To understand how important this walk-off homer was, it’s important to not only know the context of the game played on August 24, 2009 but the entire season. After many injuries, the Rockies finished under .500 in 2008 after a magical 2007 season. Saying the Rockies got off to a slow in 2009 would be a nice way to put it. On May 29, the team was in last place in the division at 19-28 and manager Clint Hurdle was fired. Jim Tracy took over and that seemingly was the spark the Rockies needed.
Heading into the series against the Giants in August of that season, the Rockies had climbed their way back into contention in the Wild Card race.