Christian Athletes | Colorado Rockies

Christianity a strong influence on Colorado Rockies team

October 2007

From left, outfielders Choo Freeman and Matt Holliday and infielders Jamey Carroll and Todd Helton are among the Rockies who hold prayer meetings.

The Colorado Rockies have surprised almost everyone with their unlikely run to the World Series.

But according to a USA Today story in 2006, the team's success isn't something that caught players and team officials off guard.

"Behind the scenes, they quietly have become an organization guided by Christianity - open to other religious beliefs but emb

racing a Christian-based code of conduct they believe will bring them focus and success," wrote Bob Nightengale.

The story examines the influence of Christianity on the entire team -- from manager Clint Hurdle, to players like Matt Holliday and Todd Helton, to general manager Dan O'Dowd, to team CEO Charlie Monfort.

Interviewed by USA Today, Hurdle made no effort to cover up his team's Christian zeal. "We're not going to hide it," he said. "We're not going to deny it. This is who we are."

Monfort said the team has deliberately tried to acquire players with character and integrity.

"We started to go after character six or seven years ago, but we didn't follow that like we should have," he said in the story. "I don't want to offend anyone, but I think character-wise we're stronger than anyone in baseball. Christians, and what they've endured, are some of the strongest people in baseball. I believe God sends signs, and we're seeing those."

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