Keli McGregor — his legacy in the sport, in structures and in his family


Keli McGregor, who died suddenly on April 20, 2010, had an incredible impact on the sport of baseball. Not only was he the beloved president of the Colorado Rockies, he had a major influence on the design and construction of both Coors Field and Salt River Fields — inarguably two of nicest facilities in the sport.

On the tenth anniversary of his passing at the far-too-young age of 48, we take a close look at the legacy he left behind. His influence on baseball went well beyond the state of Colorado. True, his mastery of the Rockies’ business affairs and baseball operations made him a big hit in Rockies Nation, but the admiration toward him from the other 29 teams and all the way to MLB headquarters in New York was unparalleled.

And now the Rockies are spearheading the development of a major mixed-use project that bears his name:  McGregor Square. Its location and the business elements in it are exactly what McGregor advocated.

So read our extensive look at the kind of man he was, and what those who were closest to him loved about him: The legacy of Keli McGregor, baseball’s beloved executive


Salt River Fields: the complex that revolutionized spring training


As the spring training complex known officially as Salt River Fields at Talking Stick turns six years old, it’s easy to see its impact on the sport. Today, Major League teams want bigger clubhouses, more practice space and a better experience for their springtime fans. Salt River paved the way for all of that.

This article first appeared in the Spring Training Preview issue of USA TODAY Sports Weekly. I had so much great material for it that I obtained permission to reproduce here in an unabridged form. I think you’ll enjoy the extra insights that this longer piece offers.

Check out the article here.  If you’ve been lucky enough to attend a game or event at Salt River, post a comment at the bottom of the article with your impressions.