Results tagged ‘ Rockpile Rant ’
D’Backs Steal the Show…7-0
4/9/12
Rockies Opening Day at Coors Field
Giants vs Rockies
As it has for the last couple of seasons Opening Day starts off with breakfast at the 2oth Street Cafe with a small group of the Rantics.
Left to Right are Mike the Rox Addict, Gary X, Alannah X, Rick, Amy, Drugless Douglas and Jersey Geoff.
The only plan this morning was to try to get Dante Bichette’s autograph before heading into Coors Field for the first batting practice of the season.
Last time I saw Dante he was a bald, not today. Dante was signing autographs and promoting Maxx HD sunglasses.
Dante was cool as a former Bomber should be and was signing multiple items for everyone.
Dante signed a game rubbed baseball for me.
Maybe someday I’ll run into Larry Walker and Andres Gallaraga and I’ll be able to finish up my Blake Street Bomber autograph collection.
I didn’t know at the time but meeting Dante would be the highlight of this day.
Check out the Patio Ride…Yeah I’d rent it, but only if I run that sucker downhill 
Lot’s of Rockies fans gett’n their drink on early on the rooftop.
Batting practice was a total bust. I’ve noticed at times when the Rockies hit really well during BP they hit well during the game. BP today was pitiful and I was hoping that wasn’t an indication of what the game was gonna be like.The pavillion pre-game was packed full of purple Rockies fans hoping to catch a souvenir.
Sorry folks, it’s not going to happen today. Your chances of getting beaned in the head by a stray foul ball were much better. Just ask the lady along the third base line celebrating her 69th birthday at Coors Field. She managed to snag a ball today, the one that cracked her skull.
That’s the first time I can remember seeing a fan hauled off from the field. Normally Paramedics would just carry them up the stairs.
I heard later that the elderly lady beaned in the head was recovering and was going to be ok. That’s cool, a happy ending and a helluva story for her to tell the grandkids.
Unfortunately a trend I’m not liking is continuing from last year. The Rockies ended their BP early thus depriving their fans of the only half-hour they get to watch their team take swings.C’mon Rockies, we wait in line in the hot sun so we can come inside and watch you take swings.
We’re allowed a measly half-hour to do this and you end practice 10-15 minutes early?
Listen, I’m not telling the Rockies what to do, I’m just giving them some insight into how fans think.
Graphmaster Gary X hold’n down the front row as per usual.
Mike the Rox Addict and Amy from “The Take from Blake”.
As an old buddy of mine used to say…That’s a crap-ton of balloons.
Matt Belisle giving us a wave.
The ceremonial first pitch times three.
Tulo was presented his Silver Slugger and Gold Glove award from 2011.
Here are the game pictures I took.
First pitch of the game.
Sandoval homers and the Giants are up by 2 in the first inning.
Helton third out toss-up.
Tulo milliseconds before his first hit.
Chacin starting to crumble.
Amy and Jersey Geoff chill’n.
My favorite picture of the day and one of the hardest to get. Cargo breaking his bat with the ball in the picture.
Zito was straight up money today and the Giants embarrass the Rockies on their Home Opener 7-0.
After the beating was over Mike, Gary X, Alannah and I headed over to where the post-game show is broadcast. We said we would do the “Bring Back Helmer” chant and we did.
Here’s the first video. You can see us in the background.
In this video you can hear us chanting “Bring Back Helmer” in the background as the Cowboy is talking.
Here is where I walk up to the wall(you can see my hat) and told them:
”I supported you and you let Helmer go for no good reason, I supported you Root Sports. You ain’t about the fan, You aint about the fan.”
After I finished the cops that were standing there waved me on.
The best video of all was Allannah X. She was able to get close up and got out a “Bring Back Helmer. Nice job Alannah!
We did what we could for Tom Helmer. He’s a great guy and he deserved folks standing up for him for the gutless way Poot Warts let him go.
Hindsight being 20/20, a big ole’ sign would have done wonders
Let me state for the record, I like all of the rest of the broadcasters in the Poot Warts line-up although I haven’t watched Joel much as I’m boycotting the Post-Game going forward.
The protest had absolutely nothing to do with any of you, it was a protest against your employer. We were standing up and making a statement for a friend who was wronged by a company that claims to be about “The Fan”, but in reality doesn’t give a shit about “The Fan”, simple as that.
I’m ”D” The Ranter and let me reiterate, meeting Dante Bichette was the highlight of this day, but it’s nice to know Rockies fans are taking Purple Mondays seriously
Go Rockies…You’re better than this…”D”
No need to be an Ass…Just cause you got a Pass
4/9/12
This isn’t the Rockies Opening Day Blog..This is the prelude to it.
I’ve got to tell you about a Denver Post photographer who was so rude she gets her own blog entry.
Rantics meet Helen Richardson, don’t let the smile fool you.
