9/30/09

Couple of things before I go into the Rockies/Brewers. Today was Edition 1 of my new bi-weekly column called "Ranter's Banter. It's over at MyGameBalls.com and I plan to have some fun with this. Go over and check it out.

                                    Feel free to leave a comment there or here.

Be easy on me as writing a column is a little different than blogging and I'm just gettin my feet wet :) Also remember I get paid for none of this so I operate on the honor system. I'm honored when you take the time to stop by and check out the Rant.

9/29/09                           Brewers vs Rockies Game 1

The drive to Coors Field today was filled with mixed emotions. I was feeling a bit sad because I knew this would be the second last batting practice of the regular season and to me that is what signals winter's on its way.

Actually the fact that I've been scraping my truck windshield a month before any of you is more of a signal of winter is almost here.

I was heading to the game early to have a burger and a cold one with Nick (aka The Happy Youngster).

He was in town following his Brewers and we had arranged to meet earlier. We met at 20th and Blake (Coors Field) and Happy showed up with his buddy and fellow ballhawk Kenny.

  We walked a couple blocks over to the Blake Street Tavern, talked some snaggin, had a tasty burger and then headed back to Coors Field to line up for batting practice.

                          Happy's easy to spot in the outfield. This is his signature T-Shirt.   BP was a good time. The Rockies gave us sixteen minutes today but I forgot all about that when the Brewers came up to bat. Good times were had as they scattered baseballs all over the pavilion. I managed to catch two.  My first was a ground rule double hit by J.J. Hardy which cleared the first row. I had to jump about a foot in the air to catch it but it was all mine. The second was a beautiful hit by Mike Rivera which I caught mid-pavilion. Lots of play today, just the way I like it.

                                         I think Happy and Kenny each got three.

         Way too many people to attempt autographs today so I just took action shots...Enjoy

                                               Starting pitcher Jason Marquis.                                                     Hill and Jimenez                                                                Cook and Giambi

                                              Everyone looking relaxed                                                            Tracy with his look.

                                                    To be continued...D

10/5/09

Man that was a long wait but life supercedes blogging and I've got a few things going on besides baseball.

     However,.... this was such a fun game I feel bad for taking so long...So sorry...D

The Happy Youngster positioned and ready. Those seats would really pay off the next game :)

 

             I got a little excited trying to take this picture,....but you get the picture.

                                        I love the look on Garrett's face.

Nice to see Hawpe finally found his swing. If he's like me he probably left it on top of his hat.

                                        Dexter Fowler and lemonaid.

A few of the Brewers making small talk during a pitching change. This is baseballs version of watercooler chat in the workplace.

    What do you think they're talking about? Cars? Women? Jock itch spray? 

                                                            We'll never know?

Rockies needed this win and they got it. Props to Happy and Kenny for hanging out with the Ranter pre-game. If you ever see those two buy em a beer they're good people.

                                                                Go Rockies...D

9/26/09                                      Cardinals vs Rockies Game 2

I hope I'm not the only Rockies fan concerned with the Atlanta Braves. My friend Andy(from Spring Training) may be a Rockies fan, but deep down his # 1 team is the Braves. So now I have him on a daily basis reminding me of the differences between our two teams schedules.

I have confidence the Rockies will prevail, but the Braves schedule is cake. The Dodgers may have cinched their playoff appearance but they still have home field advantage to play for.

Although the Cardinals are a respectable team I really was hoping for a sweep at home. That didn't happen. Ubaldo started the game by walking the first two batters and then it was down hill from there with the Cardinals scoring three in the first inning.

 The Rockies had it tied up by the fourth with a two run homer from Hawpe, but those would be the last runs scored by the Rockies in this game.

 The Cardinals went on to add another run in the seventh and two more in the ninth to take the Rockies 6-3 in front of 47,741 Rockies fans anxious for a post-season in Colorado.

This was the first time I had a chance to see Matt Holliday since he was traded. Matt seemed content and watching his mannerisms out in left field reminded me of years past.

