Colorado Rockies will build a statue to honour Canadian MLB legend

Though the Colorado Rockies and Toronto Blue Jays don't share a ton of history — Troy Tulowitzki is probably the most notable name who played for both franchises — the Blue Jays' importance and proximity to Canadian baseball does mean they intertwine with other franchises who harbor legendary players from the country.

The Rockies, of course, were longtime employers of Hall of Famer Larry Walker, who also compiled many of his impressive stats with the now-defunct Montreal Expos. As the lone torchbearer of MLB teams in Canada, it's only right for Blue Jays fans to honor any such player who comes from their ranks.

And the Rockies are ensuring that Walker's historic legacy lives beyond just Cooperstown. In an official announcement, the franchise has announced that they'll be building a statue of Walker (and fellow Hall of Famer Todd Helton) outside of Coors Field in 2026.

Larry Walker, Todd Helton receiving Rockies statues in 2026

Walker earned his Hall of Fame enshrinement in 2020, alongside Derek Jeter, Ted Simmons, and the late Marvin Miller. It was Walker's 10th and final year on the ballot, making his induction all the sweeter.

The Canadian baseball legend walked onto the Montreal Expos in 1985 at spring training, spending four seasons in the minor leagues honing his talents before making his MLB debut in 1989. He earned two Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger Award, and an All-Star Game appearance during his six-season tenure in Montreal. After the union strike in 1994 shut down the season early (and cancelled the World Series), Walker signed with the Rockies.

He earned three batting titles and the 1997 NL MVP in Colorado, as well as four more All-Star nods. Suffice it to say, he was a legend in both places, though, despite being from Canada, he actually struggled tremendously against the Blue Jays throughout his career.

For anyone interested in attending the unveiling, the Rockies will play the Cleveland Guardians on Aug. 23. The statues will be created by Longmont sculptors George and Mark Lundeen of Lundeen Sculptures. The Rockies also announced the statue celebrations will include replica statue giveaways (hand-held size, of course) to the first 15,000 in attendance at the game.

The Blue Jays' lone series against the Rockies this year is actually one of the first series of the season, from March 30-April 1 at the Rogers Centre. For those wanting to see the Walker statue when the Blue Jays are at Coors Field, you'll have to wait until 2027.