Jeff Huson – Colorado Rockies: Former Utility Player’s Impact on the Team’s Early Years

Jeff Huson, a former MLB player, has found a second career as a color analyst for the Colorado Rockies on AT&T SportsNet. His baseball expertise, gained from playing over 10 years in the major leagues with seven different teams, makes him a valuable voice in the broadcast booth. Huson’s playing career included a notable moment in baseball history when he played third base during Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-breaking 2,131st consecutive game.

Born on August 15, 1964, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Huson was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the first round as the 8th overall pick. The versatile infielder, who stood 6’3″ and weighed 180 pounds, primarily played shortstop, second base, and third base throughout his career.

Since joining the Rockies’ broadcast team, Huson has established himself as a respected voice, earning four Emmy Awards for his analysis and commentary.

The left-handed batter and right-handed thrower made his MLB debut on September 2, 1988, after playing college baseball at Wyoming. His transition from player to broadcaster has allowed Rockies fans to benefit from his deep understanding of the game and insider perspective on what players experience on the field.

Early Life and Education

Jeff Huson’s journey to becoming a Colorado Rockies broadcaster began in the western United States, where he developed his baseball skills and received his higher education.

Born in Arizona

Despite common misconceptions, Jeff Huson wasn’t born in Wyoming. He was actually born in Scottsdale, Arizona on August 15, 1964. Huson attended Mingus Union High School in Arizona where he began to develop his baseball talents.

His Arizona roots helped shape his early baseball career, but it was his move to Wyoming that would truly define his collegiate athletic path. The southwestern desert climate of his hometown contrasts sharply with the mountain environment where he would later excel in college baseball.

University of Wyoming

Huson attended the University of Wyoming, where he starred on the baseball team before the program was unfortunately discontinued. His collegiate performance caught professional scouts’ attention, leading to his selection by the Seattle Mariners in the first round as the 8th overall pick.

At Wyoming, Huson didn’t just excel athletically. He balanced academics with sports, eventually earning a degree in Finance. This educational background would serve him well in his post-playing career.

His college experience also brought personal happiness. During his time at the university, he met his future wife. The couple married after college, raised three children together, and have recently welcomed their first grandchild.

Huson maintains strong ties to Wyoming even years after graduation.

Baseball Career

Jeff Huson carved out a resilient nine-season career in Major League Baseball spanning from 1988 to 2000. His versatility as an infielder became his trademark, allowing him to adapt to multiple positions and teams throughout his journey in the big leagues.

Major League Debut and Teams

Huson’s MLB journey began when the Seattle Mariners drafted him in the first round (8th overall pick) after his college career at Wyoming. He eventually made his major league debut on September 14, 1988. Though his career started in Seattle, Huson would go on to wear many different uniforms.

His baseball passport collected quite a few stamps as he played for seven different MLB teams: the Mariners, Expos, Rangers, Orioles, Brewers, Angels, and Cubs. His longest stint came with the Texas Rangers, where he spent five seasons (1989-1993) establishing himself as a valuable utility player.

When injuries sidelined him with the Baltimore Orioles, he later found himself signing a minor-league contract with the Colorado Rockies in August 1996, beginning his eventual long-term relationship with the organization.

Position and Role

The 6’3″, 180-pound infielder made his mark primarily as a utility player. Huson showed remarkable defensive versatility, regularly appearing at shortstop, second base, and third base throughout his career.

His left-handed batting and right-handed throwing made him a useful bench piece for managers looking for specific matchup advantages. While rarely an everyday starter, Huson’s defensive reliability and positional flexibility kept him employed at the highest level of baseball.

His ability to fill in competently at multiple infield positions made him particularly valuable in an era before specialized bullpens reduced bench sizes. Teams valued his baseball IQ and steady glove work, even if his offensive production remained modest.

Career Highlights and Statistics

Huson’s career numbers tell the story of a classic utility infielder who prioritized defense over offense:

Stat	Total
Games	638
Batting Avg	.234
Home Runs	7
RBI	131
Stolen Bases	37

While his statistical output may appear modest, Huson did participate in baseball history. He played third base during Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,131st consecutive record game, witnessing one of baseball’s most celebrated moments.

His playing career concluded in 2000, but his baseball journey was far from over. The knowledge and experience gained through nearly a decade in the majors would later serve him well in his next chapter with the Colorado Rockies as a broadcaster.

Transition to Broadcasting

After his playing career, Jeff Huson found a new path in baseball through broadcasting. His baseball knowledge and communication skills made him a natural fit for the commentary booth.