                                            His demeanor hasn't changed a bit.  Matt was cool to the fans during batting practice and I watched him toss up several baseballs including one to me. I'll attribute it to Matt recognizing me as a fellow MLBlogger and he was hooking a brotha up. Thanks Matt. I gave that ball to my UPS driver who happened to be be at the game with his wife.

The Rockies were out on the field for 16 minutes today during the fan's part of BP.

 I skipped taking Rockies pictures as I was concentrating on catching a BP homer. I should have took pictures....Nothing, it's as if they were trying not to hit any out?

Batting practice was jam packed. Look at all those Cardinals out there red messing with my flow.

Today was a special day for Dan's daughter Emily. The sign speaks for itself. Congrats Emily, that's got to be some kind of record right? First pitch of the game.

Pujols is a big dude, he makes stocky Torrealba look small.

That would be a strike for the big guy.

Matt at bat.

 

Brad Hawpe had a sweet left field homer.

  Wins, we need wins. It's simple, we win and we get to play in October. At times when I watch the Rockies I believe I'm watching the best team in baseball.

                                                 Just not this particular time.

                                        Go Rockies, Rock me for old time sakes :) ...D

 

9/24/09                                     Padres vs Rockies Game 3

I guess I'm not much of a Ballhawk. My stats this year are pathetic. I'm averaging less than a ball a game and that's barely noteworthy.

I don't think I'm slipping. I still catch 'em as good as I ever have. Actually I'm much better this year at maneuvering the pavilion bleachers and I've managed to keep myself injury free. 

Everybody has an excuse so here's what I'm going to attribute this lackluster snaggin season to:

The Rain.... If I attend a game and there's no batting practice or batting practice is cancelled due to weather that still counts as a game attended and no baseballs caught,...yep it's sad but true.

I've lost count of the number of BP's that have been cancelled or cut seriously short due to rain or lightning.

Here's another disturbing trend....Lately the Rockies have been cutting their BP short. Coors Field opens two hours early but by the time fans get inside the Rockies have already been out practicing for a while.

Normally fans who show up early get a half hour with the Rockies on the field.

This picture is of the Rockies leaving the field early. For the last several games the Rockies have been ending their BP shortly after I get myself situated.  

I hope the Rockies don't think I show up two hours early to watch the opposing team hit?  I arrived in my spot in the pavilion at 4:32. If you can't see the clock in the middle of the above picture here's a close-up of it....Thanks for the 13 minutes...glad you could spare it.Check this out, finally I get a rain free afternoon and for the most part batting practice is deserted (remember it's the Padres). My team leaves BP early (for the umpteenth time) and lets the uninspiring Padres take over the field.

No offense to Padre fans but in my opinion there is not a stingier group of MLB players in all of baseball. It wouldn't matter so much if they were littering the pavilion with home run balls, but for a team who has had the Rockies number of late these group of guys couldn't seem to hit a ball anywhere close to the fence.

Whatever Padres, be that way. Credit where credit is due...I will congratulate the Padres for their recent hot streak. Too bad it doesn't mean anything now. We're done with you, see you next year.

(I hate losing to the Padres at Coors).

  A ballhawk's worst nightmare... A whole section to myself and not one single ball hit there.

        Normally I don't take pictures during BP, but this one was a bust so here's a few.                                   For some reason Jorge De La Rosa was all smiles.

                      See what I mean. I don't think I have any other pictures of Jorge smiling.                                             Still smiling, must have been a good joke.  

                               Or maybe Jorge was laughing at Ubaldo's sunglasses.

 If you played professional baseball you could afford the cooler things in life like these special sunglasses. They actually snap into your ears and are guaranteed to never to fall off    :)

After BP or the lack thereof, I walked over to the Rockies side to take a few more pictures and maybe snag Garrett Atkins or Brad Hawpe's autograph.

Today I saw Chris Iannetta run past the fans and not sign. He (so I thought) has a pre-game ritual and always signs for a few minutes before he heads off to warm-up. Sup with that Chris, why are you breaking routine?

