When It Stops Being Fun…I’m Done
5-25-12
When I started blogging in 2008 my intended purpose was to bring much-needed attention to the Rockies. I felt the Rockies were ignored by the media until the actual 2007 World Series.
I thought the Rockies were Legit…So Legit they Quit.
My first blog entry…Out of the Storm the Ranter is Born
It’s 2012 and I find myself not wanting to bring any attention to the Rockies. In my eyes this season is a bust and it started with the pre-spring training decision by Poot Warts to let Tom Helmer go.
Being at the ballpark just isn’t as much fun as it was with Helmer at the helm.
EPIC FAIL POOT WARTS…SERIOUSLY EPIC.
Not like there are a lot of wins this season, but what the hell do we do to celebrate now?
Poot Warts, it’s not too late…If you seriously kiss Helmer’s ass and offer him a raise he may just consider returning. Helmer will always be a winner, I can’t say the same about Poot Warts and the Rockies this season.
Dan O’Dowd has got to go. He’s a major contributor to the Rockies internal blockage.
Drew Litton
The problem is Dan has this remarkable ability to stay nicely tucked inside Dick Monfort’s colon. Personally I can’t stand the smell of hot dogs.
I’m not sure where I stand with Jim Tracy.
I like Tracy, but if you look at his past performances, he’s about par for “his” course here in Colorado.
As I mentioned a few weeks back on Facebook, I think the Rockies need a fan induced managerial enema.
The “Year of the Fan” is a fregg’n joke. That’s an entire blog entry on its own but…Not worth the effort.
The Rockies AAA team the Sky Sox have better game day giveaways(4 bobble head this season vs the Rockies none), and consistently treat their fans much better. I really like Security Service Field in Colorado Springs. If you’ve never been there it’s worth the trip.
I’ve never made a penny blogging about the Rockies. I’ve invested thousands of hours into my blog because I love baseball, love the Rockies and I love sharing my pictures and experiences with the Rantics and Rockies fans everywhere.
But, this season I’m…
I’m not finished with the Rant. I didn’t bust my ass to become the #1 MLBlogger in Colorado just to let it slip away because the Rockies suck. But on the other hand I can’t support this team on the level that I have been. I’ve decided to stop blogging about the Rockies for the rest of this season.
I’ll be checking out a few concerts this summer(Scorpions, Tesla, Kiss, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Motley Crue). I’ll blog about those for sure but I’m done wasting my time with a team that is plagued with issues on every level and has owners who will only pay attention when the Coors Field cash cow stops producing.
I haven’t left you totally high and dry. There are two up and coming Rockies bloggers, they are Mike the Rox Addict and Amy who writes “The Take from 20th and Blake“. Both are friends of mine and huge Rockies fans. This dynamic duo will keep your blogging needs fulfilled in my short absence. Please check out their blogs if you haven’t already.
Here’s a few Ranter nuggets of wisdom for next season Rockies. Go with the managerial enema, and clean that shit up. Invest some dough into this team. Our best homegrown pitcher was Ubaldo and you tossed his ass outta here. Homegrown pitching takes too long so try more of a combination of both next season. Consider Jamie Moyer as a pitching coach replacment for Apodaca. Chalk up some much needed wins, show the loyal fans you care and try to win back the ones you pissed off by not caring.
Finally… Get rid of that fregg’n embarrassing wussie purple dinosaur mascot…Please?
I’ve always heard you can’t polish a turd… So why do we keep buying turtle wax?
Next season…New look Rockies with new management, a new attitude, confident new pitchers and a new tough Looking Mascot. Anything less is a smack in the face of the Rockies fans who still go to Coors despite the Rockies being the bottom feeders of the NL West…Myself included.
Will I still go to Rockies games? Oh hell yeah, I have tickets to about ten more games and I’ll be there because win or lose it’s still baseball and the only show in town. However, I won’t be taking any pictures because there is nothing about this season I want to remember. I’m also a Broncos season ticket holder and I fully intend to blog about the Broncos again this year. Towards the end of June the family and I will be in Tulsa for our first Drillers game.