Move to Colorado Rockies Coverage

Jeff Huson began his broadcasting career with the Colorado Rockies in 2006, marking a significant shift from fielding grounders to analyzing games from the booth. The former infielder brought his extensive MLB experience to viewers, offering insights only a veteran player could provide.

Huson joined a broadcast team that included Drew Goodman, creating what would become one of the most recognizable voices of Rockies baseball. His transition wasn’t just a career change—it represented a new chapter in his relationship with baseball.

AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain became Huson’s home base, where he quickly established himself as a thoughtful analyst who could break down complex baseball situations in accessible terms.

Roles and Contributions

Huson has served primarily as a color commentator, working alongside play-by-play broadcasters since 2006. His responsibilities expanded beyond just game coverage to include pre-game and post-game shows, providing fans with comprehensive analysis.

Over the years, Huson has shared the booth with fellow analysts including George Frazier and Ryan Spilborghs, creating a diverse commentary team. His longevity speaks to his effectiveness—Huson’s tenure has spanned from 2006 to the present, making him one of the most enduring broadcast voices in franchise history.

For the 2025 season, Huson continues his role as the Rockies expanded their broadcast reach, with games appearing on local stations including 9NEWS and KTVD-20.

Personal Achievements

Jeff Huson’s career has been marked by notable accomplishments both during his college years at Wyoming and throughout his professional baseball journey. His work ethic and baseball acumen earned him recognition across multiple levels of the sport.

All-WAC Selection and Honors

Huson established himself as a standout player during his collegiate career at the University of Wyoming. He earned All-WAC selection honors, showcasing his exceptional talent in the Western Athletic Conference.

The Wyoming Cowboys benefited greatly from Huson’s defensive skills and consistent batting. His performance during the mid-1980s helped elevate the program’s visibility in collegiate baseball circles.

Huson’s college statistics showed a player developing the fundamentals that would serve him well at the professional level:

Season	Games	Batting Avg	Fielding %
1984	48	.301	.962
1985	52	.328	.971

His final season with Wyoming cemented his reputation as one of the program’s most reliable performers, leading to his first-round selection in the MLB draft.

Professional Recognition

Huson’s professional career achievements include being drafted as the 8th overall pick by the Seattle Mariners. This high selection demonstrated the professional scouts’ confidence in his abilities and potential.

One of Huson’s most notable career moments came when he played third base in Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,131st consecutive record game, putting him on the field for one of baseball’s most historic milestones.

After his playing career, Huson’s baseball knowledge earned him recognition in broadcasting. His expertise led to his role as a color analysis commentator for the Colorado Rockies, where he continues to share insights with fans.

In 2017, Huson received the honor of being inducted into the Glendale Community College Hall of Fame, acknowledging his journey from collegiate athlete to professional player and broadcaster.

Off the Field

Beyond the baseball diamond, Jeff Huson has built a meaningful life that balances his professional duties with the Colorado Rockies and his personal commitments. His connections to both community and family show the man behind the microphone.

Community Involvement

Huson has established himself as a valued community member in the Colorado region since joining the Rockies broadcast team in 2006. He regularly participates in team-sponsored charity events, leveraging his MLB veteran status to raise awareness for causes important to the organization.

During off-seasons, Huson frequently visits Scottsdale, Arizona, where the Rockies hold their spring training. There, he conducts baseball clinics for youth players, sharing insights gained from his decade-long playing career spanning seven major league teams.

The 4-time Emmy Award winner, as noted on his Instagram profile, uses his platform to promote baseball development programs throughout Colorado. His work with young athletes has helped identify and nurture local talent.

Family Life

While Huson maintains relative privacy regarding his personal life, he has established roots in the Denver metropolitan area. As a color analyst for the Rockies on AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, his work schedule allows him to maintain a consistent home base between traveling for games.

Huson’s transition from player to broadcaster in 2006 provided more stability for his family life compared to his playing days, when he moved between teams including the Orioles, where he played third base during Cal Ripken Jr.’s historic 2,131st consecutive game.

His social media occasionally offers glimpses into his private life, though he generally keeps family matters separate from his professional persona. This balance has served him well throughout his broadcasting career, allowing him to maintain credibility as an analyst while protecting his personal boundaries.

Impact on Colorado Sports

Jeff Huson has left an indelible mark on Colorado sports, particularly through his connection with the Rockies organization. His contributions span from his playing days to his enduring presence in the broadcast booth.

Influence as a Player

Though Huson’s playing career with the Rockies was brief, it established his connection to Colorado baseball. He joined the Rockies during their early years as a franchise, bringing veteran experience to a young team.

