The Rockies swept the Phillies in grand fashion tonight. They won the first two games on the road and beat off a stingy Phillies in this third game, proving that their dramatic entry into this year’s playoffs was no fluke. This is just the second time that the Rockies have made the playoffs, and the first time that they have advanced past that first round. They did it not only by sweeping the Phillies, but by winning 17 or their last 18 games.

Congratulations to a persistent, scrappy team--and now I have to keep a promise. I’m climbing on the bandwagon and really looking forward to seeing the Rockies playing the Diamondbacks (the Rocks have a very slight edge in wins of the Diamondbacks this season). In case you hadn’t heard, it’s also worth noting the class of the organization in taking care of the widow and children of the coach from a farm team who died tragically earlier in the season.

The Colorado Rockies voted a full playoff share for the widow of minor league coach Mike Coolbaugh, killed by a line drive this season while coaching first base.

Some of the veteran players decided to award a full share to Amanda Coolbaugh. Their two sons, five-year-old Joseph and three-year-old Jacob, will throw out the first pitch in Game 3 at Colorado.

Coolbaugh was a first base coach for the Rockies’ Double-A affiliate, the Tulsa Drillers. The former major leaguer was killed July 22, when a line drive struck him in the head.

The climb onto the bandwagon feels pretty good when it’s for a bunch of guys like this.

Colorado is proud of the Rockies tonight--great job and congratulations to all the Rockies players.

A little sympathy does go out to Charlie Manuel’s team--they seem like a bunch of good guys and it’s always tough to see the looks on the faces on the losing side.