What will I do with all of my free time? Were moving to a little town in the Colorado mountains called Wondervu and I’m going to take the rest of the summer to settle in, hang with my family, get to know my neighbors, learn how to make my own picture frames, and throw one helluva house-warming party.
Rantics…Give me a pass on this one. With so many bloggers doing what I do now it’s time for me to “change it up”. During my break I’ll be in my mountain lab secretly developing the next trends in Sports Picture Blogging, cause that’s what “I” do.
I’ll be back with a vengeance Colorado…Bet!
I’m ”D” The Ranter and even the “King of Bloggers” needs to take time to work on his castle.
Rockies…Do something!!
Zero Runs = Zero Fun
5-18-12
Mariners vs Rockies Game 1
The Rockies first Interleague game of the season. Hang’n with me today was my buddy Eric. Eric is the guy I’m buying our house in Wondervu from.
Rockies batting practice was a total bust as per usual. Mariners was a bit more interesting but at the end of the day my ball count was still zero.
Mariners were hitting Dodger 50th Anniversary baseballs for BP??
A fellow MLBlogger named Todd Cook and his family(two sons and dad) were visiting Coors Field for the first time. They’re here to support the Mariners on their road trip, get a Coors field ice cream cap, and scratch another stadium off the adventure list.
Really nice folks and Todd writes an excellent blog called:
Here’s Todd and his youngest Keelen, with Hawaii Bob smiling in the background.
Todd’s dad during BP.
Seemed to me Todd had a good day snagg’n. Not sure what his final numbers were but he damn sure did Coors Field right.
Here’s Mike the Rox Addict showing you one more run than the Rockies actually scored tonight…LAME
Check out Mike’s new Jersey.
Dan and Emily
My buddy Eric, he’s a Red Sox fan…Go figure.
Here’s just a few pictures. I figure if the Rockies aren’t going to put forth much effort I won’t either.
This was the only happy Rockies fan I could find and she was way too happy.
This game was straight up boring.
I’m “D” the Ranter…C’mon Rockies…This is the Mariners…WTF??
Older Than Me…Still Making History
5/16/12
Diamondbacks vs Rockies Game 1
Rockies were tired and skipped batting practice today, the D-Backs were not. I managed to snag a ground rule double during BP off of Justin Upton. Normally those are difficult to grab ahold of when they bounce, but this one hit the wall, bounced off my arm and landed right by my feet…Sweet!
This is my portable “Bring Back Helmer” sign. No good TV oportunities to use it today.
Photo by Amy
For this game I was sitting front row in the pavilion so I didn’t take nearly as many pictures as I normally do. Today I was hoping for a chance to snag a live game home run ball.
As is always the case…It didn’t happen 
When Jamie’s runn’n the show you know something cool is gonna transpire. Jamie gets his first RBI’s since June of 2004 and is now the oldest pitcher in MLB with an RBI.
Meet the Rockies new mascot “The Rally Squirrel”.
I’m calling him Dante cause of his puffy cheeks.
Rockies strike first and get a much-needed win with a final score of …6-1
Quote from Jamie post-game:
“Making quality pitches is the important thing for me,” Moyer said. “Tonight, I did a better job of it, but there’s still room for improvement.”
I”m “D” The Ranter and I’m becoming a huge Jamie Moyer fan.
Used Twice…That’s Nice
5/14/12
A while back a guy named Jared sent me an email introducing himself and his blog. Jared asked if he could use some of my pictures in his blog every now and then. He offered a small sum of money and I turned him down. I asked that if he use my pictures he give me photo credit and link the Rant.
Today was the first time Jared has used my pictures and I think he chose a few good ones. Jared’s blog is called :
The article in which Jared used the pictures was called:
I’m “D” the Ranter and I like it when a picture gets more than one use…”D”
Next game…Wed May 16th…WTF Rockies??
