Results tagged ‘ Rockies Fest ’
Rockies Fest 4…Now There’s More
1/19/2012
It’s almost that time of the year again.
That day towards the end of January where hardcore Rockies fans get to walk around the innards of Coors Field like they bought and paid for the place. In years past tickets to this event were cherished and have been difficult to obtain. I mean seriously how often does the average Joe get the opportunity to poke his head inside the humidor or meander through the Rockies locker room and see how messy the Deuce’s locker is?
My thing is I like to covertly toss my Ranter cards into the players lockers . No players have ever contacted me from that move, but it’s fun and kind of a ritual now for me.
Is this your first time going? Check out the previous Rockies Fests.
Here’s last years 2011 Rockies Fest blog entry…. Rockies Fest 3
Heres the 2010 Rockies Fest blog entry…. Rockies Fest 2
And I was at the first one too but WordPress lost that blog entry for me.
Anyways, the Rockies have broadened what Rockies Fest is this year. For the past three years Rockies Fest was a season ticket holder only event. This year being what the Rockies call “The Year of the Fan” the powers who be added an extra day to the event and now non-season ticket holders can enjoy the experience for only…
Here I am blessing Coors Field in 2011
Here I am Blessing Coors Field in 2010
I’ve decided not to Bless Coors Field this year.
I’m not mad or anything it’s just that it hasn’t worked. I will however be Tebowing from that exact spot. You ask why? Well I Tebowed in a bottle suit in the north end zone at Mile High Stadium and the Broncos advanced to the playoffs.
I figure it can’t hurt right?
I’m “D” The Ranter and I’d like to welcome Jamie Moyer and thank him for making a middle aged guy feel young 
See you at Rockies Fest on Saturday…“D”
Tag Along With Me at Rockies Fest Three
1-22-11
Rockies Fest…Go there once you’ll be there twice.
For me Rockies Fest symbolizes the very beginning of the baseball season. It’s my first exposure to the players since the end of the previous season and I get to wander Coors Field, take pictures, get autographs and hang out with other extreme Rockies fans.
What could be better?
I also was able to hand out Rockies Fest tickets to the Rockpile Rant’s “Rockies Essay” winners, Ken, Dave and Johnny.
Here’s Ken and his son.
Here’s Dave and his girlfriend.
Here’s Johnny.
I just want to thank everyone who took the time to submit an essay. I really enjoyed reading them and getting to know a little bit about you.
Leave a comment and let us know how your Rockies Fest went?
Here’s R-Luv..Just as excited as she could be.
Blake and his buddy.
After all the tickets were handed out the kids and I got in line.
Here’s Gary and Alannah X
The first thing on the agenda was the players/coaches interview at 10:30. So with an hour to kill we headed over to the ROOT SPORTS desk to see if Tom Helmer was around.
When we arrived at the interview area Tom came up and gave us a big friendly welcome. Hunter and Mylee decided that they wanted to get interviewed by Tom and Tracy Ringolsby. Usually there’s a line but at this point the only one in front of us was Ken(essay winner) and his son….So we got in line.
This was the first time I was able to shake hands with Tracy Ringolsby. I was really nervous but Tracy’s such a cool guy I wasn’t nervous for long.
Here’s Tom and Tracy interviewing Hunter and Mylee.
I’d like to thank Tom Helmer for taking the time to introduce me to a few very nice people from ROOT SPORTS. I have to say ROOT SPORTS has really nailed it.
From what I’m told and can see ROOT SPORTS is about the fan and I like that because the Rockpile Rant is about the fan.
As soon as the kids were done with their interview we were escorted over to where ROOT SPORTS was filming the Rockies commericals. The kids went first. I’m not quite sure if they ever got their timing right but they sure had fun sitting up there.
I was up next and I noticed how quiet and reserved everyone was being so I wanted to bump thing up a bit. I was reading a card that said “You’re watching ROOT SPORTS” and I did my best to represent the Rockpile Rant and the Rantics. Loud and proud baby.
It seemed like they liked it but who knows?
I also was given the chance to talk about Ubaldo’s no-hitter. I didn’t think I did so good but each time I do something like this I get a little bit less nervous. Thank you ROOT SPORTS for this extremely unique opportunity. It was a great experience and the kids and I loved it.
