Mile High Report
The two franchises could not be more different.
On Friday, the historically awful Colorado Rockies invited Broncos quarterback Bo Nix to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
He should have turned them down.
When looking at teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, and Las Vegas Raiders, it’s apparent that ownership matters. Or, more importantly, bad ownership matters.
The Denver Broncos know a thing or two about this. For years, they were a rudderless ship with executive Joe Ellis running things. With no checks or balances, Joe did what he wanted and the franchise floundered for nearly a decade.
While the Joe Ellis era was more or less a time of transition, the Rockies have enjoyed a Joe Ellis-like run essentially since their conception, but with less success. Since 2000, the Rockies have had just 6 winning seasons, 5 playoff appearances (none this decade), and have pooped out just two Hall of Famers.
The fact is that Rockies owner Dick Monfort is either too dumb or too poor to own a major league franchise. Too harsh? Show me evidence to the contrary. While fielding non-competitive teams has been profitable for ol’ Dick, the city and the sport have suffered as a result. This year, the Rockies are about to enter the month of June with fewer than 10-wins and are on track to be the worst team in the history of Major League Baseball.
Historically awful. Generationally awful.
The Rockies aren’t a real baseball team. They are a little more than a financial vehicle for an owner who clearly thinks very little of the sport, the city of Denver, and their fans. Think I’m just being mean? Look at their record. Look at the lack of investment in the team. He could not care less, as long as you’re paying.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos jettisoned Ellis and the new Walton-Penner ownership group has done nothing but invest in the team, coaching staff, facilities, and stadium. They have brought stability, expectations, and swagger back to a franchise reeling from the lack of foundational leadership. The Broncos have not been afraid to spend money where it matters to improve the team and the fan experience.
The Broncos believe that by investing in the team, fans will drive revenue. Profits and success on the field can co-exist with one another in beautiful harmony. Maybe that’s why the franchise is valued well north of $5 billion.
The Rockies and Broncos could not be more different. Stability, pride in the city of Denver, and in their sport are hallmarks of Walton-Penner ownership. They make important investments that manifest on the field and in their overall record.
With the Rockies, you have a team with no intention of ever winning anything. They can continue to put out a putrid product and Monfort will keep cashing those checks. Want a competitive baseball experience? Root for the Dodgers.
What a difference ownership makes.
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