Chipper Holds Class…Braves Kick Ass
5/5/12
Braves vs Rockies Game 2
Today’s adventure started out early. Hunter and I headed to Groove Chevrolet in Littleton to support MVP Sports and Colorado sports Artist Kyle Banister who was helping host a Wilin Rosario autograph session.
When we arrived it was still early on in the session and not many folks had arrived yet. I was able to shake hands with Wilin, get one of Kyle’s Rosario prints autographed, and get a picture of Wilin autographed for Hunter.
Wilin was kind enough to pose with us for a picture. I asked Wilin what his favorite part of being a Rockie this season and his face lit up and he said:
”Everything man, the fans, the players, I love it.”
What Wilin doesn’t know at this point is once you shake the hand of the Ranter..Good things begin to happen.
Wilin is a really nice guy and Kyle drew an awesome print for this autograph session. As we were leaving we ran into Amy, Eric, Gary and Alannah X who were hang’n round enjoying the free lunch after getting Wilin’s autograph.
What I love about Kyle’s artwork is when you step back a few feet it comes to life.
Whenever I think of the Braves I think of my buddy Andy from Spring training. As much as I’ve taken abuse from him about the Rockies, I give it back too. I enjoy the Braves in town because it usually results in a good batting practice and today did not disappoint.
For a change of pace I switched up gloves. I had a small amount of play from the Rockies today but each time the ball would drop short or fly over my head. However, once the Braves took over the field I knew I had picked the right part of the pavilion to be standing. My first ball was a toss-up that bounced short of the first row. I was able to snatch it up on the second bounce. My second ball was hit hard and I knew it was going to land in the tunnel. I headed for the tunnel, turned back and was positioned for a perfect tunnel catch. At the last-minute another dude reached into the tunnel from the pavilion and deflected the ball. It went into the tunnel and through the door. I ran in and snagged it.
At this point I’m glad I’ve snagged two balls but I still hadn’t caught one on the fly this season. This was grinding on me hard. Finally with about ten minutes left of BP Dan Uggla hit a homer that had my name on it. I took a few steps to my left and made a perfect catch. I can’t tell you how glad I was to get that first one out-of-the-way.
Today was Cinco De Mayo or as I heard a Rockies fan say Drinko De Mayo
Here are a few pre-game pictures.
My mission today was to get pictures of Chipper Jones last time at Coors Field.
Cuddy’s Grand Slam..A nice shot into the pavilion.
Jamie Moyers first hit as a Rockie.
Yeah!!
I told you once you shake the hand of the Ranter good things happen. This is one of two Rosario homers tonight.
Here’s not only Chipper Jones but Chipper as his bat is starting to shred. First time I’ve gotten a shot of a bat breaking this particular way. Chipper was money tonight and had a career high 5 RBI’s.
Here’s what Tracy had to say about Esmil Rogers:
“With Esmil, it’s back and forth,” Tracy said. “A good day, a bad day, a good day, another bad day. Which guy’s coming? Which guy’s going to show up? That’s what we have to sort out and get to the point where we know a consistent guy’s going to show up on a regular basis. That’s where we’re failing, right?
Major group duck!
Jim Tracy and his thoughts about the loss:
“That’s the worst game of the year for us. From the sixth inning on, we didn’t pitch at all. We had a 6-0 lead after two innings, and once we went to our bullpen no one that we ran out there threw with any consistency whatsoever. When you’ve scored 17 runs in the first two games of the series and you haven’t won one, it gives you a pretty good idea of where we’re failing.”
It’s tough to watch Jamie pitch so well then watch a nice lead slip away.
Final Score: Braves 13 Rockies 7…Ouch that’s two now.
I’m ”D” The Ranter and I’m thinking I need to shake hands with all of the Rockies.
Slammed his Bat n’ That Was That
5-1-12
Game Two
I was pretty excited about the game today(surprise).
The Rockies had won game one the night before and the Rox Addict had informed me it was raining baseballs during batting practice in the pavilion on Monday. With my record so far I was ready for a downpour.