Apparently next season the Rockies are going to put pictures of their fans on the season tickets. How cool is that? You can bet our smiling mugs took the time to pose for those shots. How fun would that be attending the actual game in which your face is on the ticket?
At this point we needed to get to our player/coach interview. This interview session was hosted by Drew Goodman and Alanna Rizzo.
Check it out.
Here’s video from the session.
We had to leave the interview a few minutes early as it was time to get in line for our first autograph session. Rumor had it that the guy who signed right before we got there was Todd Helton. As we were standing in line Douglas walked by and told us that he was pretty sure Tulo would be signing for us.
As luck would have it Douglas was right.
Here’s a shot of Tulo signing for Mylee sport’n a fresh haircut. Tulo’s usually upbeat but today he seemed like he didn’t want to be there.
I wished “the duece” a good season and we were off explore Coors Field before the next session.
While wandering around we bumped into catcher Wilin Rosario and he signed for Mylee and Hunter.
Mylee picking a winner.
Ian Stewart getting his Rockband on.
Time to get in line for Autograph session two….Dexter Fowler
Dexter was all smiles and was talking with everyone. I really hope Dexter has a breakout year. He’s one of my favorite Rockies.
With more time to kill we headed into the bowels of Coors Field.
It’s become almost a tradition for me to leave my Ranter card in the Rockies lockers. With a quick flick of the wrist you can usually get the cards close.
This year I took a few pictures. Here’s the Ranter card next to the left of Dexter Fowlers gym bag.
Aaron Cooks locker sporting a Ranter card in the right corner.
Todd Helton’s locker. I missed this year and my card landed on the floor.
Tulo’s locker, unfortunately the card landed upside down.
Yoda…He was perched on top of a television in the Rockies locker room.
Here’s Ubaldo’s entire uniform and then some from his no-hitter in Atlanta last season.
..
Even his dirty socks.
The original Dinger suit. I still think Dinger should be a black and silver T-Rex but whatcha gonna do?
Coors Field groundbreaking.
Memorabilia from 2007.
The last autograph sesssion of the day was Glenallen Hill and Chris Nelson. Here’s Glenallen signing for Hunter.
Both of these guys were in a great mood and were chatting up the folks in line.
Here’s Mylee’s dog.
Here’s what I managed to get autographed today.
On our way out of Coors Field.
As I was getting ready to post this entry I received an email from essay winner Dave. He sent me a couple pictures and informed me he was able to snag thirty two autographs. Ten minor leaguers, four coaches and eighteen current major leaguers.
Check out Dave’s Coors Field sign…WOW!
Dave got lucky and ran into Jason Giambi.
I was on the hunt for Giambi all day. Thanks to Geoff for sending me texts as to Jason’s whereabouts but for some reason I kept missing the slugger.
That my friends is how you do it. Props to you Dave you worked it brotha.
A lot of baseball teams do something similiar to Rockies Fest but not all of them. Rockies fans are lucky we get this day to wander the entirety of Coors field, visit and chat with players and get to see precious baseball memorabila from historic Rockies games.
I feel privledged every time I’ve attended this event and honored to be a Colorado Rockies fan and their # 1 MLBlogger.
Thanks to all the Rockies fans who walked up to me and introduced themelves. I really enjoy meeting the baseball fans who read the Rockpile Rant. Thanks to ROOT SPORTS I think this year is going to be the “Year of the Fan”.
Make no mistake we Rockies fans embrace that concept.
A huge thanks goes out to Dan because we all know “He’s the Man”. I’m “D” The Rockpile Ranter.
Baseball season has officially begun…D
RANTICS…Give FSN your Best at Rockies Fest
1/18/11
Normally I don’t get too excited when opening my email. That wasn’t the case today. After finishing my physical therapy in Boulder (props to my Physical Therapist Erin), I headed home to Nederland, logged in and checked my Yahoo account. Sitting there in my inbox was an email from Tom Helmer of FSN Rocky Mountain/Root Sports with a header that said “Want to be on TV?”
That email header not only made me smile but it got my full attention. Here’s what’s going on. During the Rockies Fest FSN/Root Sports will be shooting a Rockies promotional commericial.
Tom asked that I round up the Rantics that will be attending Rockies Fest and we all head over to the FSN/Root Sports booth. What will happen then is you will read a few lines and then you’ll be asked you to comment on some of your favorite Rockies moments and what it’s like to be a Rockies fan.
