Results tagged ‘ Rockies ’
Bet Girardi didn’t come to Party
5-7-2013
Yankees vs Rockies Game 1
Weather: 64 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 9 mph, In from RF.
T: 2:47.
Attendance: 41,595
Rain…Lots of rain.
I didn’t feel like I had great pictures for this game so I was going to skip this particular blog entry. However this was a Rockies win, the only one of the series and the only one in a while. Plus how often are the Skankees in town?
Although I was shut-out for BP again…. I felt like BP was as it should be. Baseballs flying everywhere and folks I know catch’n ’em. I was witness to the Rox Addict snagg’n his first two of the season while surrounded by Yankee fans gloves.
Best thing about BP is it wasn’t raining…Yet.
I watched Jersey Geoff spring into action and snag Mariano Rivera’s autograph while in left field.
I was also witness to the end result of an overly eager ball hawk that decided it was a good idea to crowd Jersey Geoff. A BP ground rule double bounced off the warning track then off of a glove and tagged that eager ball hawk right in the eye. (He’s OK).
Folks, that’s how you keep an eye out for the ball 
With Joe Girardi (Skankees Manager and the Rockies first catcher) in town it was time for a group pic. Four old Rockies pretty much the same age as me. Prize for best hair hands down goes to Vinny Castilla.
Think these fellas have a few stories to tell?
I hung out with the Rox Addict most of this game, sitting just under the second level along the first baseline taking pictures and trying keep my camera dry.
It started raining early on and never stopped. Here’s my buddy “Big B” and his lady center picture toughing it out in the pavilion.
Remember this guy? Chris Nelson a Yankee!…Oh well at least he’ll get to play there.
Anyone else think Ichiro’s eyebrows look tattooed on? This dude is still one helluva player despite the botched make-up.
Quote from Walt Weiss about Jorge: “Jorge gave up three singles — that’s a big-time performance,” Weiss said. “It’s nice to see one of our starters go out there and pitch like he did. If we get good starting pitching like we have for the most part this year, we’re going to win games.”
LOL
As per usual, weather became an issue.
Cargo blasts a homer to center field and scores Rutledge…2-0 Rockies.
Quote from Cargo: “I won’t lie — I was a little angry the whole game,” Gonzalez said. “We’ve been playing in a lot of bad weather, in a lot of bad situations, but we’ve still got to go out there and do our best.”
Well played Cargo!
I’m “D” the Ranter and give a lil props to the Rockies as this was their first shutout win at Coors Field since a 6-0 victory over the Cubs last Sept. 26.
I’ll be sitting front row of the pavilion May 16-18 for the Giants series here at Coors Field with my only goal being catching a game homer. See you there…”D”
Trifecta that’ll Wreck Ya
That’ll Wreck Ya
You’re looking at the MLBlogs Colorado Rockies Blogging Trifecta.
Left to Right, Mike the Rox Addict, D the Ranter, and Amy the Blake Street Babe.
Damn cool Blog names but even cooler people.
Photo by Kyle Banister
If you’re looking for the Batting Practice report, cool pictures and play by play from the game or if you’re wondering what the autograph scene is like at Coors Field.
This Powerhouse of local Rockies MLBloggers has got you covered.
With no love here from the local Media or Rockies affiliate we have to promote ourselves. We don’t get paid we Blog because we love the Colorado Rockies and we use our blogs as an online diary detailing the game experience to share with other baseball fans.
Unlike Joel Klatt, we’re loyal and we know a little something about Rockies baseball.
I’m “D” the Ranter…Do yourself a favor and give some luv to your local Rockies Bloggers, nobody else will.
Let’s Bring Back Helmer too!
Rox Slip and Dex Hurts His Hip
5-3-13
Rays vs Rockies Game 1
This would be my first game since the EY Bobble head game. Whole lotta props to my baseball buddies that weathered those snow games. I’m not a fair weather or cold weather fan, I’m a warm weather fan and I had my own snow issues to deal with up in Black Hawk.
Before blogging and before taking pictures my favorite thing about MLB baseball is batting practice. I love me some good BP. For some reason that ain’t happening this year. Usually by a month into the season I’ve at least snagged my first ball.
I didn’t take my usual 4 mg of pictures today. A blast from the past kinked my groove during BP and that put a damper on the rest of my evening. I’m not a fan of aggressive ball hawks and I feel like in the pavilion there’s a good group of fellas that know how to respect personal space during batting practice. Every now and then we bump into each other, but because we know each other we know it’s unintentional.