Helen is a photographer for the Denver Post and has the credentials to prove it. Helen’s mission today was to get 200 pictures of Joe Salazar’s mohawk no matter what the cost. If you’ve never seen Joe’s mohawk it’s a fregg’n thing of beauty.
Helen asked Joe if he wanted to be in the paper and the first six times Joe said “No”.
Before Helen had to actually beg Joe for the picture he caved in and let her take a picture of him standing in between three of Denver’s finest. Helen decided she needed to partially stand in my space to get the much desired picture of Joe’s mohawk.
Picture by a rude Helen Richardson of the Denver Post.
So I sat there as she popped off a few pictures. Being a photographer myself I had no issues about that. I was a bit upset that she was in my space and kind of disregarding that fact that it was MY space. After a minute or so of her still taking the same picture of Joe I stood up hoping to give her enough space to finish so I could get back to watching the game.
A minute later Helen was STILL taking pictures of Joe.
The entire time Helen was taking pictures of Joe she was oblivious to the fact that she was bothering me. She didn’t acknowledge my existance or ask if she could share my space. Finally after letting Helen’s ”invasion of my privacy” wreck enough of my Opening Day experience I said “Ya Know a couple of pictures is cool, 200 pictures is douche baggery”.
Then she said “Excuse me am I bothering you?” I said “Yes you are, I’m trying to watch the game and take pictures and you’re in my space and have been for a while”.
At that point instead of realizing she had over stayed her welcome and politely leaving, she proceeded to verbally F’ck with me and tossed a few expletives my direction. Finally after enough of being harassed by someone who didn’t even pay for her ticket I stuck out my hand and said:
“Hi I’m D the Ranter and you just made the blog“.
She wouldnt’ shake my hand and just stared at me with a pissed off look on her face.
The look was followed by ”Ewwww, are you going to put my picture in your blog?” belted out very sarcastically.
I said “Naa”.
At that point she still wouldn’t take the hint and leave so I got a pen from Mike and jotted the name down I that could see on her press credentials. When Helen noticed me doing that she proceeded to turn her credentials around so I couldn’t see them…
Too late Helen
I never mess with folks, especially when I’m at a Rockies game. All who know me know that I go to Coors Field to hang with the Rantics, take lots of pictures and cheer on my Rockies. Baseball is my escape from the real world and I’m there to relax, not get all bent out of shape.
I gave Helen plenty of time to do what she needed to do and she abused her “Press Pass” privilege by being a nuisance, not leaving soon enough and by verbally harassing me.
This is professional behavior? Denver Post do you agree? Rockies do you agree?
Helen here’s a tip, next time start off with “Excuse me could I stand here in your space and take a few pictures?”.
Asking is a good thing and is respectful to fans who actually PAY for their tickets and stand in those long lines to get inside the stadium.
Then take a FEW pictures and then get the hell out-of-the-way.
I purposely sit in the front row so I don’t block anyone with my body or my camera lens as I take my pictures. In my wildest dreams I had no idea I’d have to deal with an annoying Denver Post photographer blocking my view in the front row of the Rockpile of all places?
When Helen finally disappeared I asked Mike the Rox Addict who is a professional photographer if I had been in some way out of line with Helen. Mike said she was rude, unprofessional and had abused her media privileges. Good, glad to have confirmation that it wasn’t me.
Helen, here’s a few nuggets of wisdom from the Ranter free of charge.
Remember, it’s not about the picture you take, it’s more about the image you leave.
By the way, I only had to take one picture of Jeff’s mohawk.
Here it is:
You should know better than to mess with someone with RANTER on their jersey.
I’m ”D” The Ranter and I may take your picture but I’ll damn sure leave you some elbow room.
Go Rockies!!…Helen, I changed my mind about posting your picture and by the way you and your attitude can…
…”D”
Two Dudes from Ned in a Stadium of Red
3-22-12
Royals vs Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium
This was our first of two games today. But first I want to tell you about an abandoned stadium Mike and I visited the day before.
This old abandoned stadium is Compadre Stadium and what’s left of it is in Chandler, AZ.
It’s not actually all that old, it was built-in 1985 and is the former spring training facility for the Brewers and at the time it was the gem of the cactus league. The Brewers called this place home for 11 years then made the move to Maryvale because the city of Chandler didn’t want to pay for the operating costs for the facility when the Brewers weren’t in town.
Rox Addict and his famous pose.
The land is presently used for sheep and at the same time it’s being torn down.
Photo by Tim Hacker/Tribune
Here’s a few pictures of Compadre in her glory.
All Mike and I wanted to do here was take a few pictures. We I each went a different direction looking for a way in or someone to ask if we could take a peek inside. We were in front of the stadium just a minute of two when a company truck pulled up to Mike. I could see they were talking so I headed over there. As I approached the guy in the truck looked at me and said “Do you want me to call the cops?”. I was like “Dude I just walked up here”. Then he went into a rant about how since they’ve put the sign up saying no trespassing more people than ever have been showing up trying to explore.