Simple right? Maybe but…
You can bet they’re only going to use the best ones so I suggest really putting some thought into this. How cool would it be to be in a commercial plugging the Rockies?
I don’t know about you but I’ve yet to tire seeing myself on TV. To date that consists of a couple of quick flashes on TV while I was chasing a home run balls, the FSN Top of the Rockies Fan Choice show and hanging out at Coors Field for the post game show so I can make sure the Rockpile Ranter jersey gets some TV luv.
The Rantics are the most loyal, hardcore and supportive group of baseball fans out there. I anticipate we’re going to do a great job on Saturday for FSN/Root Sports.
Rantics… Be ready and have fun with this I know the kids and I will.
Get your best Rockies gear together and I’ll see you at Rockies Fest on Saturday morning.
I’m “D” The Rockpile Ranter…Just doing more of that cool stuff with the Rantics I keep telling you about…
Go Rockies…D
I’m Impressed…Have Fun at Rockies Fest
1/15/11
This is it. This is where I announce the three winners of the “Rockies Fest Essay Contest”.
The response to this was incredible. A total of fourteen essays were submitted (essays were accepted up until midnight last night). I wish it were possible to send all of you to Rockies Fest but unfortunately there were only so many tickets.
In my book you are all winners..
This was not an easy decision. Dan and I had many sleepless nights trying to decide who should get these sought after Rockies Fest tickets. It was so hard that we decided next time we’ll let the people who submit essays actually vote on the winners.
In the end we had to pick three so if you didn’t win I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to share your feelings/story about the Rockies here on the Rockpile Rant.
Baseball touches everyone in a different way. You can tell that by reading these Rockies fans essays.
Here are the three winners in no particular order.
Ken
Johnny
Dave
Each of you has won a pair of Rockies Fest tickets for Saturday January 22nd, 2011 at Coors Field.
Tickets can be picked up from me at 9am on the corner of 20th and Blake Saturday thirty minutes before Coors Field opens.
Please be on time as I myself would like to get a good spot in line.
At that time I’d like to shake your hand and take your picture.
I need a rest after Rockies Fest
1/23/10
Rockies Fest 2010.
This would be the second time this special Rockies season ticket holder event has taken place and the second time we’ve been there. The weather was expected to be in the mid-40′s today and for January in Colorado I’ll take that.
Below are two things that don’t mix.
Let me tell you though I did have to fight of the urge to run out there lay my a-ss on the field and start pumping out snow angels
Mylee didn’t make Rockies Fest today because she’s been sick for almost a week.
Let me tell you my little girl was extremely sad she couldn’t go so we promised to get her Rockies mini-bat signed for her. We did just that thanks to Huston Street. I chatted with a lot of people yesterday and everyone agreed Street has one of the nicest autographs in baseball today.
Hunter and I had a little time to kill before our the “Pitcher and Catcher interviews” so we toured the Press Box.
While inside we each took our photo ops.
Me in that chair, high above with the killer view of the field. I tell ya it felt like I was home.
I must have been sitting in “The Cowboy’s” chair because it was broke in real good.
As we killed more time and wandered the Club levels of Coors Field we walked up on a huge bin of baseballs.
I was half expecting Zack Hample to pop out of them so when he didn’t I asked someone what this was.
I was informed that object was to guess the number of balls in the cage and it you could only enter if you were 15 or younger.
Lets just say the prizes were a baseball collector’s dream.
I took a few moments and filled out entries for Hunter and Mylee as did every parent with kids I’m sure.
While we were standing there fixated on the autographed bats I bumped into Joy aka LUVMYROX who was there with her family. I believe they also were killing time waiting for their Outfielder interviews to begin.
A few minutes and a hundred feet later I ran into Marianne aka R-Luv who was also exploring the festivities with her family.
Funny thing and I hope I get this all correct. Joy and Marianne have known each other for years through the Rockies forums. During Rockies games they comment back and forth with each other on the forum but up until today had never physically met.
When I met up with Dan today he mentioned that the two of them finally met each other here at the Rockies Fest.
Ladies I’m sorry I missed that photo opportunity. Congratulations how appropriate that you met at Rockies Fest as you both are HUGE fans….Too Cool.
It was time for us to head up to the Pitcher/Catcher interviews. This took place up in Club level. The MC’s hosting this Q N A were Alana Rizzo (my favorite FSN employee), and that other guy Drew Goodman.