First to walk over and start signing was pitching coach Bob Apodaca...Very nice guy, signs his whole name and takes his time while doing it.    Next up is one of the coolest and easiest to talk to Rockies players....Clint Barmes.    A group Coors field employees were being recognized for something. Erik Young Jr was given the assignment of congratulaing each one of them.

Check out this lady...Either EY Jr tickled her palm or he told her the same joke Jorge was laughing at earlier.

                              A shot of the 850 KOA helicopter hovering above Coors Field.

                                 Miss Colorado's were in the house.

          I didnt' realize there were so many variations of Miss Colorado.

              Garrett Atkins for my friend Emily :)

Tulo and Seth Smith...Each a superstar this season. No time to be resting on our accomplishments though, this season isn't over yet.

    If you've ever wondered how they make those rectangles so perfect...now you know.

I respect both of these guys too much to bust on them so come up with your own caption for this picture. You can post it in the comment section if you'd like.                                                                       I'll let Atkins slide too.

 EY Jr taking on first pitch duties. I wonder where Jeff Francis is? Normally that's his job.

                       Told you that goatee would be back soon.                                   Here's Helton is doing his thing.

Chris seemed out of it. Maybe it's because Yorvit's having a great season? 

 

                                                     Tulo and Don Baylor.

  These ladies need to practice this maneuver because they damn sure haven't mastered it yet.

  What's up with Glenallen Hill's hair? Did he lose a bet? I know the 80's are coming back but damn Gumby.

                     One of many pitching changes during this game.

                                        Bases loaded.

This game sucked. Padres win this one 5-4 and take the series 2-1.

 It pains me to watch this team drop the ball like this so late in the season when everything is on the line.

 Look out for the Braves, they're creeping up on us and have a lot of home games left. At this point we don't have to panic but lets not continue lose games to teams that we should be spanking.

Rockies it's time to kick it into high gear.

I know your tired, at times it's quite visible. The last couple weeks of the season is what separates the men from the boys and I don't go to Coors field to watch boys play baseball.

Step it up fellas, I'm starting to see a smugness in some of the Rockies players and I don't like that. Remember, the only reason you get to play this sport for a living is because we the fans pay to see you.  

Note to the higher salaried Rockies players....Lose the fu*king attitudes. I know the difference between confident and smug and unless you're Todd Helton you haven't been playing long enough to have one.

Stop this recent half-steppin, respect your fans and give them some love back, focus, play hard and win some games and we might not look like chumps in the post-season this time.

      Go Rockies, I still believe and I'm here to keep your azzes grounded...D

I'd like to say thank you to Jim from Utah who offered me his code to buy tickets for the NLDS series. Unfortunately, you had to purchase for all three games at once and the only seats left were the expensive ones. This Ranter doesn't make that kind of money...But that was a mighty kind thing to do.  

9/21/09

Alternate titles for this entry were: Oh The Pain as I'm Dissed Again and I'd Stand in Line but I'd be Wasting my Time. 

It's amazing how quickly things can change in this little town of Nederland. I filmed some video yesterday for my last entry of the surrounding mountains and there wasn't a speck of snow.

                            Today is officially the last day of summer. This is our front deck.

                                             Time to play in the snow.

 I have a feeling it's going to be a long wet winter. My kids wont mind, they don't have to drive into the city every day.                                            Hunter chill'n in the snowstorm.                                   Don't get me wrong I'm not bitch'n, it's worth it :) 

HOWEVER, I do have a one thing in particular I'd like to mention. I received an email from the Rockies today and I wasn't happy about it. Instead of me explaining it I'll just let you read it.

Dear Rockies Fan,

Recently you registered at coloradorockies.com for the opportunity to purchase 2009 Division Series tickets for games to be played at Coors Field. Unfortunately, your entry was not selected.

If you also registered for the Ticket Opportunity for the potential National League Championship Series and World Series games, you are still eligible to be selected and do not need to register again. The dates and times for the email notification for those Opportunities is posted on our website or can be found here. 

Thank you for participating in the 2009 Postseason Ticket Opportunity.

OK Rockies ticket people, just so I'm sure..Is this the only chance I have at Division tickets?