There’s nothing worse than an overly eager ball hawk coming up in your space on a quest for a meaningless BP ball.
Ball Hawking Etiquette… Don’t touch or invade the space of other ball hawks and pay attention to your surroundings. By entering someone’s space chasing a BP ball, you risk injuring yourself and the other person trying to catch the ball which could result in one of you taking a missile to the face.
Remember in the end it’s just a f’kn BP ball YO!
I watched older gentlemen getting hauled away on a stretcher from the game tonight after taking a foul ball to the face. It happens, it’s never pretty and this Ranter has no plans of leaving Coors Field by that particular mode of transportation.
FYI…If you come within a foot(what I consider a reasonable personal space) of me chasing a ball and push, bump or touch me in the pursuit a ball, I take that as a sign of aggression and that’s when I temporarily forget I’m there to chase baseballs.
I realize that one-sided chat with this dude is inevitable; I just wanted to give a little history on the matter before I’m standing in front of a judge…Or maybe the guy will read this, realize he’s the “overly aggressive ball hawk” in question and stop being a Dick…Nuff said on that.
BP was a bust today, I did have play on a ground rule double but it bounced wildly off the outfield wall and I totally blew it. Other than that, zero BP homers were hit in my direction.
IMO… BP is not what it used to be, that my friends is sad.
Back in the day I used to like Jeff Francis, he grew up in Canada just like me.
Now I find the only thing I like about Jeff Francis is his walk-up song….Rush-Tom Sawyer…That’s sad as well.
Why is the only guy from Canada wearing a jacket while on first base?
Things that make you say “Hmmm”. I’m thinking of a 5 letter word that starts with “P”.
Francis allowed four runs and five hits in five innings.
Quote from the Canadian Sizzlean: “I felt like if I’d made some better pitches, we could have been ahead and won this game,” Francis said. “I missed with a couple of pitches and it cost me some runs.”
Really Jeff? I dreamt I was a millionaire and woke up broke.
See anybody you know in the background?
Now that’s a nice set of horns
Cuddy blasting a home run into the fountain.
The Cargo serious look.
It always amazes me how many dudes drop the ball, it’s not that hard Dan caught one with his glove behind his back.
Dexter had to leave the game early with an injured hip flexor. EY JR took his place.
This collision is where Dex hurt his hip.
Rockies let this one advance to 10 innings and Matt Belisle blows it.
Rockies lose Game 1 to the Rays…7-4
I’m “D” the Ranter…C’mon Rockies I got a lil fight in me, where’s yours?
One more thing, everyone on the planet knows you can save 15% on your car insurance by switching to Geico. Do they have to fly a plane with a banner over the stadium every game? That stupid plane is so damn noisy it’s like a mosquito with a bullhorn…Seriously we know about the 15% and we’ve known for years…”D”
A Happy Face in the Enemy’s Place
3-11-13
Rockies vs White Sox..Camelback Ranch
Last day in Arizona.
This was my first time visiting the Ranch(home to the Dodgers and White Sox). As far as spring training facilities go this one is a real gem. It’s beautifully laid out with little ponds and walkways everywhere.
We were there on a Monday and the back fields were almost deserted.
I wandered around, enjoying the early morning sun, reflecting on the past few days and thinking about life in general. How many spring training facilities can you get enough peace and quiet to actually relax and ponder shit?
While I was “Zone’n” I noticed some players gathering in the outfield of one of the practice fields. I watched as one of the coaches started hitting pop-flys right up against the outfield wall and players were jumping trying to catch them and keep ‘em from going over the fence. I hurried over to where the balls were going over the fence and I noticed it was just me there. For a few short minutes it was yours truely catching the baseballs that the minor league players couldn’t snag. Eventually folks saw me having the time of my life and decided to join.
All in all probably 25 baseballs were hit out.
As soon as that drill was finished the minor leaguers started their batting practice. Sitt’n with seven baseballs already I was having a great day. BP was a bit more crowded but I manged to catch one on the bounce and one on the fly preventing a bystander from getting hit in the face with a home run ball.
Dude didn’t even say thank you….Dick
Folks, this place is special even if it is enemy territory.
Today wound up being not only a good day for baseballs but it was a great day for autographs.