For some reason my hands started to shake every time I tried to take a picture of Alana. The above picture was the clearest of the bunch.
Here’s a shot of most of your Rockies pitchers and catchers for the upcoming 2010 Season.
Let me break it down a little better. Below is Chris Iannetta and Matt Daley.
Taylor Buchholz, Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis and Huston Street
Randy Flores, Greg Smith and Miguel Olivo
Last but not least Jason Hammel and Matt Belisle
Most of the questions they asked were a bit regular side. However,I did manage to get video of Jeff Francis when he was asked about his arm and his return.
Here’s the video:
So I guess he’s back. I wish him the best. We need the Canadian.
After the interview session it was autograph time. Our first session was Huston Street and first base coach Glenallen Hill.
As I approached Huston Street I said “Hi I’m Don I write the Rockpile Rant” and I asked him if he was going to continue his MLBlog. Street replied ”Yeah, I’d like to”.
You heard it here first.
Then I moved onto Glenallen Hill. As he was signing my mini-bat Hill asked me “What do you do with all those autographs?” I started laughing and said” Mr. Hill you asked me the same exact question a year ago at spring training.”
Hill looked at me and said “You know I don’t ask everyone that question”.
I’m not sure what he meant by that but he was smiling when he said it so I’ll take it as a positive.
Two down and we had time to burn again. As we walked by the Jeff Francis/Rich Dauer autograph session we noticed the line was short. I asked if we could just go through as it was the tail end of this session and the extremely cool Usher let us.
That totally made my day because I just happend to have with me my 2007 Sports Illustrated magazine with Jeff Francis on the cover. Hunter went into the room first and right away Jeff asked him what his name was.
Then Jeff wrote “For Hunter” on the picture and autographed it.
Very classy Jeff….Thank you.
I handed Jeff my magazine and he looked left at the Usher standing beside him and said “See told you, here’s the first one”. Again I was like WTF? But I think Jeff was making note that every time he autographs for fans someone hands him one of those Sports Illustrated issues.
Least I hope he wasn’t making fun of me..We’re both from Canada?
Rich Dauer signed a picture for Hunter and a mini-bat for me and then we were outta there.
We headed downstairs and while wandering around an Usher asked if we would like Eric Young Jr’s autograph. Without hesitation I said “Yes Sir” and within a few minutes we were standing in front of EY Jr.
Here he is signing Hunters baseball.
EY Jr signing my mini-bat.
EY Jr really seemed like he was having a good time. Keep’n it real, I like that.
When we walked out of there directly across from us was the long line for Don Baylor and Randy Flores. I felt a big smile growing because I’ve never managed to get Don Baylor’s autograph before. It’s not that he wouldn’t sign, just really bad timing on my part.
Today Don Baylor signed an Inaugural Year Rockies Magazine with his picture on it for me.
When I handed him the magazine I said ”Mr. Baylor you haven’t changed a bit”, He looked up at me and said smiling “Yeah right”. Then he autographed it for me.
Here’s Don Baylor autographing Hunter’s baseball.
Here’s Randy Flores autographing Hunter’s baseball.
Hunter and I hurried upstairs so we could catch the tail end of Matt Belisle’s autograph session..
These plates may not be fine china but I’m sure their worth more than the plates I eat off of.
These beauties are a couple of the bat-shovels used to break ground on the Rockies/D-Backs new Spring Training Facility east of Scottsdale last year.
I just wanted to show how the MLB labels game used items. Specifically ones from big games.
Notice how they misspelled Tulowitzki’s last name on the first helmet.
You can see me Tulo and Coors Field in this picture.
This is a special helmet made just for Charlie Hayes who suffered a broken jaw. 
This is the unsigned original artwork used to make the Coors Field Inaugural year opening day ticket.
The World Famous Colorado Rockies Humidor.
Indoor batting cages.
Hunter with a lean mean Don Baylor. 
My Inaugural year Rockies magazine with Don Baylor’s fresh autograph on it.
My 2007 Sports Illustrated with Jeff Francis on the cover with a fresh Jeff Francis autograph on it.
My mini-bats In order…Glenallen Hill, Eric Young Jr, Huston Street, Rich Dauer, Randy Flores, and Clint Barmes.
