Results tagged ‘ Todd Helton ’
Whoa, just so you know, that’s six in a row
3/12/09
Props to Ian Stewart. Stewart hit a three run homer in the first inning scoring Podsednik and Barmes.
I like it when a player sees his opportunity and takes it. I believe Stewart could/would have a f/t spot if we weren’t full. Remembering that spring training doesn’t mean sheet, I must say I like what’s happening.
I like to win. Having to watch the Rockies lose six games in Tucson sucked. I really wanted to see Helton play.
FSN and MLB.TV starts broadcasting the games on the 22nd so hopefully I’ll be able to witness a few wins before the season starts.
Anyways I won’t kid you, I’m digg’n this win streak.
Morales has improved a bit from his last outing.
Huston Street had a solid clean inning. I really want to see this guy progress. The better Street and Gonzalez perform the less people will think or talk about the loss of Holliday and Fuentes.
Dan Ortmeier hit his second home run but I wasn’t in Tempe to catch this one dammit.
Rockies beat the Angels today in Tempe 6-4. Rockies are now 6-7.
Go Rockies…D
Waiting for game four so I can blog at you some more :)
I’m killing some time until tomorrow morning when I’ll be back at Hi-Corbett. Here are some more pictures from yesterday. Enjoy…D
Here’s most of Rockies pitchers warming up before batting practice.
Nice sunglasses.
Garrett Atkins out there having a good time.
Helton and Hawpe at batting practice.
Brad Hawpe
Some more pitcher pictures, say that three times fast.
Rockies catcher Michael McKenry.
Another Rockies catcher Wilin Rosario.
Here is everything I’ve managed to get autographed this trip minus my Big Stick bat which currently has 16 autographs on it.
I have one more black Big Stick bat and my plan is to get Todd Helton to sign it tomorrow. I’m not greedy so if it doesn’t happen I’m ok with that.
I attend a lot of games at Coors Field and I’ve never been able to get Todd’s autograph. I’m just never at the right place at the right time as far as he’s concerned. With other players I have been very fortunate.
If it’s ever going to happen twice (getting Helton’s autograph), this place (Hi Corbett), is the place to get it done.
Jorge De La Rosa signing my WS baseball.
I have to tell you about something I witnessed the other morning as Andy and I were hanging out in the parking lot of Hi-Corbett for the player meet and greet. We noticed that baseball card collectors actually whip out a whole page of cards and the players will usually sign most if not all of the cards on the page.
I watched Juan Morillo sign nine baseball cards for a collector. This collector had skills and has mastered the art of “player small talk”.
Here’s # 46 Ryan Mattheus pitcher signing my baseball.
I suck at ”player small talk”, but it’s something I’m working on. It’s not that I get starstruck (except for Helton), it’s that I’m not great at initial small talk with anyone.
Give me five minutes and I’ll talk to you like I’ve known you for years. Don’t believe me, just ask anyone who’s known me for more than five minutes.
Dan sent me these pictures of the jersey he had made for Emily. Spillborghs wouldn’t fit on the back so they just had Spilly sewn on. how cool is this jersey? Props again to Denver Athletics.
I know it’s pre-season but before I leave Tucson, I’d like to see the Rockies win one. C’mon Rockies win one for the Ranter tomorrow against the Dodgers because who loves ya?…D
Good times, feeling fine, killing time, waiting in line
2/8/09
I love going to Coors Field. I think the staff there is the best in the business. We arrived at Coors Field about 8:40 am to get in line to purchase Rockies tickets. After we arrived we found out that getting there early didn’t really matter because the lottery was in effect.
Feeling lucky I reached into a box full of numbered wristbands and pulled out my number for line placment. I pulled line one # 37.
At the time a was a little bummed because I pulled #37 and there were maybe 15 people there waiting with me. No worries though it all worked out good. While we were standing in line a Rockies representative who I later found out is named “Steve”, walked up to me and asked if my daughter would be willing to help him with the lottery.
Mylee said sure, she was thrilled to do it. Here’s how it worked, there were five lines of people. There were five baseballs in the bucket labeled from 1-5. Mylee’s job was to draw the order in which each row was able to get in line for tickets…simple.
The way the Rockies set up it seemed like a system that was designed for a large group of ticket buyers. By the time Mylee started to pick baseballs out of the bucket there were maybe 70 people total in all five rows.
It was cool though, the Rockies were prepared in case of a large turnout and everything went smoothly.
At the end of the second video I you can hear me mention to Mylee to ask for a baseball (hey we’re baseball snaggers..that’s what we do), I was really just kidding and didn’t expect anything but Steve said that he’d hook her up.
Mylee picked line 1 (my line), second. She loved that she was picked to do this over Hunter because Hunter has more baseball stories than her, and this is a good one.
I walked up to Steve and thanked him, then slipped him a Ranter card and told him I’d have blog entry up by Monday.
So in one big long line they marched the whole group of us from the Rockpile Gates over to the main ticket window. As we walked around the building we could see Dinger over by the ticket window waiting for us.