The dude threatened to call the cops a few more times and Mike and I got out of there without incident. We left and headed to another part of the stadium. We stayed off the property but got a few pictures from the outfield of the seats.
Cool place, it’s too bad the construction company doesn’t realize the historic significance of this place. Instead of being kind to baseball enthusiasts who only want to take look at a piece of baseball history, they treat them like criminals and run them off.
Here’s a few recent pictures of the stadium that I’ve been able to find.
I don’t advise trying to photograph this place. Not unless you want that guy to call the cops.
My first visit to Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Batting practice today consisted of standing in the parking lot next to the stadium. We caught the tail end of BP and only one ball was hit out. A group of dudes were huddled around where the ball was going to land. They all missed it and I positioned myself for the bounce. I was in the perfect spot, the ball hit my glove and bounced out. That was it, BP was over and I blew my only opportunity of the day.
All I can say is “Hey, it’s spring training for me too”
Phillie Jim and I in front of the Stadium.
Here’s a few shots of the inside. This is a cool stadium.
Here’s the berm…Packed.
The lineup.
Game shots.
Former Rockie Chris Iannetta.
Albert
The topper to a great game was an Usher letting us sit right behind the Rockies dugout for the last part of the game.
Nice folks, you can tell they’re proud to have Albert around.
Angels get the win over the Royals 7-4.
I’m “D” The Ranter and only two more games left for the Rox Addict and I.
Rain and Hail…Next Stop…Maryvale
3-18-12
Part of this Spring Training adventure was spent camping at Lake Pleasant. This is a beautiful lake, with lots camping sites and more importantly showers and electricity.
Mike and I each had our own tents and the combination of 50 mph winds and torrential rains that started on Saturday night really put a kink in our Arizona camping experience.
Saturday night was a nightmare weather-wise and everything Mike and I had in our tents got drenched.
Props to my buddy Dan(thank you) for hooking us up with a coupon for a room at the Talking Stick Resort near Salt River Fields. This was a really nice hotel and after our bout with the rain this was a little slice of heaven. We spent Sunday and Monday night at the Hotel and by doing that we avoided the snow and hail that visited our campsite.
Brewers vs Rangers
Maryvale Baseball Park holds a special place for me. It was here I snagged my first live game home run ball.
Here’s a link to that blog entry back in 2009:
Snagged my Holy Grail at Maryvale
This would be my first time back to Maryvale since 2009 and I had visions of another home run snag, however this time I wanted to catch it on the fly. The weather was sketchy at best with the sky clear in some areas and pouring rain in other.
I hardly took any pictures at this game as my focus was a home run ball.
If you want to see some game pictures check out the Rox Addicts blog entry on this game.
I did try to get a good one of Brad Hawpe for Queen Geri..Here’s the best I could do Queen, just know I was think’n of ya
Although not in the best neighborhood Maryvale Baseball Park is my favorite little spring training stadium. I love the vibe here. Nobody messes with you, the food is reasonably priced and this park has a fantastic berm.
Here’s a few shots of this little gem.
Look at the flags in the above picture. The wind was blowing and it wasn’t one of those warm desert winds. This was a chill you to the bone cold wind.
This park is Happy Youngster stomping grounds and I was on the lookout for that bright yellow shirt. Unfortunately I didn’t run into my friend Nick.
Due to the rain this game was called before it got to the 5th inning, so in the end this game really wasn’t a game.
I’m ”D” The Ranter and I’ll be back Maryvale, my ticket is good for two years.
Snagged His First Game Ball…Green Hat and All.
3-17-12
Dodgers vs Rockies…Salt River Fields
“D” in the Desert
This day started out exactly the way I like it. We showed up early and were greeted with two Diamondback batting practices.
As I said there were two BP’s today and during the second one it was just Mike, Dan and I snagg’n. It was game on and I snagged eight baseballs.
I live for days like that.
Behind where we were snagg’n baseballs was a six foot fence lined with barbed wire. Several of the BP homers hit bounced on the road and landed on the other side of the fence. I looked but couldn’t see a way to get over the fence and snag those baseballs so I forgot about them.
Next thing I know I see Mike walking up to me with a handful of baseballs. Mike found a weak spot in the fence and was able to get through it and snag those stranded baseballs. He also found a couple of balls that were missed hidden in the bushes.
For that bit of top-notch snagging I think Mike deserves an award.
I’m awarding Mike the first annual:
”Robert Harmon Award for Creative Ballhawking”
To quote Robert “Baseballs do grow on trees”. Mike proved that.
The Rockies decided to take their BP in the cages…it figures.
Here’s “The Deuce”, caged and protected from his adoring fans.
Jordan Pacheco
Chris Nelson was kind enough to sign a baseball for me.
Here are some inside the stadium pictures pre-game.
