If you have followed the Colorado Rockies since they joined Major League Baseball in 1993, the name Walt Weiss probably sounds familiar. That's because Weiss was the Rockies shortstop from 1994-97. Now that name will become even more familiar to Rockies fans as Weiss has been named the 6th manager in franchise history.

The move to hire Weiss comes after Jim Tracy resigned on October 7th with one year and $1.4 million left on his contract. Other candidates for the position were Rockies first baseman Jason Giambi, current bench coach Tom Runnels, and Arizona Diamondbacks third base coach Matt Williams.

Weiss most recently comes from the high school ranks. Last season he coached Regis Jesuit High School outside Denver, in Aurora, to a 20-6 record and the 5A semifinals of the state championship. Weiss' son, Brody, is in his senior year at the school.

Before coaching his sons high school squad he was a special assistant to Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd from 2002-08.

But long before being in a front office and in a managerial role, Weiss had a pretty darn good career on the field.

Weiss, known as a terrific fielder who provided a heady on-field presence, played 14 major-league seasons with Oakland, Florida, Colorado and Atlanta. The shortstop won American League rookie of the year honors with the Athletics in 1988.

He helped lead the A's, Rockies and Braves to the playoffs. His 1989 A's team won the World Series, beating the San Francisco Giants. In 1999, Weiss helped the Braves make the World Series, where they lost to the New York Yankees.

Weiss will be introduced at a news conference Friday at Coors Field.

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