I managed to get Todd Helton to sign my baseball, Eric Young Jr to sign a picture, and Skipper Walt Weiss signed my 1993 photo ball of him.
Plus, Dante signed a baseball card the Rox Addict hooked me up with.
Check out this motley autograph Crue..Left to Right, James, Eric, and Mike the Rox Addict.
James is the guy who made the “Helmer is my Homeboy” T-Shirts. Maybe it’s time for some Ranter shirts?
Anyone interested?
I don’t have many of these…Here’s Tulo smiling.
The Rockies lose this one to the White Sox. Matter of fact, the Rockies lost every game we saw them play the week we were in Arizona except for when they played the USA WBC team.
I have no idea what we’re in for this season as far as the Rockies go.
I’m ”D” the Ranter…I’d like to thank the Rox Addict for splitt’n the costs and being good company.
It was fun, but this year’s trip is done. 20 days till the first home game at Coors Field!
See you there…“D”
Kiss My Ass…Why Can’t I Play on the Grass?
3-7-13
My first and last trip to Hohokam Stadium.
(Rox Addict and his famous Running Man pose out front).
This joint is the spring training/winter home of the Chicago Cubs. The main reason I won’t be back is because this is Hohukum’s last year housing the Cubs. The Cubs move into a brand new facility next year. This stadium is a lot like other stadiums in the Phoenix area only older and for some strange reason..More expensive?
The Cubs suck because they stick it to their fans during spring training as well as the regular season. The going price here is 20 bucks for a berm ticket…OUCH!
Here’s the other reason I won’t be back.
Mike and I did our usual thing and showed up early for BP. I was stoked because I found out BP would be taking place inside the stadium and this place has a beautiful berm. Well I was stoked until I went inside and actually tried to access the berm. I was told it was off-limits during batting practice. The Usher was kind enough to let me know that as soon as the players were done I could walk anywhere on the berm. Thanks buddy.
WTF?? So I asked the Usher why? He informed me that the cleaning crew were still cleaning the berm. I found this totally unacceptable and walked away pissed that I wasted my time and showed up early. I paid 25 bucks for a crappy grandstand seat and then to be denied access to the berm during BP.
That’s retarded.
So as I was standing along the first base line hoping for a foul ball I observed this.
Lined up like ballhawking soldiers are the employees who are supposed to be cleaning the berm. The spent the entire batting practice chasing home run balls. I was jealous and pissed at the same time. Getting paid to snag baseballs that’s my f’kn dream job.
In reality all I can do is let you know how jacked up I think that is.
So now you know.
Today, the plan was to meet up with my folks at the stadium and take in a game.
We did just that. Beautiful day too. Mom and Pops thanks for coming up .
Cool looking old stadium.
A few game shots.
Fans scrambling for a home run ball.
A packed left field berm.
A packed right field berm.
Some aerial entertainment.
I didn’t kill it with pictures today. It was fun just hang’n with my folks and watching the game feeling lucky to be warm.
Final Score.
White Sox cream the cheap ass Cubbies 8-3.
You can tell rain is a coming.
No worries, next game is a WBC game and it’s indoors
I’m “D” the Ranter and I will ballhawk for cash.
Ranter’s Photo Contest 2013
10/23/12
Yeah buddy!
It’s time for another… ”Ranter’s”
This time there’s a different theme.
My challenge to you this time is to submit a picture that describes why baseball in Colorado is better than anywhere else.
Is it because the our the Rockies players are cooler? Or is it the attitude? Maybe it’s better because Rockies fans are tight knit and we use baseball as a way to hang out? Use your imagination folks…You get points for creativity.
This Photo Contest is open to everyone… Even Mike the Rox Addict.
Here’s a link to last year’s photo contest:
Ranter’s Photo Contest winners 2011
Here’s the winning picture last year taken by Katerina.
There will be prizes for First, Second and Third places to be announced later.
Winners will be announced Monday April 1, 2013..The first game of the Rockies regular season.
Only picture per person, no substitutions!
Tom Helmer was the judge last time, maybe he’ll do it again for us?
Send your picture to THEROCKPILERANTER@YAHOO.COM
I’m “D” the Ranter… Time to get your click on!
Being Last is No Blast
8-3-12
Giants vs Rockies Game 1
Ahh, baseball at Coors Field.