I headed over to the Dodgers side to try to get Mark Ellis to sign the live game ball he tossed me last season but I never saw Mark on the field pre-game. As the Usher was scooting us away after the National Anthem Andre Ethier walked up to the edge of the dugout and started signing for folks.
I waited and Andre signed my baseball last.
He signed it on the sweet spot for me, I didn’t even have to ask.
Thanks Andre!
When I see Captain Earthman I know all is as it should be as far as baseball is concerned.
The crew out on the berm. Check out Mikes hat.
Tulo’s Bobble.
Charlie
Former Rockie Mark Ellis.
In the sixth inning Wilin Rosario hit foul ball along the first base line. The new owner of that baseball was none other than my partner in crime down here in Phoenix…Mike the Rox Addict.
Mike gave away his first ever game ball to Mary the Usher because it was her birthday.
Here’s Mike pictured with Mary on TV…Classy move Mike
As much as we wanted a win to cap off one hell of a day it wasn’t happening.
Padres get the win over the Rockies 9-6.
I’m ”D” The Ranter, feel’n fine but running a bit behind.
Next blog entry…Rangers vs Brewers Maryvale Baseball Park.
Gett’n Some Luv from the Gov
3-16-12
Rockies vs Reds… Goodyear Stadium
I’m not sure what this mascot is and after a very small amount of thought I decided I didn’t want to know.
I looked but I didn’t see a “Practice” stamped on the outside of it anywhere on it so as far as flat baseballs go it must be the real deal.
Spring training for me has always been a test.
Not a test of my intelligence(thank god), more a test of my patience. Each time I’m down here I try to learn a little more about each facility.This trip has been no different.
Show up a half hour late and you miss batting practice. Think batting practice is going to be one place and you find out it’s at another.
It’s fun yet frustrating at the same time.
Mike and I have yet to experience the joys of a batting practice taking place inside of a stadium. It’s more common to stumble across batting practice occurring discretely out in back of the stadium. That’s exactly what happened today. We were lucky and managed to stumble across some Reds BP taking place in one of the back fields.
Baseballs here are hard to catch on the fly because you only see the ball just as it’s cresting the fence. Despite that annoyance I snagged two baseballs. One on the fly and one was scooped as it was rolling.
In attendance for BP today were Dan, Mike, Amy and Emily.
Everyone snagged at least one baseball. Good job all!!
My first official “Hoser” pic of the season.
Here’s some Rockies pics pre-game.
One of my favorite players Chris Nelson.
While Mike and I were walking the concourse Mike was sure he spotted former Colorado Governor Bill Owens talking to another guy about twenty feet away from us. Upon closer inspection Mike was correct. We wanted to introduce ourselves but neither of us had the testicular fortitude.
So Mike had a great idea.
His idea was to get Amy to break the ice with the Governor. She’s young and not scared of going up to people cold turkey. Amy pulled it off, we met Governor Owens, chatted a bit, shook his hand, and then the Governor signed their ticket stubs and my program and ticket.
The Governor mentioned he had read my blog and before our brief encounter was over in true Ranter style I slipped him my Ranter card. Great guy Governor Owens, friendly and easy to talk to, and loves baseball.
Thank you Sir!!
Here’s the ticket and program the Governor signed for me.
Now some game pictures.
Jon Hererra.
Jon at bat.
Cargo out at second.
I didn’t take as many pictures as usual. That’s because I was lingering in the outfield hoping to catch a home run ball. That’s difficult to do with a camera in your face.
Rockies tried hard in the 9th inning scoring three runs but it was too little too late. Reds take this one with a final score of 4-3.
After the game there was a small fireworks show. Nothing special but kinda cool.
I’m “D” The Ranter and every day is an adventure down here at Spring Training.
Wonder who I’ll meet next…”D”
Thirteen Games…Kick’n Ass n’ Tak’n Names
3-10-12
Ranter and Rox Addict’s 2012 Spring Training schedule.
Two Colorado Rockies Bloggers, one mission.
March 14th-D-Backs vs Rockies (Salt River Fields) Evening Game
March 15th-A’s vs Rangers (Surprise) Day Game
March 15th-Giants vs Mariners (Peoria) Night Game
March 16th-Indians vs Angels (Tempe Stadium) Day Game
March16th-Rockies vs Reds (Goodyear) Night Game
March 17th-Dodgers vs Rockies (Salt River Fields) Day Game
March 18th-Rangers vs Brewers (Maryvale) Day Game
March 19th-Reds vs White Sox (Glendale) Day Game
March 20th-Rangers vs Cubs (Hohokum) Day Game
March 20th-Rockies vs Padres (Peoria) Night Game
March 21st- Off Day
March 22nd-Giants vs Rockies (Salt River Fields) Night Game
March 23rd-Dodgers vs Brewers (Maryvale) Day Game
March 24th-Rockies vs Giants (Scottsdale) Day Game..Head home…
How’s that for a Spring Training trip?
