Story makes SS history with 40th 2B, 100th RBI
Rockies shortstop continues to make case for NL MVP Award
DENVER -- Trevor Story wasted no time adding his name to the pages of baseball history on Tuesday night in the Rockies' 6-3 loss to the D-backs at Coors Field, knocking a game-tying double down the left-field line in the first inning.
The hit gave the National League MVP Award candidate 100 RBIs and 40 doubles to go with his 32 home runs, making him the first NL shortstop in history to drive in 100 runs while hitting 30 homers and collecting 40 doubles.
Story is also the first Major League shortstop with at least 30 homers and 40 doubles while stealing at least 25 bases, though the Indians' Francisco Lindor would join him with two more stolen bases. Sixteen players have hit those benchmarks in the history of the game, including the likes of Chipper Jones (1999), Barry Bonds ('98), Willie Mays ('59) and two Rockies: outfielders Larry Walker in '97 and Ellis Burks in '96, but no other shortstop.
"It means a lot," Story said. "I wish I could have enjoyed it a little more with a win. But it means a lot. I had a bad year last year. To come back and play the way I want to is big for me."
Story hit .239 in '17 with 24 homers and 82 RBIs, a dip of 33 points in his average and three home runs fewer than his monster rookie year. This season, he's hitting .293.
Only two shortstops since 1920 have reached 30 homers, 100 RBIs and 20 stolen bases, putting Story in exclusive company with Alex Rodriguez, who accomplished the feat twice, in '98 and '99.
"It's kind of hard to put into words right now," Story said. "It's all about the team. I feel like the pennant race is something special for sure, for me."
Story is 9-for-32 (.281) with six homers, 13 RBIs and three stolen bases through the first eight days of this homestand as the first-place Rockies vie for their first NL West title in franchise history. He's made himself a legitimate part of the NL MVP conversation -- along with teammate Nolan Arenado.
"It's been awesome. It's been great to watch," manager Bud Black said. "I think the most important thing for Trev on a nightly basis is helping the team win. Whether it's on the field with his glove, with his bat, a big swing, he's doing it, and I think he's doing it with the sole intent of helping the Rockies win. That's what's cool."