There used to be time when I looked forward to a good baseball game. Now I just hope for a killer sunset so I’ll have some cool pictures to share the next morning.
Rockies batting practice was weird. The players in the outfield were quiet, and seemed unenthusiastic. Their demeanor reflected more of what you would expect had the Rockies lost the previous night.
The Duece was on the field out taking BP and decorated the pavilion with about a half a dozen baseballs.
Speaking of the ole’ 1 + 1…If you enjoy a good laugh at the Duece’s expense…You’ll dig this.
Need more…Click here:
I managed to snag a pretty cool ground rule double during BP. The Giants #99 bobbled a catch close to the outfield wall, The ball tipped off his glove, bounced and I quickly scooped it up. I then found a young Rockies fan and shared the wealth cause that’s how Rantics roll.
I looked at the Giants Roster but couldn’t figure out who # 99 is?
The Rockies suck with or without uncharismatic ”Duece”. I must admit, it’s kinda nice not hearing that annoying Tulo chant 4 or 5 times a game. Plus now we don’t have to watch the Duece blow another clutch opportunity, at least for the rest of this season.
Pitching…Can’t even go there…Just f’kn abysmal.
Dex is the man!!
Below is one of the many reasons I habitate in Colorado.
Mike the Rox Addict and Scott…Cool hang’n with ya tonight.
Rockies lose to the Giants 16-4. That’s six of the last seven games lost.
I’m “D” the Ranter…
I love me some baseball, but lately three words keep ringing in my head.
Peyton F’kn Manning …Go Broncos!
Stoked to visit ONEOK
6-24-12
Tulsa Drillers vs the Springfield Cardinals.
Had I put a little more research into my road trip we probably could have caught the Rockies and Rangers game but instead we were able to catch a Tulsa Drillers game on the way home from our family reunion.
Shot of a trailer on fire, did I mention it was hot?
While in Tulsa we hooked up with Mike the Rox Addict and Amy the Blake Street Babe who were in Tulsa as well for their first game of an extremely cool road trip.
I’ve always wanted to check the Drillers new stadium ONEOK field. The Drillers are the Rockies AA team and have a cool little stadium nestled in downtown Tulsa.
The promotional gift today was a Hornsby(the Drillers mascot) cereal bowl…For kids only.
Bummer I like cereal too.
ONEOK Field was designed by architect firm Populous(formerly HOK Sport Venue Event) of Kansas City, Missouri and constructed by Manhattan Construction Company. The stadium has an official capacity of 7,833, but is capable of holding up to 9,000 for special events.
It has 23 suites and a playing field recessed about 13 feet below street level. With a construction cost of $39.2 million, the project also included the purchase of adjacent land for complementary development, for a total project budget of $60 million.
We didn’t catch batting practice as the stadium opened one hour early and BP was finished by the time we rolled in. As far as the temperature goes, it was also 99 degrees today with at least as much humidity…Yuck!
Gotta love a U-Haul truck on a roof that rotates 360 degrees.
Helluva view of the skyline from home plate.
Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis has his own pole here.
Mylee going for a slide.
Hornsby’s entrance.
Pink fire truck?
In the top of the sixth inning Oscar Taveras hit a foul ball that landed a few rows behind me.
It’s extremely cool when you snag a game ball your first time in a new stadium.
Next pitch Oscar hit the first and only home run of the game.
Mylee showing off here new mohawk.
Mylee was lucky and got tossed a ball that was good for a free ice cream helmet.
3816 folks showed up to witness the Drillers lose this one to the Cardinals 5-3.
I’m ”D” The Ranter…Glad to be home…Check another one-off the list.
Regular Fan…Not This Man
6-8-12
Rockies vs Angels Game 1
I tried to be just a regular fan.
I went to two games without my camera. As much as I liked the fact that my backpack was lighter and I had two free hands,.. I felt like a space traveller without a spaceship. Even back before I had a decent camera I wandered Coors Field holding my crappy camera snapping pictures of everything.
I guess after time it just become part of you or in my case me.
I fregg’n love inter league play, especially at Coors.
Teams that don’t visit Coors Field often really soak in the experience of the mile high ballpark and that equates to a good time at batting practice. Today was a perfect example. Albert Pujols was enjoying himself so much today that he took an extra round of BP. That worked out well for Jersey Geoff and I. We were well aware that fact Albert had been up to bat for a long time and we figured eventually the big guy would have to hit one our way. Not long after that conversation Albert hit one right to me. Nice easy catch right on the pavilion wall.
