The Phillies spent this past weekend in Colorado, and they had a much-needed weekend to help get them back toward a steady track. Heck, there even was a bench-clearing opus and shove that was stirred when Rockies’ pitcher Jake Bird taunted the Phillies’ Bryce Harper.

Yet, it has been 40 years since baseball made its way to Colorado as well as to Miami as two new franchises for the 1993 season.

In this week’s version of my Behind the Plate column, I will take a brief look at the Rockies’ and Marlins’ beginnings, and also some other expansion franchises dating back to 1969. Both the Rockies and Marlins have had plenty of ex-Phillie ties. In addition, I’ll take a look at the current state of the Phillies, Mets and Yankees and dabble into some fantasy league talk.

Some Highs and Some Hots: In 1993, baseball decided to try two new markets that both appeared to be locks to succeed.

Denver was a good sports town for the Broncos and the Nuggets, and baseball would adjust well to the Rocky Mountain highs. The Rockies did open play at the Broncos’ Mile High Stadium, and they were a box-office bonanza.

In their inaugural season, they were managed by Don Baylor - one skipper who could have been easily forgotten – and their lineup was laced by plenty of ex-Phillies starting with former skipper Joe Girardi behind the plate. Charlie Hayes, who led the team with 25 homers, was the regular at third base. Dale Murphy, then 37, was a reserve outfielder.

Their pitching staff featured Bruce Ruffin and Andy Ashby. Ruffin had a 6-5 record primarily out of the bullpen.

One of their more colorful characters was first baseman Andres “The Big Cat” (does anyone think about ex-football player and wrestler Ernie “The Big Cat Ladd?) Galarraga, one of the more underrated players of his day. Galarraga hit a league-high .370.

It was always interesting to watch those games from Colorado that usually started after nine, and the balls sailing out of the ballpark were the top conversation piece.

Colorado finished 63-95 in their first year, but they advanced to the postseason two years later. In 1995, the Rockies had the “Blake Street Bombers,” consisting of Galarraga, Dante Bichette, Vinny Castilla, and Larry Walker.

The Rockies never have won the NL West, but they finished second three times. Do you remember them being in the World Series? They made their lone appearance in 2007, being swept by the Red Sox.

To the South, Miami was a thriving market with the Dolphins and the rising Heat. Miami also began their initial NHL franchise with the Panthers.

The Marlins didn’t have a veteran lineup like the Rockies, but they had ex-Phillie catcher Benito Santiago, knuckleballer and ex-Dodger Charlie Hough, and soon to be local legend outfielder Jeff Conine. Veteran Gary Sheffield came over in a June trade.

Who was their manager? You may have to think long and hard to recall Rene Lachemann. He lasted until June 1996 when he was fired. The following year, the Marlins won the World Series with longtime manager Jack McKeon.

Here’s a great trivia question. Who platooned at first base with Conine for the Marlins in 1997? Try Darren Daulton. It was his final year, and “Dutch” hit .389 in the Big Show. Joining Daulton was ex-Phillie Jim Eisenreich, who also played a key role in the Marlins winning the title.

First-timers: In 1969, MLB decided to further open its doors, awarding National League franchises to Montreal and San Diego and American League ones to Seattle and Kansas City. With the expansion, the American League decided to divide its teams into two divisions – East and West - and the National League followed suit the following season.

I don’t remember the ‘69 expansion, but I do recount watching the games from Jarry Park in Montreal. It was the one stadium that only showed a few camera angles, and the ballpark always looked small.

You have a few years on me if you can think back to the Seattle Pilots. If you’re a Mets’ fan, they had future Mets’ reliever Skip Lockwood on the opening roster as well as future Expos’ and Dodgers’ reliever Mike Marshall.

The Pilots spent just one year in Seattle and where did they relocate in 1970? They became the Milwaukee Brewers.

Quarter Pole: Through 40 games, the Phillies had a 20-20 record, five games behind the Braves; the Mets had a 19-21 slate, six games behind; and the Yankees were 22-18 and in fourth place, seven games behind the Rays.

Last season, the Phils were 18-22 through 40 games and were eight games behind the Mets. From there, they had a 69-53 record and worked their way through the playoffs to the World Series before losing to the Astros.

The Mets were 26-14 at the same time last year, and led the division by seven games. They went on to a 101-61 mark, but were knocked out of the Wild Card playoffs by the Padres.

Ironically, the Yankees were 22-18 last year, ahead in their division by five games. They finished with an overall 99-63 record, and were swept by the Astros in the AL Championship Series.

Does it mean anything? It is a good measure to see if you are within striking distance of the first-place team like these three. Based on where they were last season, all three teams still should feel good about their postseason chances.

Go West, Favorite Phillie: Many people may have forgotten that Larry Bowa managed the Padres for two seasons from 1987-88. Bowa, who managed the Padres’ Triple-A team for the previous season, had a rough time in San Diego, as he posted a 81-127 mark. He later had a four-year stint as the Phillies manager from 2001-04, and posted a 337-308 mark.

Fantasy Fillers: With the Phillies, Mets and Yankees, there hasn’t been a rush to pick up any of their players.

Aside from the obvious Phillies selections – such as Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos, and Bryce Harper – you can take pitcher Zack Wheeler, first baseman Alec Bohm, and outfielder Brandon Marsh. You may have them already, but they are worth the price.

With the Mets, Justin Verlander had a strong return, and he should be back in form. Rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez is living up to his reputation.

Yankees’ rookie shortstop Anthony Volpe has started to put his game together. Infielders DK LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres, and outfielder Harrison Bader can help fill out your lineup.

On This Date: Steve Carlton hit a grand slam in the Phillies’ 7-2 win at Los Angeles on May 16, 1984. Carlton’s hit came off the Dodgers’ Fernando Valenzuela, and he has been one of the 12 Phillies’ pitchers to accomplish the feat. Since Carlton, Jeff Juden (1995) and Robert Person (2002) – two names that should jog your memory from the past – achieved the mark.