Rockies,….that was a nice touch. Let me explain something about my last blog entry about Dinger. I don’t want the dude who’s inside Dinger to lose his job. (I’m sure he has little Dingett’s somewhere), I just wanted to see (or not see), inside of a tougher looking mascot for the Rockies.
I bet if you asked Dinger’s inyards…He’d agree.
Dude inside of Dinger, your cool brotha, thanks for giving my kids lots of attention. They love that…D.
Dinger grabed the control stick of this nice ladies wheelchair and was messing with her. She loved it.
Below is a video of Dinger messing around with a few other people.
While we were killing time waiting to get our tickets, Steve from the lottery walked up to Mylee and presented her with a Rockies backpack. She opened it up and inside was a 2007 League Championship collectible trophy, a MLB baseball, a Rockies hat and a Rockies rally towel.
I couldn’t believe it. Steve, thank you again. You didn’t have to do all that. In fact you didn’t have to do anything.
We’re always at the games early for batting practice so we can snag baseballs.
Mylee would have been thrilled if you had just tossed her one of the baseballs in the bucket.
That gift was “above and beyond” and she hasn’t stopped talking about it since :)
Seeing that “random act of kindness” from a Rockies employee made me smile and think about how proud I am to spend my time supporting “my team” the Rockies,..on multiple levels.
Steve can you hook it up so I won’t get in trouble parking the MBU at Hi Corbett field during the daytime March 24-Feb 3rd?
It’s worth a shot. I think I’m ok parking there (we’ll be there bright and early), but you never know.
Once they opened the ticket windows the line moved at a pretty good pace. People were purchasing large numbers of tickets, but every ticket window was open so that helped with the flow.
I wasn’t there to clean house on tickets. Remember I have a trip to Tucson coming up so that requires a wee bit of cash in itself. I picked up a few extra Rockpile tickets for opening day and the fireworks game pm July 3rd. Then I redeemed a few free game coupons that I had received last season for the kids and I.
End of my story. Sorry if you thought you might hear mention of Tulo or Helton. This story does however have a happy ending. That would be my daughter Mylee’s smile.
Only two weeks left the Mobile Blog Unit is officially mobile.
(This rather interesting camper is not the Mobile Blog Unit—–>)
On Dan’s recomendation I have taken my Jersey to Denver Atheletic to have “REAL” lettering stitched on professionally.
I hear they’re great, I can’t wait…D
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
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
No clue at all about the mystery ball
1/11/09
I was wondering if someone might be able to help me out with this little mystery. I got a really good deal a a few 2007 World Series baseballs that I plan on getting signed either at Rockies Fest or spring training.
One of the baseballs showed up with an autograph already on it. I’ve spent a few hours researching this already. I haven’t given up, I’m just seeing if anyone out there might have a clue. I’m using my resources…Yeah that’s it.
Here’s the ball and the mystery autograph.
Now common sense tells me the autograph is hopefully someone from the Rockies or the Red Sox because it’s a 2007 World Series ball. But you never know? I owe someone a drink if you figure this one out…D
Congrats go out to Chris Iannetta for agreeing to participate with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Chris was one of two catchers selected, the other being the Braves Brian McCann.
That makes two Rockies who have received invitations. Brad Hawpe also has an invite but at this point he hasn’t committed.
I can’t wait to see Todd Helton back in the Rockies lineup.
Lets hope his back will back him up.
When Todd’s out on first base, everything seems right. When he’s at bat, anything can happen.
I miss that feeling, don’t you?
Speaking of Todd Helton, my friend Dan Sauvageau came over the other day and gave me a little gift.
He must know I’m a huge Helton fan because he gave me a Todd Helton Golden Glove bobble head from 2002.
The Rockies don’t have that many bobble heads compared to other teams and this one is REALLY cool. Notice the bright gold glove. Nice detail on this piece.
Thank you Dan, that was really cool man.
(Dan and his daughter Emily, photo borrowed from Zack Hample).
Dan has agreed to be my first Rockies Fan Profile of the regular season. I think that’s appropriate because Dan was the first person to ever come up to me and ask “Are you the Rockpile Ranter?”.
Dan is a good dude and I hope during that Fan Profile to be able to tell you about some of the really cool things Dan does for other Rockies fans.
There are many readers of this blog who can testify to Dan’s kindness and generosity. I
I mentioned Dan to my to my friends Gary and David, at first Gary didn’t understand and said “What you talking about Ranter”, but after he realized who were talking about, he and David agree Dan is a stand up guy.
In Nuggets news, goodbye Chucky Atkins. I really liked Chucky but the poor dude barely got any playing hardwood time.
We traded Chucky, a draft pick and cash considerations for center Johan Petro and a future draft pick from Oklahoma City, January 7th.
The Nuggets acquired center Johan Petro and a second-round-draft pick from Oklahoma City on Jan. 7, in exchange for guard Chucky Atkins, a first-round-draft pick and cash considerations.
Petro was averaging 4.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg in 22 games for the Thunder this season.
