The Olympics are finally underway in Tokyo, Japan after COVID-19 delayed the games last summer. Among the classic events like swimming, volleyball, and the bizarre beauty of the equestrian event, one sport will be making its triumphant return. For the first time since the 2008 Olympics, baseball will once again be a medal event for fans around the world to enjoy.
A common staple for the games is that some teams, specifically Team USA, fill their rosters with professional baseball players currently employed within Minor League Baseball. Oddly enough, the Rockies organization has seen a number of players compete in the Olympics and some players have even won a few medals.
So in honor of the return of the event, let’s take a look back at these players that competed on the world stage.
John Cotton: 2000 Sydney Olympics
John Cotton spent his entire baseball career in the minors. During the 1999 and 2000 seasons, he was a member of the Rockies’ organization, spending time in Triple-A Colorado Springs. The utility man joined Team USA for the 2000 Olympics and went on to help win a gold medal over Cuba in the finals.
Cotton never quite dazzled in his baseball career, and despite posting a .185 batting average in eight games at the Olympics, Cotton made his hits count. He tallied five of them, with four going for extra bases. Each of those hits came at important times as he drove in six runs for his team. While he never reached the major leagues with the Rockies or anyone…