Thirteen games in eleven days. If all goes as planned the Addict and I should see every team and get to wander around almost every Stadium.
Planning on attending one of these games? Leave a comment or shoot me an email and we’ll try and meet up, shoot the shit and take a photo for the blog.
If you’re a Phoenix area local and you have any tips on any of these stadiums(parking, best spot for autographs, anything useful).
PLEASE…
The Rox Addict and I will gladly return the favor when you’re in Colorado
I’m “D” the Ranter and I’m more than ready to hug a cactus.
This trip is gonna be epic…“D”
Grandpa’s Still in the Shed…Get your Ass up to Ned
ATTENTION…THE FROZEN DEAD GUY POLAR PLUNGE AND COFFIN RACE HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM SATURDAY TO SUNDAY DUE TO HIGH WINDS AND EXTREME WINDCHILL TEMPERATURES
ALL SATURDAY INDOOR ACTIVITIES WILL STILL BE AT THE SAME TIME.
GRANDPA BREDO IS OK WITH THIS.
It’s that time of year again. The time where my tiny town of Nederland turns into a mountain freak show of epic proportions.
All for a guy who isn’t even around to appreciate the big fuss over him.
This year instead of only photographing I plan on participating in the festivities.
Hunter and I will be testing our manhood(or shrinking it) as we plan to see what it’s like to be a human popsicle in the Polar Plunge.
I’ll be wear’n my Ranter jersey of course.
Of all the Frozen Dead Guy Day activities I love to photograph the Polar Plunge the most. It’s the facial expressions of the brave (mildly crazy/intoxicated), folks as they enter the frigid water that I dig. In my photographic absence Mike the Rox Addict will be getting all of our “Nippy Dip” on film…Thanks Mike.
Us hang’n by Grandpa’s Tuff Shed in 2009
Below is a list of all the activities for the weekend and a link to the official website.
If you’ve never been to Nederland this is the perfect opportunity. Be respectful up here and leave your dogs at home as there are just too many people here in too small of a space.
Friday – March 2 |
|
| 3:00pm – 8:00pm | The fun starts in the ReAnimate Yourself Beer Tentin Chipeta Park • Microbrew beer from Avery and Left Hand specialty Corpse Revivers & Grandpa’s Spirit drinks• Live Musicall weekend long.• Grandpa’s Gift Shop & food vendors. |
Sponsored by:
4:00pm and 6:00pm
Frozen Dead Guy Chocolate Tour! Tour to the Tuff Shed where Grandpa resides. Reservations $30, $35 day of if available, tours start location TBD more info7:00pmFrozen Dead Guy Days Opening Ceremony in Nederland’s roundabout with the famous Skeleton Dancers and unveiling of a Snow Sculpture by Cool Hand Carvers8:00pm – 2:00am
Grandpa’s Blue Ball Black Forest Restaurant Ice Queen & Grandpa Look a Like costume contest for great prizes ($10 entry fee)
Featuring: The Big Blue Ball Band, fusion of Nederland’s world class finest musicians, NoGo Gilbilles & The Square Groupers Tickets $12 at the door day of; pre-sale $10 on line or in person at Dog House Videos in Nederland till 2/29/12
Purchase $10 Blue Ball Ticket online
10:00pmLIVE MUSIC - area restaurants and bars.
Saturday – March 3
8:00am – 11:00amEvent Day Registration for the Parade of Hearses, Polar Plunge & Coffin Races. Event day registration for the coffin races, polar plunge and parade will begin at 8am at the Teen Center located at the east end of First Street at Barker Reservoir. All participants must sign a waiver and get waiver wrist band.10:00am & 4:00pmFreeze Frame Your Dead Guy Days ExperienceGet you photo taken with Grandpa at The Business Connection 1 block W of the traffic circle
Also Dead Guy Day postcards available as events happen! Dead Guy Day masks and helium balloons too!
10:30am & 2:30pm 
Cryogenic Work Shop at Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center Stop by Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center to meet Professor Cryo! She is such a wacky scientist and will be performing magic at the Center! We will hammer nails with bananas, shatter beautiful flowers, and make ice cream with nitrogen! Come on over for the fun and enjoy the delicious treat and bid in the silent auction.Saturday Tours: 10:00am 2:00pm 4:00pm Frozen Dead Guy Chocolate Tour! Tour to the Tuff Shed where Grandpa resides. Reservations $30, $35 day if available, tours start location TBD more info8:00am – 11:00am Sponsored by:
FDGD Pancake Breakfast at the Community Center Pancakes and more! Eggs and sausage, coffee and juice will be served alongside all you can eat pancakes for the whole family. Warm your belly for your day outdoors!11:00am – 8:00pm
Brain Freezer Tent First Street Rocks at the Brain Freezer tent with Avery and Lefthand serving up beer and Specialty Corpse Reviver and Grandpa Spirit drinks. And don’t forget the Live Music.11:00am – 8:00pm
Grandpa’s Mall CrawlDowntown Nederland
Nederland’s First Street will be transformed into a pedestrian mall so revelers can enjoy music in the Brain Freezer tent, street performers and participate in brain freezing, frozen t-shirt contests, icy turkey bowling and more.