I was the first in the pavilion and worked my way down to the first row. The Rockies stayed out for most of the half hour we’re allowed to watch them hit. I had play on one ball before the Rockies called it quits. I didn’t bobble it, it just fell about six inches short of my glove as I was leaning over the wall.
I was hang’n with the Rox Addict and my buddy Scott today. After the Dodgers took the field Scott pointed out that Don Mattingly was walking around the field catching pop flys. At one point Don scooped down to pick up a ball that fell short and turned to toss it to the crowd. I called his name and was sure he was going to toss it to me. Instead he tossed it over my head and my buddy Scott snagged it…That’s pretty damn cool in my book and that’s why I show up early. You never know when you’ll make a lifetime memory.
I had play on a few more baseballs but again I pulled a goose egg. It’s starting to stress me a little because my vision isn’t quite what it used to be and I’m hoping that’s not what’s causing me to keep coming up a bit short. Gett’n old sucks, no doubt about it.
I took some pre-game pictures today.
The Hosers
My good buddy and former Rockie Mark Ellis. This guy is a helluva player, not sure why we let him go?
Tony is always dangerous.
Before I could choke down my dollar hot dog the Rockies were down 7-0 and Chacin was a memory.
In comes Roenicke.
That bat is history but on the plus side no stitches required.
Rockies played hard and got within one run.
Final Score…Dodgers 7 Rockies 6
I like Chacin but the dude is 0-3 this season with 7.03 ERA in 5 starts. This game was his worst with a career-high seven earned runs on 11 hits and four walks.
I’m ”D” The Ranter and I’m wondering if the next time I see Chacin start it’ll be in Colorado Springs??
Next game…Saturday vs the Braves…Go Rockies!!
Always Fun..Hang’n with my Son
4/28/12
Rockies vs Giants Game 2
It may be the “Year of the Fan” but it’s damn sure not the “Year of the Ranter”.
Batting practice was so bad that I’m considering not going for a while because I’m struggling finding zen. The combination of the Usher who told me I can’t use the same gate I’ve been using for 4 years, the gates opening the late, and the Rockies skipping out early for BP, I can’t win here.
Props to Hunter for snagg’n his first toss-up of the season, from a Mets player…Sad
I decided to let the guy below pick tonight’s winner. Sucks for him though… He picked a little more than the Mets.
Here are my game pictures.
Scutaro leads off with a single, steals second and third.
Jon’s the man.
Guillermo Moscoso first MLB pitch.
Guillermo was brought up from AAA to replace Jeremy Guthrie who hurt himself in a bike accident.
Bob with a pep talk.
Sorry Duece.
Dex and the Nacho guy.
Here’s where the Mets catcher takes one in the crotch. Look closely at his face.
The urge to vomit sets in.
A small group forms, all thankful it wasn’t them.
Missed that one.
Teamwork.
Chill’n
Happy Camper…What’s up with that Rockies hat though??
Check the dude on the right.
A Facebook friend.
Tyler Colvin hits a triple.
Ninth inning, two out…In comes Giambi to pinch hit for Scutaro, Coors Field goes nuts.
With Colvin on third, with a chance to tie it up…Giambi pops out.
Nice try G…Final Score
Tiebreaker tomorrow with Moyer on the mound. I’m “D” the Ranter and I enjoyed this game, despite the loss.
Maybe it’s cause I was hang’n with my boy…”D”
Two Triples and a Slam….Damn!
4/27/12
Rockies vs the Mets Game 1
I mentioned a while back about my theory and how I thought a good batting practice results in a high scoring game. Today was the worst batting practice I’ve been to in years.
Between both teams only a handful of balls were hit out and only two landed in the pavilion, that’s straight up pitiful. Game four of the season for me and only one toss-up to date.
The Rockies shot my BP theory to shit last night with one helluva performance from everyone despite the crappy BP.
Here are the game pictures I took:
The fastest player in MLB…Eric Young Jr.
