MOBILE, Ala. – Former University of South Alabama All-American Jordan Patterson was promoted to the major leagues by the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.

Patterson, who was voted the Albuquerque Isotopes' most valuable player by his teammates, ranked 10th in AAA's Pacific Coast League in on-base percentage (.376) and 11th in runs scored (75). He batted .293 with 24 doubles, seven triples, 14 home runs, 61 RBI, 75 runs scored and 10 stolen bases in 119 games played.

"It is really unbelievable and surreal," Patterson said. "It hasn't quite hit me yet; I'm sure it will once I put the uniform on. Ultimately, every kid dreams of being a big leaguer one day and since I have been a kid that is sincerely what I wanted to be. That was always the goal. It's a cool feeling to sit back and reflect and think about all of the people who have helped me. This isn't just for me; it's for everyone who has helped me. 

"I had one Division I offer one week before school started my freshman year, and that was as a pitcher. And I am thankful that (head) Coach (Mark) Calvi and and (assistant) Coach (Alan) Luckie gave me the opportunity to hit. It's crazy how time flies. I was in rookie ball in 2013, and three years later I'm at the place I want to be. But if you work hard, do things the right way and play the game the right way then you will get rewarded."

Patterson learned he would be joining the Rockies roster soon after last night's game in El Paso, Texas, which marked the Isotopes' final regular-season game.

"We finished our last game in El Paso, and I was eating a hamburger and French fries," Patterson said. "Our pitching coach came over and said our manager (Glenallen Hill) wanted to see me. So I went into his office and he said, 'Hey, I have a flight for you right here. You're going to the big leagues.' He and I got pretty close over the past year, so he gave me a big bear hug; we must have hugged for 15 seconds.

"I FaceTimed my family, and they just happened to all be together at the house for Labor Day. I got to tell everybody at the same time. It was a great moment."

Patterson could make his Major League Baseball debut tonight when the Rockies host the San Francisco Giants at 7:40 p.m. (CT) in Denver. 

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