals and entities, eager to take the reins of Denver franchise. They subtly hinted at the strength of groups like Sterling Holdings without naming a definitive winner.

Media Reactions form the Mile High City
"Mile High Mike" O'Connell, Denver Sports Radio:
"Alright, so they went to New York, put on their fancy suits, and talked a good game. We'll see. I've seen a lot of dog-and-pony shows in my time. The city's done its part, the fans are ready. But New York? They've got their own ideas about what 'real' baseball is. I'll believe it when I see a shovel in the ground and a uniform with 'Denver' on it. It's a long shot, folks, but hey, a man can dream right?"

Isabelle "Izzy" Garcia, The Denver Post: "The Colorado Baseball Commission's presentation to the MLB Expansion Committee today was, by all accounts, comprehensive and well-executed. The emphasis on Denver's unique market dynamics, coupled with the tangible commitment of public funding for a new stadium, certainly sets our city apart. Governor Romer and Senator Chen's presence underscore the significant political will behind this bid. While the committee remains tight-lipped, the competition from cities like Washington, D.C. and Phoenix is fierce, Denver has undeniably put its best foot forward. The next few months will be critical as MLB begins its deeper evaluations."

07-28-2025, 11:32 PM	#7
Fantasy Skipper Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2025 Posts: 112	September 25, 1990 Continuing our journey through the formative years of the Colorado Rockies. In this post, the focus is on a critical juncture in Denver's bid for a MLB franchise: the formal presentation made by the Colorado Baseball Commission to the MLB Expansion Committee in New York. This was Denver's chance to shine and prove it was ready for the big leagues. Denver's Pitch: A Formal Presentation to MLB New York, NY -- September 25, 1990 -- The air in the MLB Commissioner's Office conference room was thick with expectation as representatives from Colorado Baseball Commission presented Denver's case for an expansion franchise. Led by a coalition of civic leaders, business figures, and state officials, the presentation was meticulously crafted to highlight Denver's unique strengths and unwavering commitment. Key Highlights of Denver's Presentation: --A Booming Market: The Commission emphasized Colorado's significant population growth, particularly within the Denver metropolitan area, painting a picture of a dynamic and expanding consumer base eager for professional baseball. They showcased demographic trends and economic indicators pointing to a robust future. --Passion for Sports: Drawing on the success of the Denver Broncos and Nuggets, the presentation underscored the region's deep-seated love for professional sports. They argued that Denver wasn't just a city looking for a team; it was a city demanding one, with a proven track record of supporting a franchise with fervent enthusiasm. --Stadium Vision & Funding: A cornerstone of the bid was the commitment to a new state of the art baseball specific stadium. The commission detailed the recently approved 0.1% sales tax by the Denver voters, specifically earmarked to help finance the ballpark. They presented architectural rendering and discussed potential downtown sites, emphasizing accessibility and a fan-friendly experience. --United Civic & Political Support: Governor Roy Romer and State Senator Emily Chen were prominent voices, showcasing a united front from Colorado's political leadership. They conveyed a strong willingness to partner with MLB and the future ownership group to ensure the franchise's success, highlighting the bipartisan effort behind the bid. --Strong Ownership Interest: While a final ownership group had not yet been formally selected, the Commission assured the committee of significant and diverse local interest from financially capable individuals and entities, eager to take the reins of Denver franchise. They subtly hinted at the strength of groups like Sterling Holdings without naming a definitive winner. Media Reactions form the Mile High City "Mile High Mike" O'Connell, Denver Sports Radio: "Alright, so they went to New York, put on their fancy suits, and talked a good game. We'll see. I've seen a lot of dog-and-pony shows in my time. The city's done its part, the fans are ready. But New York? They've got their own ideas about what 'real' baseball is. I'll believe it when I see a shovel in the ground and a uniform with 'Denver' on it. It's a long shot, folks, but hey, a man can dream right?" *Isabelle "Izzy" Garcia, The Denver Post:* "The Colorado Baseball Commission's presentation to the MLB Expansion Committee today was, by all accounts, comprehensive and well-executed. The emphasis on Denver's unique market dynamics, coupled with the tangible commitment of public funding for a new stadium, certainly sets our city apart. Governor Romer and Senator Chen's presence underscore the significant political will behind this bid. While the committee remains tight-lipped, the competition from cities like Washington, D.C. and Phoenix is fierce, Denver has undeniably put its best foot forward. The next few months will be critical as MLB begins its deeper evaluations."