Here’s all of it minus the hampster and Hunter’s stuff.
Here’s a shot of Ryan Spilborghs on his way to his next session.
Just as Hunter and I were leaving Club level heading home we ran into Robert.
Best hat of the day.
Hunter making his mark just like his pops.
The Rockpile Ranter blessing Coors Field for the upcoming season.(I can legally do that).
It was great to see all of you again. Dan, thank you once again for this special opportunity.
This is the year folks. The chemistry between this group of fellas feels right. We’ve had a taste of the post-season twice in recent years and we can’t go backwards right?
It starts with believing. I believe, Hunter believes, everybody I ran into at Rockies Fest believes.
I’m D The Rockpile Ranter and I believe I’m finished with this entry.
I’ll be there again at Rockies Fest 2010
1/22/10
Tomorrow is Rockies Fest. Hunter and Mylee and I will be there. Expect a lot of pictures as this event is very picture worthy. I look forward to bumping into a bunch of people I know.
See you at Coors Field (If not, I’ll make you feel like you were there).
D The Rockpile Ranter
Ranter in his glory, tomorrow’s the story
1/23/09 (“Happy Youngster” have fun at your Brewers thingy tomorrow brotha).
Tomorrow is going to be baseball overload with Rockies Fest, so today I’m just going easy on you. Both kids will be with me tomorrow partaking in the festivities.
Dan, I’ll say it again..Thanks man.
I came across some funny names of places in England and thought you might get a kick out of them. Have fun with this, I did. Thanks..J
Below, we have the road less traveled. Beware of hitchhikers when traveling down this stretch of pavement.. On the plus side, they do clean this road on a regular basis.
The places on the map are real folks.
I recommend you stay away from Crotch Crescent and Pratt’s bottom, or at least stay upwind.
The more I work on this entry the less I want to visit Europe.
It’s just as bad here in the states. However, below is a place I wouldn’t have minded visiting more in High School. I heard TV’s are banned in Lancaster County.
Ms. Hummer ran for City Council but in Intercourse but her skills didn’t exactly fit the job.
Just so you know some milk has HGH in it, so always buy your milk from a trusted source.
And remember folks if you find yourself at this intersection in life…
Be careful please…
Not only am I always looking out for you, I’ll be coming at you with all kinds of Rockies stuff tomorrow.
Thanks again for making the Rockpile Rant number 6.
My season begins tomorrow, stay tuned to see if I get to meet Todd Helton…D
What’s this Obama Drama?
1/20/09
Ok, I’ve kept my mouth shut on all of this Inauguration hoopla because the current bandwagon is bursting at the seams.
I can’t figure out what the big freggin deal is. Are you celebrating the man, or the color of the mans’ skin.
As usual, before you start to judge read on a bit.
Color doesn’t mean diddly doo to me.
Besides what’s the big deal, Clinton was black right?
I’ve been reading a lot about all this subject and it seems to me people are writing what they think should be written and not how they really feel about the subject matter.
Big F’n deal, we now have a black President. It could just as easily have been a female president. I’m ok with that too.
What matters to me is how he goes about beginning to fix the damage in this country. You should care too.
The whole system needs to be revamped.
People are saying and writing, “I’m just so overcome with emotion”, or “I cant explain these feelings”, I don’t buy any of it. Tell me, are you really overcome with emotion or does that sound good when you read it back to yourself?
Wanna be overcome with real emotion?
Watch “Nine Innings from Ground Zero ” on the MLB Channel, that’ll get your emotional juices flowing. If not, you’re a freggin alien.
Tell me, do you really feel safer, more secure and have a more optimistic outlook on life, or are you saying that because that’s what you think I want to hear? Or possibly, did the sensation of the moment sweep you in?
It’s ok it happens, just recognize it as being that.
It might make for some good reading fluff, but this young president is not the messiah. Get over being starstruck, I have faith that your smarter than that. Remember if you write what you think people what to hear and not how you really feel, then it’s just fiction.
Fiction posing as non-fiction has no place in the blogosphere.
I’m not here to tell you that Obama is no good or that he’ll be a bad president. In fact, I hope that’s not the case at all. I’m here to tell you to get over the immediate novelty of this and lets see what the man can do.
People didn’t immediately follow Jesus, he had to build his fellowship (that was a rare Ranter biblical quote).