11:00am-8pmThe fun continues at the ReAnimate Yourself Beer Tentin Chipeta Park • Microbrew beer from Avery and Left Hand, specialty Corpse Reviver and Grandpa’s Spirit drinks • Live Music all weekend long. • Grandpa’s Gift Shop & food vendors.
Sponsored by:
11:00am – 4:00pm
NEW Location!
Grandpa’s in the Tuff Shed Black Forest Restaurant Watch the award-winning Grandpa’s in the Tuff Shed short film. Shows approximately every 30 minutes. The Black Forest Restaurant is right behind the Shopping Center.NoonParade of Hearsesstarts the Nederland Teen Center and goes up First Street.
Check in and parade start will be at the Nederland Teen Center
Registration and Rules
1:00pm – 2:00pmCharity Polar Plunge in Chipeta Park 
Take the freezin’ plunge! RC Rental is providing a warming tent & changing area. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Nederland Fireworks Fund.
$20 Entry Fee Registration and Rules
1:00pm and 5:00pm 
The Newly Dead Game & Funny Films Talk
Funny Films for Funeral Planning is a collection of comedy movie and TV scenes about funerals, cremation, and cryonics! Gail Rubin, presents must-know-NOW details before anyone kicks the bucket and hosts The Newly-Dead Game, quizzing couples on how well they know each other’s last wishes. Sign up to play, located in the Black Forest Restaurant – come for a snack and a break from the cold!
2:00pm – 3:30pmCoffin Races at Chipeta Park
30 teams race with a coffin and ‘corpse’ in tow race through a course full of obstacles, mud, snow, playground slides. Who will be the first cross the finish line?
Coffin Race Registration has been closed.We have a full field. Download rules and waiver. All Teams must check in at the Teen Center before 11am on the day of the race.
PRIZES FOR 1ST, 2ND & 3RD PLACE, BEST COSTUME & MOST FDGD SPIRIT
3:00pm – 5:00pm Sponsored by:
Wild Mountain Icy Turkey Bowling Test your Poultry Bowling Skills in the Ice Turkey Bowling Contest…In front of Wild Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery 70 East First Street3:00pm – 4:00pmBrain Freeze Contest 
Ooowwwweee!!! Be a Brain Freezer in front Brain Freezer Tent on First Street Contestants race against each other to finish downing frozen treats for great prizes5:00pm Sponsored by: 
Pioneer Inn’s Frozen T-shirt Contest How fast can you “get it on” at the Pioneer Inn Frozen T-shirt Contest, for great prizes. The Pioneer Inn (15 E. 1st Street)6:30pm – 1:00amGrandpa’s Pub Crawl, featuring Live Musicat local pubs and bars.
Sunday – March 4
8:00am – 11:00am Sponsored by:
FDGD Pancake Breakfast Pancakes and more! Eggs and sausage, coffee and juice will be served along side all you can eat pancakes for the whole family. Warm your belly for your day outdoors! At the Nederland Community Center10:00am & 4:00pmFreeze Frame Your Dead Guy Days ExperienceGet you photo taken with Grandpa at The Business Connection 1 block W of the traffic circle
Also Dead Guy Day postcards available as events happen! Dead Guy Day masks and helium balloons too!
10:30am & 2:30pm Cryogenic Work Shop at Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center Stop by Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center to meet Professor Cryo! She is such a wacky scientist and will be performing magic at the Center! We will hammer nails with bananas, shatter beautiful flowers, and make ice cream with nitrogen!
Come on over for the fun and enjoy the delicious treat and bid in the silent auction. Wild Bear is in the lower level of the Shopping Center.
Sunday Tours: 10:00am 1:00pm 3:00pm Frozen Dead Guy Chocolate Tour! Tour to the Tuff Shed where Grandpa resides. Reservations $30, $35 day if available tour start is at Buffalo Bills In the Shopping Center. (101 Hwy 119) more info11:00am – 6:00pmLast Day but by no means the least fun at the ReAnimate Yourself Beer Tent in Chipeta Park
• Microbrew beer from Avery and Left Hand specialty Corpse Reviver and Grandpa’s Spirit drinks • Live Musiccontinues • Grandpa’s Gift Shop & food vendors.
Sponsored by:
11:00am – 8:00pm
Brain Freezer Tent First Street is still rockin’ at the Brain FreezerTent with Avery and Lefthand serving up beer and Specialty Corpse Reviver and Grandpa Spirit drinks. And more Live Music.11:00am – 2:00pm Sponsored by:
Salmon Toss & Sunday Brunch at the Sundance Cafe Furthest Toss wins the prize. Come by Anytime! 1 mile South of Nederland on HWY 119
NEW this year!