I mean I remember back in 2007 and the Rockies totally dropped the ball with the World Series ticket sales. Instead of holding back a few thousand tickets for the LOYAL fans who were willing to camp out for the chance to witness the Rockies in the World Series, they let all of the available tickets go on sale to the entire country at the same time online.

With that swift move they managed to piss-off a lot of loyal Rockies fans and fill Coors Field with more Red Sox fans than Rockies fans. That could straight-up happen again.

I hate this. I hate that after attending over 40 games at Coors Field this season the only chance of me watching a post-season game live is by the luck of the draw.

                                                     I hate random drawings. Why does it have to be this way? How do I know the drawing isn't just two dudes and a bucket who say Fu*k it?

Here's a thought...When the Rockies make it to the post-season lets save the Rockpile section for residents of Colorado only. Sure the Rockpile may leave a lot to be desired. But I'd be ok with a Rockpile ticket to the World Series..Wouldn't you?

C'mon Rockies Ticket people, don't let bad history repeat itself. Don't ignore the non-season ticket holder Rockies fans this time.

Explain to me why you can't just set aside a few thousand tickets for the local fans. Wouldn't you rather have us inside Coors Field? 

                                                      I care and I just wanna be there...D

 

9/20/09.                            Winter is coming...Playoffs in the Snow?

                  

I can't say for sure but most of us here at MLBlogs blog for the love of writing about our sport. The reward is the ability to voice our opinions to a broad audience and to receive feedback from our readers.

 The Rockies have been away from Coors Field for a good stretch now and for most of this road trip I haven't been feeling it. At times this past week I didn't even recognize this team. 

I blog about games I attend and away games worthy of mention. Other than last night's impressive win against the D-Backs I haven't had the urge to voice/type anything. 

 It felt like I had been watching the Rockies plunge into a downward spiral and I had nothing "print worthy" to say about it.                I kept my mouth shut and hoped I'd eventually see the "Real Rockies" show up.

I'm not here to bash my team or even critique them.(Although I've been known to sneak in a little of both every now and then, but it's meant with love).

 I don't have near the baseball smarts to be advising the Rockies on what or what not to do. My sole function in this equation to support and promote the Rockie. If I'm lucky I might catch a few baseballs at Coors Field while I'm doing it. 

                   

However, I can't promote/write about the games where the Rockies just don't show up as a team. This road trip has been scary and it's evident that this long season may be starting to take its toll on the Rockies.

                    Not to worry folks...Remember the power of positive thinking.

Although there have been a few blown fuses along the way I believe the Rockies juice is still flowing. We'll really get to see in September exactly what our team is made of. The Rockies have been clearing a nice path for themselves all season long.

I'm hoping a lack of new injuries and some stellar at-bats will kept this team on the path to our first World Series Championship.

                   I've believed this all season long and I'm not going to stop believing now.

On a future note...I'm not liking the idea of our last three games being against the Dodgers but what can you do.

I had to do a double take when I saw a clean faced Helton(No I'm not shaving mine)...I bet that baby face doesn't last long for Sweet T.

Giambi is 4-for-10 with nine RBIs and seven walks and a homer since joining the Rockies...The guy is like old gold that has been melted and molded back into something useful and fun.  

Props to Carlos Gonzalez for leading off game 1 against the D-backs with a homer.....Gonzalez is an All-Star waiting for a year.

Readers of this blog have heard me talk about Nick. He's an MLBlogger and avid ballhawk from Wisconsin who writes an excellent blog called :

The Happy Youngster. Nick will be out here in Denver for the Rockies last three home games against the Brewers.

I've always wanted to meet Nick and I'll get to do that and see the man in action during Batting Practice.   

Over the last year I've had a few offers to blog for other sites and had seriously considered several of them but in the end it just never worked out. I will be(for fun) writing a bi-weekly column for a site called MYGAMEBALLS.COM.

If you visit the site in the top right corner of the page is a drop down/search bar. You can scroll down and choose RANTER(That's me), and you can see my stats(or others). My 2009 stats are up to date but I'm still entering my information from last season.

