Back in 1994, Coors Field officially opened in downtown Denver as the home of Colorado's brand-new Major League Baseball team, the beloved Colorado Rockies. On the same day as the first-ever Colorado Rockies game, a big, loveable, purple dinosaur was born right on the field and Dinger has been the team's mascot ever since.

9NEWS via YouTube
9NEWS via YouTube
loading...

However, have you ever wondered why the Colorado Rockies landed on a polka-dotted triceratops for the team's mascot? There's actually a really good reason.

9NEWS via YouTube
9NEWS via YouTube
loading...

Why is the Colorado Rockies' Mascot a Purple Dinosaur Named Dinger?

The story of how the team chose Dinger to be the official mascot dates back to before the team even existed. While construction crews were tirelessly building the massive stadium that would become Coors Field, they discovered more than they bargained for.

9NEWS via YouTube
9NEWS via YouTube
loading...

What appeared to be a small, fossilized bone was discovered while digging at the site and was turned over to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to inspect. Scientists at the museum determined the fossil to be a rib fragment that likely once belonged to a "horned dinosaur" that died relatively shortly before they all went extinct.

9NEWS via YouTube
9NEWS via YouTube
loading...

This discovery not only inspired the purple dinosaur mascot that we all know and love but almost earned the stadium the name of Jurassic Park, which was one of the most popular films at the time.

9NEWS via YouTube
9NEWS via YouTube
loading...

The name of the stadium ended up being Coors Field, but not only is the loveable triceratops the official mascot of the Rockies to this day but "the Dinger Fossil" still lives at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

10 Favorite Colorado Rockies Players of All-Time

Some truly great players have worn the Rockies uniform, however, you'll find only one in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. We could have a discussion about the greatest Colorado Rockies players ever, or we could have a more subjective talk about favorite players. While there is some crossover, there is a difference and there is a lot of room to be different.

Gallery Credit: Zane Mathews

The Colorado Rockies Dream Lineup

Gallery Credit: AJ Battalio

These are the 5 Most Expensive Colorado Rockies Baseball Cards on eBay

Looking for a special collector's item for a Colorado Rockies fan? Check out these rare baseball cards currently selling on eBay.

Gallery Credit: Matt Sparx

More From 95 Rock