MLB awards expansion teams to Denver, Miami | June 10, 1991 | Colorado’s Top 150 Sports Moments

By Paul Klee July 14, 2026 | updated 34 minutes ago

In this April 9, 1993, file photo, fans at Mile High stadium in Denver watch the first pitch of the Colorado Rockies home opener. While this stadium became known mostly as home of the NFL's Denver Broncos, it did include a huge movable stand to accommodate baseball. It was used for the expansion Colorado Rockies' first two seasons while Coors Field was under construction. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)

Happy birthday, Colorado — and Colorado sports.

Leading into the state’s 150th birthday Aug. 1, The Denver Gazette has partnered with the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame to publicize the definitive list of Colorado’s top 150 sports moments.

For Nos. 50 to 1, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian Dave Plati coordinated a 19-member committee to rank in order what they considered the top moments. The No. 1 moment will be revealed July 31. Plati and Broncos icon Jim Saccomano will unveil the list weekly on a Colorado Sports Hall of Fame podcast at coloradosports.org/podcast/.

Colorado's Top 150 Sports Moments — Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Top 150 Sports Moments

No. 15 — June 10, 1991

Major League Baseball commissioner Fay Vincent announced Denver and Miami were the two expansion choices to begin play in 1993, subject to the approval of the 26 owners, which occurred on July 5. The two were chosen over four other finalists announced the previous December: Buffalo, Orlando, Tampa-St. Petersburg and Washington D.C. Both franchises join the National League, bringing its membership to 14 teams, same as the American League after it expanded to Toronto and Seattle in 1976.

—Dave Plati, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian

Tags Colorado Rockies Denver Baseball Denver Baseball History Fay Vincent Mile High Stadium Baseball Mlb Expansion

Paul Klee

Reporter