It's a fun site and a great way to keep track of snagg'n stats. My first article there (October 1st) may or may not have something to do with collecting stuff :)

As I've said before a streak starts with one, and I'm looking for some solid wins, and a confident Rockies team heading back to Denver to lock in that wild card spot.

On a sad note.... I lost half of the Rockies/Giants  bet to my friend Todd, I have to cook hot dogs for the Crew as I lost the head to head of our two teams playing.

On a positive note....Most likely Todd will have to sport a Rockies jersey when I'm cooking those hot dogs. Right now the Rockies are ahead in the season wins category.

 It's been a fun season long bet and I'll have pictures up the day it all goes down...

 Man I love September baseball, excitement and frustration all wrapped up into one tiny little red stitched white ball.

                                                            Go Rockies...D

 

9/12/09                                        Rockies vs Padres Game 1

               The Padres at home in San Diego are never an easy win for the Rockies.

 Each new game turns out to be a come from behind thriller with a new Rockie stepping up to help this team gain ground on the "Blueballed" Dodgers.

Today was Yorvit's Torrealba's turn. Yorvit entered the game in the seventh inning. In the ninth inning with two out Torealba hit a three-run double and the Rockies take game 1...... 4-1 in San Diego.

 If watching the Rockies play in ball September doesn't get your blood pumping you must have ED.

(You can quote me on that MLB.com)

    The  Rockies are "Raising Up"  and I see no signs of them getting SOFT.

  Jim Tracy for Manager of the Year

Seth Smith..I hope his contract is performance based.

Yorvit Torrealba doesn't want to play second fiddle to anyone, you've got to respect that.

Troy Tulowitzki is exactly what we wanted/needed him to be.

Todd Helton...Leader, loyal, humble, warrior, winner. 

Jason Giambi...Great player, great timing, great presence. 

I hear Rockies talk everywhere I go now. People now know, the Country now knows. They all know what I've known all season. The Rockies are the real deal.

Go ahead folks,...it's ok...Hop on the Rockies bandwagon.

I drive the Magic bus and your in for one helluva September ride...Trust me.  GO ROCKIES..Continue to show a believeR why he believes...D

 

9/9/09                              Happy B-Day to my beautiful wife Krista...

I'm sure I've mentioned this before about how I love having a routine. I don't like surprises and I like to know what's coming way ahead of time. I decided to take four days off from work and originally venture out to KC and attend a few Royals games. The trip was cancelled but I still had full intentions of making every Rockies game this past weekend.

                                     In hindsite I should have made the trip to KC.

Here's the result of what happens when a pedestrian blindly walks into a major crosswalk, the big jacked up Ford F-250 in front of me had to stop short and I had no reaction time. I plowed into his tow hitch and it went completly through the front of Krista's car.

 The truck's damage consisted of a thumbsized dent. I was ticketed for following too close.

                                  That was day one of my vacation :)

Anyways, without boring you with more details this vacation was a total bust.

I can tell you I have experienced all the joys of mountain living in the last couple of weeks short of running out of firewood.

Here's a positive note... 

The Latest Leaders List came out for August and Rockpile Rant moved from the number 9 spot in July to the number 5 spot for the month of August. My friend Emily writer of the Blog "I Live For This" came in number 4. Props to you Emily and all others who made the list.

Check this out....That puts two Rockies blogs in the top 5. That's never happened before. It's taken a few  years and a helluva season but people around the world are starting to notice this team.

That was part of my mission when I started blogging and promoting the Colorado Rockies and I believe I'll take just a little credit for that...Good Job D :)....(It's my horn I can toot it).

I'll be at Game 3 vs the Reds today. It's a beautiful day and I got a feeling. I have some pictures that haven't made it into my blog that I would like to share.

Here is Robert getting interviewed for FSN All Access. I saw it and he did a good job. When it aired it had a lot of video of Robert's catch of Spilborghs first home run this year and guess who else was in that video?

It was video of me chasing Robert as we both went for the Spilborghs homer. I couldn't knock him down and he had the jump on me. All I could do was follow him and hope he bobbled it...Of course he didn't :)

               Dan and Emily a few games back. Hey FSN when does Dan get his interview??