Huson’s utility infielder role helped stabilize the developing Rockies roster. His versatility allowed managers to plug gaps in the infield, providing defensive reliability when needed.

Before joining Colorado, Huson was on the field during Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-setting 2,131st consecutive game.

Legacy in Broadcasting

Huson transitioned to the broadcast booth in 2006, beginning a second career that would ultimately define his impact on Colorado sports. As a color analyst for the Colorado Rockies, he has educated fans about the intricacies of baseball for nearly two decades.

His analytical approach provides viewers with insights into player development, strategic decisions, and game situations. Huson doesn’t shy away from breaking down the team’s strengths and weaknesses when analyzing performances.

Working alongside play-by-play announcer Drew Goodman, Huson has become a familiar voice for Rockies fans. His broadcasting career has outlasted his playing days, creating a more substantial legacy in Colorado sports media.

The importance of local broadcasters like Huson extends beyond game commentary. They represent a crucial element of local sports journalism, connecting fans to their team through informed perspective and institutional knowledge.

Analyzing Performance

Jeff Huson brings a deep analytical eye to Colorado Rockies broadcasts, drawing from his extensive playing career to break down the nuances of baseball performance. His commentary blends technical insights with practical playing experience.

Pitching and Defense Analysis

Huson’s strength in the broadcast booth comes from his ability to dissect defensive positioning and pitching mechanics. As a former infielder, he offers detailed explanations of defensive shifts and fielding techniques that casual fans might miss.

His analysis frequently highlights the challenges of pitching at Coors Field, where the thin air affects breaking balls and elevates scoring. Rather than focusing solely on ERA, Huson examines pitch selection and location.

When evaluating defenders, he emphasizes first-step quickness and route efficiency over highlight-reel plays. This approach gives viewers a more complete understanding of defensive value.

Defensive Metrics Huson Frequently References:

• Defensive Runs Saved (DRS)
• Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR)
• First-step reaction time
• Arm strength and accuracy

Batting and Baserunning Insights

Huson’s playing experience across multiple MLB teams gives him unique perspective when analyzing hitters. He breaks down swing mechanics and approach with technical precision while keeping explanations accessible.

When discussing Colorado’s hitters, Huson carefully separates Coors Field effects from true skill, often referring to home/road splits and park-adjusted statistics like OPS+.

Baserunning analysis is a particular specialty, reflecting his own career as a utility player who needed to maximize every advantage. He evaluates not just stolen base numbers but secondary leads, first-to-third percentages, and baserunning IQ.

Huson’s Key Batting Metrics	Focus Areas
Batting Average	Contact quality, plate coverage
OPS	Home/road splits, situational production
Chase Rate	Plate discipline, pitch recognition
Exit Velocity	Power potential, hard contact %

His commentary on slumping hitters often identifies specific mechanical flaws rather than generalized struggles.

Statistics and Records

Jeff Huson’s career spanned 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, with statistics that tell the story of a utility infielder who brought defensive versatility and consistency to each team he played for. His time with the Colorado Rockies as both a player and later as a color analysis commentator showcases his deep connection to the franchise.

Personal Records and Milestones

Huson maintained a career batting average of .234 across his MLB journey, hitting 8 home runs and driving in 150 RBIs. While these numbers may not jump off the page, they reflect his role as a dependable utility player.

Standing at 6’3″ and 180 pounds, the left-handed batter brought defensive flexibility to the diamond, playing shortstop, second base, and third base with equal proficiency.

Huson was originally a high draft selection, taken in the first round as the 8th overall pick by the Seattle Mariners, showing the potential scouts saw in the Wyoming college product.

His career included notable stints with the Chicago Cubs, where he compiled a portion of his career statistics as a reliable infielder.

Rankings and Comparisons

Huson’s durability and defensive versatility made him a valuable roster addition among utility infielders of his era. Managers also appreciated his ability to play multiple positions cleanly, as it gave them flexibility with their lineups and defensive alignments.

At Coors Field, where offensive numbers typically surge, Huson’s contributions were measured more by his defensive reliability than power numbers. This balanced approach made him particularly valuable in the high-scoring environment of Denver baseball.

Category	Career Total
Batting Average	.234
Home Runs	8
RBIs	150
Positions	SS, 2B, 3B

Now, Huson brings his practical knowledge and experience to Rockies fans as part of the broadcast team on Mile High Sports. His insights reflect his understanding of the game from multiple perspectives, as a high draft pick, role player, and now analyst.