Devon Toews First Pitch: Avalanche Star Shines at Rockies Game
The Devon Toews first pitch became one of the memorable crossover moments in Colorado sports on Sunday, September 6, when the Colorado Avalanche defenseman took the mound at Coors Field before the Rockies faced the St. Louis Cardinals.
Toews, a Stanley Cup champion and one of the Avalanche’s veteran defensemen, traded his hockey gear for a baseball uniform-style jersey as he took part in the pregame ceremony. He delivered a strike and then posed for photographs with Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak.
The appearance gave Colorado fans an opportunity to see one of the state’s top hockey stars step into the baseball spotlight before returning his attention to the upcoming NHL season. NNHL
Devon Toews First Pitch Draws Colorado Sports Fans
The Devon Toews first pitch was held at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, in Denver.
According to NHL.com, Toews walked onto the field wearing a No. 22 Mickey Moniak jersey. The choice added a local sports connection to the occasion, with Toews representing the Avalanche while wearing the number and jersey of a Rockies player.
He then took the mound and threw a first-pitch strike to Moniak.
The two athletes later posed together for a photograph, giving fans a snapshot of the crossover between Colorado’s NHL and MLB communities. NNHL
For Toews, however, the ceremonial appearance was only a brief break from hockey preparations.
The Avalanche are approaching the start of another NHL campaign, with their season opener scheduled for September 30 against the Los Angeles Kings.
A Stanley Cup Champion Takes the Mound
Toews was not simply another celebrity guest at the ballpark.
The defenseman helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022, bringing the franchise another championship and establishing himself as an important part of Colorado’s hockey identity.
That championship history made his appearance at Coors Field particularly fitting.
Colorado’s professional sports teams have developed a strong connection with their local communities, and appearances by athletes from different sports often provide an opportunity for fans to celebrate the broader identity of the state.
Toews’ first pitch represented exactly that kind of moment.
The hockey season was still ahead, while the baseball season was entering its final weeks. For a few minutes, the two sports shared the same stage.
Toews Shows His Baseball Skills
The ceremonial first pitch can be an uncomfortable assignment for athletes who spend most of their careers in another sport.
Toews appeared to handle the challenge well.
NHL.com reported that he delivered a strike to Moniak, avoiding the kind of wild throw that has become a familiar part of celebrity first-pitch ceremonies. NNHL
The moment also offered an amusing change of scenery for a player accustomed to skating rather than standing on a pitcher’s mound.
Instead of a hockey stick and puck, Toews had a baseball in his hand.
Rather than making a defensive play along the boards, he was standing on a professional baseball field in front of a crowd at Coors Field.
The successful pitch gave the Avalanche defenseman a small but memorable baseball highlight.
Why the Rockies and Avalanche Connection Matters
The appearance is part of a broader sports culture in Colorado where professional teams frequently interact with one another.
The Rockies and Avalanche play in different leagues and have completely different schedules, but both teams represent Denver and Colorado on the national sports stage.
Those connections can be especially visible when one team is in season and another is preparing for its campaign.
The Rockies were hosting the Cardinals on September 6, while the Avalanche were preparing for the upcoming NHL season.
Toews’ visit therefore arrived at an ideal time.
The baseball season was reaching its final month, while hockey was approaching opening night.
Rockies Fans Had Plenty to Celebrate
The first pitch was only part of the day’s action at Coors Field.
The Rockies and Cardinals played an entertaining game that included a major offensive surge from St. Louis.
Reuters reported that the Cardinals defeated Colorado 10-8 on Sunday after a six-run fifth inning helped overturn an early Rockies advantage. RReuters
Colorado had jumped ahead early, with Moniak hitting a three-run homer in the third inning.
That made Toews’ connection with Moniak even more appropriate.
The Rockies outfielder was not simply the recipient of the ceremonial pitch. He also played a significant role in the game itself.
Despite the loss, the day provided plenty of entertainment for fans at Coors Field.
And for Avalanche supporters, Toews’ appearance offered an additional reason to pay attention.