11:00am – 2:00pm Sponsored by: 
Snowy Beach Volleyball at Chipeta Park Speed tournament, 8 teams, first come, first serve! Great Prizes! Tourney being run by Boulder Sport and Social Club. 
11:00am – 4:00pm
NEW Location!
Grandpa’s in the Tuff Shed Black Forest Restaurant Watch the award-winning Grandpa’s in the Tuff Shed short film. Shows approximately every 30 minutes. The Black Forest Restaurant is right behind the Shopping Center11:00am – 12:00pm 
Sasquatch Investigations Of The Rockies to speak at Voodoo Toys The SIR will be giving a talk at Voodoo Toys on their organization, research and findings.
Lower level of the Shopping Center.
12:00pm – 1:00pm 
Corpse Pose at Tadasana Mountain Yoga Experience Corpse Pose for yourself. Drop-in anytime between 12 and 1pm, stay for 5 minutes or the whole hour. $5 (cash appreciated). Lower level of the Shopping Center1:00pm Pioneer Inn’s Frozen T-shirt Contest How fast can you “get it on” at the Pioneer Inn Frozen T-shirt Contest, for great prizes. The Pioneer Inn (15 E. 1st Street)1:00pm – 3:00pm Sponsored by:
Wild Mountain Icy Turkey Bowling
Test your Poultry Bowling Skills in the Ice Turkey Bowling Contest…In front of Wild Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery 70 East First Street
2:00pm – 3:00pmBrain Freeze Contest Ooowwwweee!!! Be a Brain Freezer in front Brain Freezer Tent on First Street Contestants race against each other to finish downing frozen treats for great prizes2:00pm – 3:00pmCool Hand Ice Carving Demonstration We have to do something with all our snow. Come by and watch the carversas they work. In front of the Brain Freeser tent on First Street.2:00 pm The Newly Dead Game
Find out how well you know your partner’s last wishes at The Newly Dead Game. Based on elements of the “The Newlywed Game” TV show. Couples compete for “valuable prizes”! At the Black Forest (behind the Shopping Center)
2:30pm Sponsored by:
Extreme Air Guitar CompetitionCome cheer on these wanna be rockstars!
$5 entry fee 1st place: $100 Cash 2nd place: $50 Gift Card to Wild Mountain
3:00pm Sponsored by:
First Street Pub Rocky Mountain Oyster Eating Contest Race to eat as many rocky mountain oysters as possible. First Street Pub & Grill (35 East 1st Street) 5:00pmClosing Ceremony of 2012 Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland’s roundabout.
I’m ”D” The Ranter, come on up to Nederland Saturday and cheer a brotha on
Say it Aint So…You Let Helmer Go?
BRING TOM HELMER BACK NOW!!
You meet a lot of people in life. Most leave no impression but every now and then you meet someone who leave a lasting impression. For me that was Tom Helmer.
I can’t say exactly when I first met Tom but my first really good memory of meeting him was at the Top of the Rockies show towards the end of 2010. When I wrote the blog entry about the show I mentioned how cool I thought it would be interview one of the ROOT SPORTS (FSN Rocky Mtn back then) folks.
Not long after Tom emailed me and told me he enjoyed reading the Rant and said he’d be happy to let me interview him. That blew me away and I was stoked because I figured Tom would be a smooth first interview for me because he’s so laid back.
Tom kept his word and on a cold snowy day in January the Rantics and I met Tom and his wife at Champps. The Rantics all hung out and Alanna X and I interviewed Tom.
He was easy to talk and the two of them were a total class act.
After that Tom was an official “Rantic” and he solidified his place in the Rant as a stand-up guy.
Five years I’ve been blogging about the Rockies and Tom was the first one in Colorado Media to give me any props at all, thank you Tom.
Helmer ”IS” the Rockies pre and post game.
Plus his “Tom on the Town” series is always fun to watch.
The kids and I won’t be celebrating any Rockies wins post-game at the ROOT SPORTS desk this season, the only reason we’ll be there is to shout “Bring back Helmer” and you better believe the Rantics will be there in full force.
Helmer was the best for getting the crowd going after a Rockies win and anyone else trying to do that post-game would seem cheap and insulting to Rockies fans who respect Helmer.
I can tell you that I was extremely pro ROOT SPORTS at the beginning of last season. I bought in and plugged their new theme …”The Fan”.
Ok ROOT SPORTS time to put your money where you mouth is. “The Fans” you reference want Tom Helmer back…NOW!. He’s the heart and soul of your broadcast team and Rockies fans WILL suffer in his absence.
ROOT SPORTS you have totally misjudged the impact Helmer has on the Rockies fan base.
I’m not sure What direction ROOT SPORTS is headed but if it doesn’t include Tom Helmer I don’t need a map to tell you they’re going the wrong way.