                                                 Hunter sporting his new haircut.                    Here are a few more pictures of a Rockies fan known as "Banner Jack".

As I've mentioned before Jack's thing is banners. I hope the old guy has his playoff banners printed.

                           The Queen of all Ushers minus the granny glasses, Queen Geri :)

Hey...I just wanted to say "THANK YOU" for reading my Rockies blog. I have no fu*king idea why so many people read this sh*t.

I'm ready for the playoffs and I'm starting to wonder how the whole playoff ticket thing is going to go down. I painfully remember a few years back taking the day off and logging into my computer, sitting there excited ready to go, logging in, getting to the confirmation page, then nothing...still nothing...That hurt. Somebody totally dropped the ball there and they know it.

Don't do that crap again "Rockies Ticket People". I know there will be some kind of drawing for people who registered(I did), but as you read at the beginning of this blog I don't have good luck spouting out my as-s on a regular basis.

                                      I just want to be there ...Know what I mean?

  This is it Rockies fans, this "IS" the year, I know you know it, get out there and show it...D 

 

9/2/09                                    Mets vs Rockies Game 2

It was just me in line for batting practice today as Hunter wanted to go skateboarding at the Nederland skate park.

I have no issues whatsoever about attending a baseball game by myself. As much as  I like having my little guy around with me cruising solo at a game has it's advantages too.

I like to walk around the stadium and I can stand for an entire game. That can be rough on a ten year old. Especially when batting practice consists of standing for a couple of hours too.

Batting practice was on today and it was nice to see the pavilion on the empty side for a change. As I was walking down the stairs I watched a ball land mid-pavilion below me.  As I was briskly walking down to pick it up I saw Robert sneak out of the confines of Row 1 and pick it up just it before I got to it. 

That ball was mine (he knew it) and I told him to stay in row one. Karma got him today and that was his only ball. 

Ten minutes later I was tracking an Iannetta homer, watched it bounce and reached down and snapped it up. There was a little boy in a Mets jersey and hat who would have gotten that ball had I not so I gave it to him.

I prefer to catch them but hey that one counts. The kid was happy and his dad thanked me.

I had play on a few more Rockies BP homers but came up short. I did manage to snag another ball off the bounce from a Mets player. I was a tad quicker than an annoying Mets fan who had snagged two other balls off of the bounce earlier that I should have had.

                  I kept that one,....I worked for it. Two for the day. Not great but not bad.

 Tulo and Smith, I haven't seen either of these guys sign a pre-game autograph in a while. That bothers me.

                                                                Sup fellas?   

       Bob Apodaca and Yorvit Torealba. Tonight was Yorvit's 13th hit in a row. Nice job! Alanna Rizzo, maybe someday I'll get my nerve up and ask her to pose in a picture with me :) 

                                                              Too cool         Hawpe signed autographs today. Robert managed to get him to sign his team ball.                                                        First pitch of the game.

                                         Carlos Gonzalez "aka Cargo"                                                              Seth Smith  I'm not sure why Smith doesn't have a full time spot. This dude can really hit when called upon.     C....is for Cookie, heal up and get out there brotha, we can't win this thing without you. Check out the video of Cook being nominated for the Roberto Clemente award for the Rockies...Congrats

                                                             

                                    Q and Dex keeping the bench warm. 

 I don't know about you but it looks to me like Jeff Francis is longing to be out there. Jeff is still on the 60 day DL list so unless the Rockies make the World Series that's probably not going to happen this season.

Heal up Francis, I'm sure the Rockies can find someone else to help with the "First pitch of the game".  Jim Tracy is a hell of a nice guy, but that scowl can throw you off. It's ok Jim, I have the same scowl at times and I tend to be misunderstood.                 This is someone I've never seen at Coors Field before. His name is Banner Jack. .

    His thing is banners..go figure, and he has lots of them. I need to know more about this guy.   I searched long and hard for some quality crack at this game. Back after a short hiatus....Here's the:                  "Coors Field Crack of the Game"     :)

                       Drew Goodman and that other guy with the funny hair.   