Devon Toews Prepares for Another Avalanche Season
While the first pitch generated attention away from hockey, Toews’ main focus remains the Avalanche.
Colorado’s season opener is scheduled for September 30 against the Los Angeles Kings at home. NHL.com lists the game for 10 p.m. ET. NNHL
That means Toews’ baseball appearance came less than a month before the start of the regular season.
The timing makes the event a fun preseason diversion rather than a sign that the defenseman is switching sports.
Toews remains one of the established veterans on a Colorado team with championship ambitions.
His experience will be important as the Avalanche begin another campaign.
Toews Has Also Been Active in the Colorado Community
The first pitch was not Toews’ first recent appearance representing the Avalanche away from the ice.
Earlier in 2026, he participated in a community event connected with the Avalanche’s development program.
Colorado Avalanche players and development camp participants helped dedicate a new sports court at the William E. Cope Boys & Girls Club. Toews took part in the ceremony alongside young hockey players and other members of the Avalanche organization. NNHL
That community involvement provides additional context for his appearance at Coors Field.
For professional athletes, representing a team often extends beyond competition.
Players can become recognizable ambassadors for their cities, especially when they participate in local events and interact with fans outside their primary sport.
Toews’ first pitch fits naturally into that role.
A Fun Break Before Hockey Returns
The baseball appearance also offered Toews a brief opportunity to enjoy the final stretch of summer before hockey takes over again.
The NHL offseason can be demanding for players, with training, preparation and team activities occupying much of the calendar.
A ceremonial first pitch is different.
There is no game pressure, no defensive assignment and no opponent trying to beat the player.
Instead, it is a chance to connect with another professional sports organization and interact with fans.
For Toews, the assignment was simple: throw a strike.
He did exactly that.
Colorado Sports Continue to Cross Paths
The Toews appearance is another example of the close relationship among Colorado’s professional sports communities.
Denver has teams representing several major professional leagues, including the Avalanche and Rockies. Athletes from those teams regularly appear at each other’s events, creating opportunities for fans to follow players beyond their primary sports.
Those appearances can also introduce athletes to different audiences.
A Rockies fan who does not regularly watch hockey may recognize Toews from his Stanley Cup success. Similarly, Avalanche fans can follow Rockies players such as Moniak through moments like Sunday’s first pitch.
That crossover helps strengthen the overall sports culture surrounding Denver.
The Road Ahead for Devon Toews
Once the ceremonial moment was over, Toews’ attention could return to hockey.
The Avalanche are preparing for their season opener against the Kings on September 30, marking the beginning of another NHL campaign. NNHL
For Colorado supporters, the transition from baseball season to hockey season is already underway.
Toews’ appearance at Coors Field provided a fitting bridge between the two.
One day, he was throwing a baseball in front of Rockies fans.
Soon, he will be back on the ice defending against NHL forwards.
A Memorable Colorado Sports Moment
The Devon Toews first pitch may have lasted only a few seconds, but it created a memorable moment for Colorado sports fans.
The Avalanche defenseman walked onto the Coors Field mound, wore a Rockies jersey, delivered a strike to Moniak and then posed for a photo.
It was a simple ceremony, but it connected two of Colorado’s professional sports teams at an interesting point in the calendar.
The Rockies are approaching the conclusion of their MLB season, while the Avalanche are preparing for the start of their NHL campaign.
Toews’ successful pitch gave fans a glimpse of the hockey star in an unfamiliar setting.
More importantly, it highlighted the crossover between Colorado’s professional sports communities.
For Avalanche fans, the biggest takeaway remains what comes next.
The baseball glove and ball can go back into storage.
The hockey stick is coming back out.
And on September 30, Devon Toews and the Avalanche will begin their next NHL journey against the Los Angeles Kings.
For one Sunday afternoon at Coors Field, however, the Stanley Cup champion became a pitcher — and he threw a strike. NNHL
Suggested External Links
- NHL.com — Devon Toews first pitch article
- Colorado Avalanche official site
- Colorado Rockies official site
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Devon Toews first pitch at Coors Field before Colorado Rockies game
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