Here’s some non-fiction for you, I’m scared. I didn’t vote for President this time because in good conscience I couldn’t vote for either of these dudes.
They both lacked substance. Honestly I’m scared Obama might be too inexperienced to handle this job, I’m scared some redneck might try to assassinate him, I’m scared of the Unions who will be soon working their way into my state, I’m scared because I don’t know and neither do you.
C’mon let’s be honest here, tell me exactly what are you in awe of?
OK, fast forward a year and the economy is on track, jobs are being created, unemployment is down and the general demeanor of the country is positive and bright.
From where we sit right now, doing that would be something to be in awe of. Let’s not jump the gun here folks or you might be sorry…I’m just saying.
I hate the fact that my Country is filled with so many phonies. Actions speak louder than words in my watchful eyes, and I’ll be paying close attention to his actions not his ethnicity, and so should you…nuff said on that subject.
(This is not the Mobile Blogging Unit, I’m not even sure it’s mobile)
I’d like to say thank you to some of you. every now and then I catch a little piece of someone else’s blog mentioning the Mobile Blogging Unit. I really appreciate it when I see that. Hopefully MLBlogs.com will see fit to give us some love.
Some MBU props would be cool as it would make us really visible when we’re down in Tucson. If not, I guess I’ll have to write a book about it ,…… I kid because I love.
I’m going to ask this question again, will anyone who reads the Rant be in Tucson on February 25th for the opening Rockies Spring Training game against the D-backs?
I’m just curious.
Two more days until Rockies Fest. I can’t tell you how excited I am about going to this event. I can’t say for sure, but I just have a feeling I’m going to get to meet Todd Helton this time.
Let me put how much I respect Helton in perspective for you.
If someone said to me, “we’re going to let you have a beer with Todd Helton but in turn you have to give up blogging forever”…
“Bartender..two drafts over here please, make it a couple of ”Fat Tires”.
Now that will never happen so I can make a bold statement like that, but I meant what I said.
Dan and his daughter Emily will be there, Robert, Danny, Tom, all the first row regulars. I know for sure my favorite non-blogging reader and commenter R-Luv will be there. If my timing is good I might get to see Mark and Baby Paul.
Mark you ready to do some BP snaggin?
Missy, you ready for this, what level do you normally work on?
R-Luv, have you bought that 10 pack of tickets yet?
Emily, tickets go on sale soon, better snap up a few Rockpile tickets to the good games.
What are the rest of you doing to get ready? Have you been studying up on your team? Are you shopping for that special jersey? Have you mapped out the games that are “must see”.
Do you have a routine on game day? I do, but it changes depending on if I’m going alone or with just Hunter, or with both kids.
We like to bring food with us because it fits our budget a little better and I hate missing the game while waiting in line for food.
However, I have been known to do some serious damage to a Rockies dog, and every now and then a cold beer on a hot day is mandatory (gotta keep Captain Earthman green <——–right?).
(Photo props to Robert Harmon)
You think I’m wound up now, tune in during spring training. We’re going to have so much fun I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the Rockies wandered over to the MBU just to see what’s going on.
Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you. I’ll make you feel like your sitting there right beside me,……because that’s what I do,……free of charge
Happy freggin Wednesday to you all. I’m still smoke free, but I’m at that point where I realize how bad the sh*t smells and I smell it everywhere. I don’t know why non-smokers put up with that crap. Oops, I said I wasn’t going to be one of those hypocrite quitters. I’ve got plenty to bitch about already.
Congrats go out to our new President…
My hopes are that in the future the color of our children’s eyes are more important to us than the color of the person sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office. Think about that.
Sometimes I feel like I’m a cigarette butt in a world full of air fresheners…Peace to you my friends…D
I’ve got lots to say so I keep plugging away
1/14/08
Did you see the special on the MLB Channel called Nine Innings from Ground Zero?
It follows the Yankees and the D-Backs and during the 2001 World Series just after the 911 attacks. Watch that show and try not to not get moist eyeballs.
You won’t make it.
That special was very touching and extremely well put together. The part when the little girl wrote a letter to Derek Jeter just after her dad died (her dad was one of the pilots), and she got to meet him and go to Yankee Stadium. That part choked me up. That was a classy thing to do.
As much as I say I hate the Yankees now, as a young boy in New Jersey (before we moved to Canada), I loved them. Props to the D-Backs, that was a GREAT World Series.