Just as my batteries died Jason Giambi came up to bat. That would be two games I've not been able to get a picture of him in a Rockies uniform.  

Jason pinch-hit and scored two runs putting the Rockies up and essentially winning the ballgame.

                Giambi fits in well with the Rockies and is happy to be used in any capacity.

From one veteran to another I like having him in Colorado. Props to Franklin Morales for fillling for Huston Street, and getting his first MLB save...very cool.

 Rockies show the Mets what's what here at Coors Field and win this one 5-2 taking the series.

Baseball in September rocks people. Get out and support your Rockies...You might even run into the Rockpile fu*king Ranter :)...

                                          Go Rockies...This is it are you ready?...D 

 

9/1/09                          Mets vs Rockies Game 1

 If you've never smoked before and you live in the front range of Colorado you were a smoker yesterday. The smoke from the California fires was thick and for once there wasn't any rain to wash it away.

Hunter was with me today and we were ready for some batting practice. The weather has been cruel to us this season as far as batting practice goes.

            Hunter and I were itching to get in side and start scratching , catching some balls :)

Hunter was the first to enter the Pavilion and I headed over to "my area". By the time I reached "my area" there were a couple of younger dudes inhabiting it. I quickly found another spot. 

I looked over and saw Hunter running up to me all excited. He had just found his first Coors Field Easter egg.

Easter Egg = A ball just lying there when you get inside.

The ball was lying at the base of the pavilion and he was the first to stumble across it. I've yet to find an easter egg. I'm sure the Rockies knock several baseballs into the pavilion before they open the gates for Coors Field. I wonder what happens to those baseballs?

Do the Ushers keep them?

I'd be ok with that. Ushers stand for hours and get paid minimally.

Or do they just toss them back onto the field?

  Maybe, if I ever discover the answer I'll let you know. Another one of baseball's mysteries.

As for me..."The Pavilion Poacher, "The Sultan of Snatch" I got diddly squat. I had play on several homers but the dude who initially adopted my spot ended up with my two.

I've noticed that none of you have commented on my hair :) I'm growing it for several reasons.

1. The economy. Haircuts are expensive.

2. I live in Nederland, it's ok here.

3. Helton hasn't cut his so I'm following his trend.

Thanks for not asking. I'll be sure and keep you posted,...frequently :)

Mile High welcome to Jason Giambi. Giambi had no hits tonight but was walked on his first and only at-bat.

                          I'll keep the picture show short today.  Carlos Gonzalez launched a ball into the second deck. He doesn't look big enough to do that.                                                                 The stretch.

                                               Rockies taking the field.

The DEA is on to me so I've been having trouble finding quality crack for the "Coors Field Crack of the Game". So I'll have fill-in awards until more "Crack" is discovered.

                     The award for today's game is for "The Best Use of Purple".

The next award is for the "Best Costume of the Game". This dude was in the pavilion with a suit on. I can't tell you how wrong that is.

    Next thing you know you'll have the likes of me sitting in Club Level..ewwww!

         Quite possible the best picture I took tonight that didn't come in a pair.

             Garrett Atkins,.... it wasn't his fault the throw was way to late.

                                                     Yorvit Torealba

                                            Superstar Seth Smith

                                                             Atkins

                                                              Barmes                                              Captain Earthman

The tag on his shirt says "Tip me or die of thirst". To quote Earth's own words..."Aint no sissy sippin here"  :)  The moon and stars were aligned tonight and the Rockies get the win over Mets at Coors in front of 26,190. The majority of the crowd here tonight were glad to see this win. 

                  Remember folks it only takes one win to end a streak and begin a new one.

      Oh here's one more...I call this video the "Coors Field Sprinkler Guy".

                   

                                                             You're welcome :) 

                      It's my job to keep you aware of the freaks of society...I love my job.

  My name is D The Rockpile Ranter. Coors Field is my 2nd home and nobody is safe.

                                             I'll be at the Game 2 in a few hours..D