Helmer was so cool he even had his own T-Shirts made and distributed them to fans for a good part of last season. Me being the original homeboy I got the first one.
I have nothing against the rest of the crew at ROOT SPORTS I like them, but none of them have close to the personality and charisma that Helmer has. Plus who the hell wants to see the Cowboy up on the desk after a Rockies win. Not me, that’s just scary.
Here’s Tom on 850 KOA talking about the whole thing on 2-9-12
Stand up Rockies fans, help our “Homeboy”. Do the right thing and let ROOT SPORTS know how you feel about this mess.
Here’s a link to their Facebook page: ROOT SPORTS..Rocky Mountain
Or you can email directly by clicking here: ROOT SPORTS Rocky Mountain email.
Please show your support for Tom by Liking the Facebook page Dan Created: Bring Helmer Back NOW
And Don’t miss the Save Helmer Fan Rally on Sunday at 2pm at the Blake Street Tavern. Then we march to Coors Field is support of “The Homeboy”.
I’m “D” The Ranter and ROOT SPORTS seems more like BOOT SPORTS to me right now.
Snow Ain’t My Thing…I’m All About Spring
2/5/11
As I’m writing this it’s 20 degrees outside and there’s about two feet of the white stuff covering everything.
I’m not a huge fan of winter.
You ask “D why do you live in the mountains if you don’t care for winter?”
That’s easy, there’s no better place to live in the spring, summer and fall.
It’s Superbowl Sunday and I’m writing about baseball because I’m thinking about my upcoming road trip to the Phoenix area.
Spring Training, if you’re a baseball lover and you’ve never attended it’s on your bucket list.
If you’ve had a taste of spring training and you live in a cold weather state, it becomes a ritual.
Point and case…Me
My first Spring Training trip was the season after the Rockies World Series run and I did it because I needed more. My first blog entry on the Rant back in March of 2008 was about my first Spring Training trip. It’s called:
Out of the Storm…The Ranter is Born.
My blog entries were a lot simpler back then
Spring Training 2009
That quick three-day trip in 2008 was a tease and for Spring Training 2009 my buddy Andy(known as Andy from Spring Training) planned a ten-day trip in a 30 ft RV dubbed “The Mobile Blogging Unit”
Here’s the first blog entry from that trip:
Fun in the Sun as I watch game Game One.
Next:
Early Morning Meet and Greet was Neat
Next:
Waiting for Game Four So I can Blog at you Some More
This next blog entry was inspired by a brief encounter with Vinny Castilla. I’ve since forgiven Vinny and even named my VW bus after the guy.
Next:
Snagg’n Behind Enemy Lines for the First Time
Andy from Spring Training
Next:
Finally
I could have stayed another couple of weeks but both of us had jobs that needed us and a guy can only play for so long. This trip kicked ass and now that I think back ten days was the perfect amount of time.
2010 Spring training
Spring Training this year consisted of two games. I didn’t have the vacation time saved up to do a Tucson trip this season. Lucky for us the Rockies played two Spring Training games in Albuquerque at the Isotopes Stadium and the wife and I were able to attend those games.
I called the entry for Game One against the Mariners:
We Left Our Mark at Isotopes Park
Game Two was even better, I called that entry:
Don’t Mind if I Do…I Think I’ll Take Two
Alan Shuster from MyGameBalls.com wrote an article about the Brad Eldred and Jason Giambi homers I snagged from the batters eye at the end of the game at Isotopes park.
Rockpile Ranter Grabs Two Home Run Balls
So even though Spring Training 2010 was only two games, I made it and it was a blast.
Spring Training 2011
From the moment I heard that the Rockies and D-Backs were getting a new Spring Training facility I knew I had to be the first fan inside the joint on opening day. Opportunities like that are few and far between and I wanted to be able to tell folks for years to come that I opened that stadium.
The family and I were in supposed to be in Arizona visiting my parents about the same time as the inaugural game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick so pulling this off consisted of good timing and some serious back and forth driving between Yuma and Phoenix on my part.
Here’s the kids and I in the back fields of Salt River Fields at Talking Stick a few days before the inaugural game snagg’n baseballs.
I called that first entry of that trip:
Yeah the Sun’s Fun…Bring on Game One
I called the second entry:
A Geezer and a Canadian Open the New Stadium
The final entry of the trip:
I Ended Up With One…But Damn It Was Fun
Spring Training 2012 will be ten days and I’ll be hang’n with the Rox Addict who kinda sees things like I do.
There’s a lot of new faces within the Rockies organization and there’s no better way to gauge a new player than to see how he acts/interacts during Spring Training. It’s where new players meet old players and friendships begin to form.
The plan is to visit to every stadium/facility in the Cactus League detailing all of it as we go. Who knows what kind of trouble we’ll get into down there?
I’m “D” The Ranter and I love my mountains but I prefer the dugout to digg’n out… “D”
Recent Comments