When I see a show like that it makes me proud to be an American and it also reaffirms why I love baseball.
Baseball really is the best sport in the world, and the only one where I feel like I get to participate.
Sure I really dig football and basketball and I miss them in their off-seasons.
But I daydream of baseball. I look at the schedule and plan what games I’ll be attending. I love figuring out which games will be primo “snagging days”.
I try to make sure that I make all of the games where bobble heads or other Rockies promotional gifts are handed out.
I go over my spring training/Tucson trip in my head daily, and it’s the last thing I think about before I fall asleep.
Well that’s not exactly true, lately my last thought has been about hopping in my car and hitting the 7-11 for a pack of cigarettes.
Day 6-Smoke free baby. I must say I’m not feeling like the friendliest fellow right now, but those who know me understand my situation and just ignore me. I’ve got a few more days worth of patches and then that’s it. I know at this point it’s mostly mental, but the brain can be a powerful thing when it wants something.
That same inner voice that keeps me out of trouble is the same one telling me to smoke, it can be confusing to a simple guy like me.
Normally I never ask for help. I’m extremely independent and I’ve always set my own path and did my own thing, learning from my mistakes (usually).
Normally I’m the guy that people come to for advice (it helps when most of yoru friends are younger).
Without going into a lot of details, I’ve seen some sheet in my lifetime and I can give people the benefit of my experiences, without them actually having to take that path.
I guess what I’m trying to say is “Thank You” to my readers who have been supportive of me in this “hellistic adventure” called quitting smoking. I’ll be there for you, and I appreciate you being there for me in my time of need. Baseball folk are straight up good people.
Baseball snaggers beware, I’ll be out there this season with a semi-fresh set of lungs and a new attitude. Naa, same attitude, just better air intake.
Hey Zack Hample when are you coming to Coor’s Field again?
No first row tickets for you this time buddy. You’re in the Pavilion with the Ranter and “it is on” my friend!!
Don’t take that as anymore than a friendly challenge. When I’m snagging in the Pavilion anywhere other then than first row, my only competition usually is my son Hunter.
When I’m fortunate enough to be snagging in the first row, I’m just a rookie there. Guys like Dan, Robert, Dave, and Danny own that row. I watch my P’s and Q’s and try to be respectful.
Hunter’s got the system down, just don’t interfere and snag one of the baseballs he thinks was thrown directly to him.
We’re still working on that particular scenario. He’s super competitive and REALLY hates to lose.
I don’t know where the hell he gets that from.
I plan on letting Hunter have a paragraph or two on this blog during the season to share his own snagging story with you.
It will be good for him and he usually has a good story to tell.
I’ve heard Hunter ask his mom if he’s famous because his daddy’s a Rockies blogger, that’s my guy. I really enjoy the times I get to go to Rockies games with Hunter. Mylee too when she feels like going. Mylee likes the promotional giveaways, and Hunter is just a straight up baseball snagger.
It’s fun going to batting practice now that I know a lot more people. I’m not such a loner anymore. It’s cool to seeing and recognizing the same faces at the games. Getting to hang around people that are as excited about being there as I am.
Here are my goals for this baseball season.
1. Catch my elusive live home run ball, I’m tired of watching Happy’s videos and wishing it was me.
2. Snag 100 baseballs at batting practice. Easier said than done, when you make only half of the home games.
3. Personally obtain an autographed baseball of every player on the Rockies 40 man roster.
4. I would love the Rockpile Ranter to be the Rockies unofficial mascot (Hey, I can dream). Sort of like the barrel man for the Broncos.
I always do the best I can do to plug the Rockies? The sad part is there is probably not a single Rockies player who knows who the hell I am at this point. This leads me to number five.
5. Get the Rockies organization to take note of the Rockpile Ranter and his efforts and realize what a useful promotional tool I can be. The Rockies need more love. I’m just here to help in my own special way.
I think MLB TV Network should give MLBloggers opportunities to be the person who gets to say “play ball” like the hosts do now. It could be like a 5 second clip of us getting to say that and MLB could post the name of our blog on the bottom of the screen.
That would be really cool and cheap. I’d shoot that clip for free. Plus how cool would I look on TV saying ”Play ball”. Remember doing stuff like that is a win/win situation for MLB network. Nobody loses when you plug your own blogging community on your own TV channel.