This is where it all started in the fifth inning when EY Jr pinch hit. Eric scored two runs and got the Rockies back into this game with his enthusiasm.
Quote from EY Jr: “Every time I hit the ball, I run hard,” Young said. “Have you ever seen me not once run hard? It’s the right way to play the game.”
Damn right EY…That’s why we love ya brotha!!
Was nice to see Dex hit a three run homer especially on his T-Shirt day.
Props to Hernandez for his Grand Slam…Beautiful shot.
Rockies win this one with a final score of 18-9.
I’m “D” The Ranter… I’m just hoping the Rockies save a few hits for tonight. It’s Hunter’s first game of the season
He’s Been Around a While…That Makes Me Smile
4/17/12
Rockies vs Padres Game 2
Older than me and making history.
My buddy “B” went with me to this game. We showed up early for batting practice and I was rewarded with my first ball of the year.
A toss-up from Dexter Fowler…Thanks Dex!
I immediately gave that ball away for good luck because if it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck in my life right now. I had totally spaced out that Jamie Moyer was the starting pitcher today and when I found out that made the game a lot more interesting.
I couldn’t help but smile for the first five innings. The more I learn about Jamie Moyer the more I really enjoy watching his style of pitch. Plus anytime you hear the words Rockies and winning pitcher, believe me that’s a good thing around here :).
Here are the game pictures I took today.
Rosario gets a double.
Cuddy scores off the double.
I think once you’re past 45 you should get an extra swing at least.
Smooth sailing to first.
Smooth sailing to second.
Strike three Dex.
Seriously…Are you kidding me? I think a tumbleweed race would be more exciting.
Racing Teeth is straight up embarrassing. I can say that because I’ve raced inside a Bud Light bottle before.
If you’ve never seen it…Here’s the blog entry:
Running Full Throttle in a Bottle
Rex Brothers
Huston Street.
Here’s three pictures of Helton’s slide home.
A little closer.
Umpire says safe.
It’s always cool when my pals come up to the Rockpile and hang for a while. The best view is up here
Rafael…The slowest of the Ninja Turtles.
Slow and steady wins the race this time, here’s the last swing of the game.
Rockies kept it together this time and helped Jamie get his record-breaking win.
You Da Man Jamie!!
I wish you many more wins as a Rockie…Sir!
Click here to see Jamie talking about it all:
Best picture I took all night.
I’m ”D” The Ranter and now I have a ticket that needs the “Oldest Winning Pitcher’s” autograph on it…”D”
Show Me Some More of that Football Score
4/11/12
Giants vs Rockies Game 2…Justice
At this point Timmy doesn’t know it but today would be the shortest start of his career.
I was more than ready for some serious batting practice today. I was shutout on opening day and that puts me behind of my one ball a game average. Just when batting practice was starting to get roll’n, mother nature let loose and put an abrupt halt to all fun.
The rain didn’t last long, but it lasted long enough that the tarp was brought out. Zip for catching baseballs this regular season so far, now I’m behind and playing catch-up and that’s no fun.
Here’s a few pre-game pictures. Props to Amy for helping me get Cuddy’s autograph on my ticket today. I was damn close to getting Helton but as I”ve mentioned before I’m an anti-magnet when it comes to Helton for some reason.
I swear I’ve gotten Helton’s autograph only 4 times in 6 years. That might seem like a lot but I go to a lot of games.
Gutherie’s first Coors Field start. Think he was a bit nervous?
Cargo drove had two triples and drove in four runs. Nice to see Cargo finally get some hits.
Check out Dan in this picture, he’s all excited and Robert’s all mellow.
Rockies set a record tonight for most runs and hits without a home run.
Check out the Todd Helton broken bat series.
Partial bat flying.
So long Timmy.
This game was exactly what I needed after that lesson by Barry Zito on Monday.
Rockies even up the series with a football score of 17-8.
I’m ”D” The Ranter and the Rockies have my full attention. Show me some more of that!
Go Rockies…”D”
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