Shortly after Jersey Geoff got his.
Anyone that knows me knows that this is why I do BP. How many people in the world can say they’ve caught a home run ball right off the bat of Albert fregg’n Pujols?
If you think about it, not even pro ballplayers catch home run balls. They catch them before they’re home run balls. I suppose every now and then a player is robbed of a home run so I guess that’s catching a home run ball but you see my point.
The chance of me ever getting Albert to sign that ball is slim, but this ball gets a special spot in my collection. The Pujols ball was my third catch of the day. The first was a straight up catch given to a little girl behind me and the second was a ground rule double I gave to my friend Ruth who was attending her first Rockies game of the year.
Today was the hottest game of the season for me. Temperature was 88 but felt like 100.
First pitch of the game.
Trout seconds after he was caught…By a pitch. He seemed to be ok…Scary though!
Trying to get a peek.
Todd Helton toss-up.
Hunter knocks one onto the concourse. That was one of two of his homers for the evening.
WOW
Huge Rockies fans…Ruth and Scott.
As much as I detest “The Wave” at least Rockies fans were doing it at the appropriate time.
As usual it didn’t work.
Rockies lose to the Angels 7-2.
For some reason the Angels are crazy good during Inter league play.
Baseball isn’t always Cracker Jacks and home runs. Sometimes it’s just plain ugly. On that note here’s the…
Coors Field Crack of the Game
I’m “D” the Ranter and I think I just Vurped a little
OK…This weeks been fun…So here’s one
June 1, 2012
Dodgers vs Rockies Game 1
Yes I said that I was taking a break.
Funny how as soon as I said that the Rockies step up and start playing.
Today during batting practice I was witness to one of the scariest things that can happen during BP. Dodgers were up and I was backing up positioning myself for what I though would be a sweet catch. At the last-minute I realized that this ball was going to land at least six feet behind me and I had no shot at it. I turned around to see where the ball was going to land and I heard a young boy scream.
That BP homer landed smack on top of a little boys head.
I got that sick feeling in my stomach whenever I see a child tagged at BP. Shortly after the little boy got hit, Jamey Wright former Rockie now a Dodger, climbed the outfield wall to check on him.
Then he gave the little boy his glove.
Photo by Joy
I couldn’t take pictures because I was still in shock from seeing the little guy take one to the head. What Jamey did was turn this childs horrific memory into a positive one. Now when he thinks of Coors Field and the time he got hit in the head with a baseball he’ll have a good memory instead of a painful one.
Classy as classy can be Jamey…Wow!!
UPDATE !!
I received a comment from Mike father of the little boy(Ryan) who was hit with the ball.
Thank you for your blog Ranter. That little boy is my son, Ryan. He went there with a friend of his and well, you know the rest of the story. My wife and I met him at the hospital after and were wondering who gave him the glove and thanks to your blog we now know.
Mike thanks for letting us know…”D”
I’ve only seen a player give a kid a glove one time before. It was back in 2009. Manny Corpas was leaving the field after BP was finished. He turned to toss the last ball up. He tossed the ball to my son Hunter. Hunter misjudged the toss and it hit him in the chest. It knocked the wind out of him but he was fine.
The next day Manny was signing autographs during Autograph Sunday. Hunter was in Manny’s line and when he reached Manny told him that he was the one hit by the ball the day. Hunter just wanted to let Manny know he was ok.
Manny told Hunter to meet him over by the dugout when he was finished signing..
Below is what happened.
Joy and Keelan
Pacheco
Second pitch of the game to the always dangerous Tony Gwynn Jr.
I didn’t get a picture this time but “Dante” the squirrel made another appearance.
x
I’ve got to give props to Dan’s daughter Emily who snagged her first live home run ball in the 8th inning. She snagged Chris Nelson’s first home run of the season.
That’s just too cool…Now Coors Field has another ballhawk with a better home run record than me
Rockies take Game 1 over the Dodgers 13-3.
It’s been a great week for Rockies baseball…Rockies, I like what I’m seeing. I guess I never realized how much luv is out there for the Rockpile Rant…Thank you everyone for your support!
I’m ”D” the Ranter
There’s nothing like some good baseball a little competition to get my ass back blogg’n…Go Rockies!!
Recent Comments