TUCSON, Ariz. -- In his first at-bat of Spring Training in the Rockies' 4-2 win over the Padres on Sunday, first baseman Todd Helton crushed a pitch from San Diego starter Chris Young about 450 feet to center field at Hi Corbett Field, easily clearing the wall.

Let's say it had been a while for Helton, who showed that there's hope after a season marred by a back injury. It was Helton's first at-bat since Sept. 14, the first time he'd started a game since July 2, his first homer since June 10.

But to hit a ball that straight and far at Hi Corbett -- where home runs aren't plentiful -- Helton had to go back even longer.

"My first at-bat ever here," Helton said. "That was probably the last time."

Helton underwent arthroscopic surgery in September to alleviate pressure on a nerve by a bulging disk. Once Helton began baseball activities, he not only vowed to be ready by Opening Day, but even felt he could regain some of the power that years of back problems cost him.

But even with such optimism coming from him and the Rockies, not everyone was certain when he'd be back or if such power was possible anymore. Helton hit .264 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs in 83 games last year.

Helton, who also popped out to right field in the second inning and played in the field for three innings, faces more tests. He wants to play designated hitter in Monday's intrasquad game, but he'll have to determine how his back feels. At some point, he'll have to play on consecutive days, play full games and face left-handed pitchers.

But in a long Spring Training that has been more notable for injuries -- with pitcher Jeff Francis gone for the year because of shoulder surgery and various players dealing with various pains -- than accomplishments, Helton stepped up on a windy, overcast day and brightened camp.

Before Sunday's game, Helton received a rousing applause when his name was announced as part of the starting lineup.

"I just kind of like writing his name in the lineup," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. "Anything else is gravy."

Four pitches into his first at-bat, the crowd was cheering him much louder. The homer gave the Rockies a 3-0 lead. Scott Podsednik had reached on an error by Padres shortstop Chris Burke and scored on Ryan Spilborghs' double before Helton went deep on a 2-1 fastball.

"I'll be honest: I was nervous," Helton said. "I felt good in that situation because a quality at-bat is getting the runner over. I realized I could still have a bad swing and have a productive at-bat. [Young] left it over the middle of the plate, and I did what I was supposed to do with it.

"It's just one at-bat. I've got to do that over a long period of time to have a good season and help this team win."

Hurdle said there are specific points he and hitting coach Don Baylor monitor with Helton.

"He's worked real hard with Don getting his hands in a comfortable position, trying to revisit the hand position that he's had in the past and had success, sticking with one plan and getting his lower half involved in the swing also," Hurdle said.

Young was not surprised with Helton's power.

"It was not where I wanted it to be -- down, but, he's a great hitter and it's always a major challenge," Young said. "You're always going to have your work cut out for you when he comes up there. I made a mistake and he hit it."

"This is an All-Star and one of the best hitters of his time," Padres manager Bud Black said. "It doesn't surprise me when good players do great things."

Helton was the most notable player returning from injury, but not the only one.

Garrett Atkins started at third and doubled twice after missing two games with a slight strain of the right hip flexor. Ian Stewart, limited to one Cactus League game because of a strained left biceps, replaced Atkins and doubled in his first at-bat. Righty Matt Belisle had been slowed throughout camp with a forearm strain, but he pitched the ninth.

Right fielder Brad Hawpe, who had four stitches removed from his lacerated left pinkie finger, has been throwing the past two days and soon expects to be cleared to hit in the batting cage.

Joe Koshansky replaced Helton at first base in the fourth inning. It was a short day for Helton as he begins a season of playing as much and as well as he can while monitoring his back.

But it was a nice memory.

"Don't get me wrong, it's a lot better than grounding out to second base," Helton said.