How about letting us send in our own homemade video clips? 
We could pick a theme and shoot a video to promote our blogs in our own creative ways?
That would be fun to see. So much talent here.
Oh yeah, I’m already thinking of some sweet ideas. How about from the Rockies Rockpile or how about me with a baseball glove and a bull horn on top of Pikes Peak?
That’s a pretty big Rockpile.
MLBlogs.com I’m full of ideas, it would be nice to see you run with one of them. No worries, I’ll keep casting them your way in hopes of a bite or even a nibble or not.
On a curious note: What happened to October Gonzo? He came in, gobbled up the front page and then disappeared? Who the hell was the mysterious Gonzo, and where is he hiding?
Witness protection? Laying low in the Hamptons? Joined the Peace corps? Maybe we’ll never know, maybe we’re not supposed to?
I could go on and on but I’m tired of sitting…Thanks for listening, without you I’m just a cool dude with a funny green hat…D
Putting the Rockies Fest to the Test
1/13/09
I suggest you better get up early if you plan on getting there before Hunter and I.
Only 11 more days. If you haven’t figured it out, I’m a countdown kind of guy.
Countdowns are really just foreplay with numbers.
• When: Saturday, January 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Where: Coors Field – Suite Level, Club Level and Lower Level; all activities will take place indoors. Public Parking ($5) is available in Lot A. Enter at Gate A or Gate C.
• Who: Players scheduled to appear include Garrett Atkins, Jeff Baker, Clint Barmes, Aaron Cook, Manuel Corpas, Jorge De La Rosa, Alan Embree, Jeff Francis, Brad Hawpe, Todd Helton, Jason Hirsh, Chris Iannetta, Omar Quintanilla, Glendon Rusch, Seth Smith, Greg Smith, Ryan Spilborghs, Ian Stewart, Huston Street and Troy Tulowitzki. Manager Clint Hurdle will be joined by coaches Bob Apodaca, Don Baylor, Rich Dauer, Glenallen Hill, Brian Jordan, Mark Strittmatter, Jim Tracy and Jim Wright. Twenty additional Rockies Minor League players will also be in attendance. (subject to change)
• What:
• Major League Player Autograph Sessions – ticketed events
• Minor League Player Autograph Sessions – open to all guests
• Live Stage Events featuring Player/Coach Interviews – ticketed events
• Rockies Museum – open to all guests and featuring an array of Rockies memorabilia, including nearly 100 items never before displayed
• Interactive Area – the left field Club Level concourse will be filled with games and interactives for all ages
• Video Game Area – enter to win a chance to play against a Rockies player
• Dinger Autographs – open to all fans
• Kids Story Telling hosted by various Major League Players – open to kids
• Carnival Games – kids will be entertained by face painters, balloon artists, games and craft tables
• Anthem Tryouts – give your best on-camera performance and you might sing the anthem on the field this summer
• Fantasy Radio and Television Booths – call the game and walk away with your work
• Tour the Ballpark – Home and Visiting Clubhouses, Press Box and more to see.
What exactly does an autograph session consist of? Is it one player, three players, or the whole team? Your Rockies Fest ticket gets you one autograph session and one player interview. How long is the interview? Can I get it on video or record it? Can I ask the player I’m interviewing for an autograph?
Did you notice one of the list of attendees is none other than Mr. Todd Helton.
That’s the player interview that I want. If I wind up getting him, I’ll probably freeze up and be speechless.
Seriously, I’m not sure I could interview Todd. I can’t tell you what might happen.
Todd and I have a lot in common, if you add up the numbers on his jersey, that’s exactly how many letters that are in my last name.
I used to sport a goatee, and I play first base too. See, he and I could be BFF’s.
Will there be snacks be served?
Can we sneak down and take pictures of the humidor?
Is there a special Dinger dinosaur bathroom?
If there is can I take a whiz in it for schits and giggles?
Details, I like lots of details.
Good details can eliminate the need for questions. Eliminating the need for questions gives me time and peace of mind. Having peace of mind lets me relax and have a good time. Having a good time enourages me to spend more money. Me happy and spending money gives the Rockies more money. The Rockies with more money from their happy fans allows them to purchase more talent. More talent can pave the way to a World Series.
So now can you see how just giving good details to begin with can do wonders? It’s always the little things that make the difference…D
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