KANSAS CITY, MO. – Former Cal State Fullerton infielder Christian Colon and the Kansas City Royals advanced to the 2014 World Series after completing a four-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles with a 2-1 victory Wednesday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
Colon has been on the Royals postseason roster throughout team's improbable run of eight straight victories en route to the franchise's first World Series appearance since 1985. Colon made his postseason debut in the American League Wild Card playoff game against the Oakland Athletics, appearing as a pinch hitter in the 10th inning. He made his mark in the bottom of the 12th, hitting an infield single to bring in the game-tying run from third base. He would then steal second base and score the game-winning run on a single by catcher Salvador Perez.
In his three seasons with the Titans, Colon posted a career .349 batting average with 267 hits, 214 runs scored, 46 doubles, 6 triples, 29 home runs and 147 RBI. Colon ranks fourth in runs on the Titans all-time career record book. He also ranks sixth in hits, hit-by-pitches (44) and eighth in total bases (412).
Should Colon remain on the postseason roster, he will become the fourth different former Titans player to appear in the World Series and the first since outfielder Aaron Rowand won his second world championship as a member of the San Francisco Giants in 2010. Rowand is the only Titans player to appear in the World Series twice, winning his first title with the Chicago White Sox in 2005. Mike Lamb (2005, Houston Astros) and Greg Mathews (1987, St. Louis Cardinals) are the other Titans to be on a World Series team's playoff roster.
Brett Pill was a member of the Giants organization in 2012 for their championship run but did not make the postseason roster. Dan Naulty (1999, New York Yankees) and Mark Kotsay (1997, Florida Marlins) are the other Titans with championship rings despite not appearing on the postseason roster.
The Royals will host the first game of the World Series, which begins on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at a time to be determined against either the St. Louis Cardinals or the San Francisco Giants. The World Series can be seen on the Fox network, check your local listings for the channel in your area.