Just curious, who of you among the Rant readers is planning on a trip to Tucson? If so, when?…D
Even if it’s snowing I’m still going
12/27/08
A few weeks back I received an email from a friend/Rockies regular that I’ve blogged about this season. The email had an attachment.
Here’s what was attached:
I couldn’t believe it. How cool is this? The Monforts are finally giving back to the Rockies fans after the terrible World Series debacle.
Well not quite, it’s free but it’s limited to 5000 people and you have to be a season ticket holder to be able to reserve a ticket.
I would have mentioned this event earlier but I wasn’t 100% sure I had a ticket for Hunter and I.
Thanks to the above stated “Rockies regular”, (I’ll give out his name if I get permission), I’ll have two tickets for Hunter and I to attend this first annual Rockies/fan extravaganza.
I read that the Rockies are only allowing 5000 people because this is the first one of these Rockies/fan events and they want to be able to control the flow of people.
No worries there, the fewer people in attendance the better. Shorter lines and elbow room are always a plus.
I went to the Bronco’s Fan Fair this year and it was a two day freggin madhouse. This event should be a little more manageable and enjoyable for all concerned.
The best part of of all of this is if Todd Helton is there, I’ll finally get to meet my favorite ballplayer face to face and get his autograph and hopefully a picture.
I feel like Earl, the way I’m crossing things off of my ”Things to do before I croak” list.
I’ll finally be able to get autographs from the Rockies players whose signatures are a little more difficult to acquire.
Names such as Brad Hawpe, Garrett Atkins, Yorvit Torealba and the above mentioned Todd Helton).
Now all this gets me to thinking, what am I going to get autographed at this event?
I know exactly what I want Todd Helton to autograph,… a 2007 World Series baseball. I think I’ll bring a couple of those, there’s still a few guys left on the team from Rocktober 2007.
(Note: there is some fine print that states that select autograph sessions and other events will be ticketed seperately, I’m not sure what that means yet).
(This is not the Mobile Blogging Unit—>)
What’s also cool is this is my opportunity to talk to the players and mention the Rockpile Rant.
I plan to inform them we’ll be bloggin from the Mobile Blogging Unit in Tucson at the start of spring training.
I just want them to remember my face so we get some love down in Tucson.. 
So I wonder, do we get a tour?
I’d love to get to go behind the mechanical scoreboard, snap a picture of the locker rooms, or maybe even tour the humidor.
You know, the full fan treatment.
Fan Fest is all about us right?..
This is going to be fun, as long as we get some sun…D
He lost the bet, he paid his debt
A little while back I did an entry about bet I made with a guy I work named Todd.
The bet was which of our teams would win more games by the end of the season. The loser had to wear the winners teams jersey. He proposed the bet, and I accepted.
I actually won the bet before the Rockies played their last series with the D-Backs. Good thing cause the Rockies lost all three. Todd was a good sport and wore the Todd Helton Jersey all day. He did however have a Giants T-Shirt and cap on.He said he didn’t want the Jersey touching his skin…
I would have done the same thing.
So for the world to see, here is Todd sporting none other Todd Helton #17 Jersey..
Sorry for the blurry pic, It was the only one I was able to get.
Congrats Todd…Thanks for Playing…D
Oh, what a day by the bay
9-25-08
You know there were some pissed off Giants fans leaving AT&T park last night. I myself have felt like that several times this season.
All I heard today was “why didn’t the Rockies play like that last month, why now?”.
To which I replied “why the hell are you asking me, I’m wondering the same thing myself”.
Too little, too late, ahh whatever. It was still fun to watch and I’m officially three wins up on my bet.
If the Rockies win tonight I’ll be bringing that Rockies Jersey into work tomorrow for the Giants fan who thought up this bet to wear. Oh, and the loser’s picture gets posted on here. He is a good sport, I think.
Thank You Rockies ( knock on wood), for not making me look like a chump in front of everyone I work with and the blogging community.
Hope I’m not celebrating too early?
Clint Barmes was on fire last night. He chalked up a homer and four RBI’s. Barmes is bucking for a full
time job and who can blame him.
I cant believe this guy can hit the way he hits. Shoot, I’m bigger than him..I guess it’s all in the swing.
Just heard some scary news. My favorite player is going to go under the knife. Todd Helton is going to have what’s called a microdisectomy
next tuesday. That just sounds uncomfortable.
They are going to remove part of his bulging L5 disc to hopefully alleviate pressure on the nerve that has been messing with him.
Good Luck Todd, We need to see you on first base next season.
Congrats to Chris Iannetta !
Chris’s two run double gave him 65 RBI for the season. That was enough for him to surpass former Rockie Brent Mayne’s club record of 64 RBI in 2000.
Don’t count on seeing Willy Taveras steal any more bases this season. Apparently, super speed comes with a pricetag.
Willy has a stress fracture of his right tibea. His season is officially done. Good luck Speedy! I hope you heal as fast as you run.
The Rockies owned this game. They won 15-6. I was skeptical of Hernandez, but he had two of the Rockies eighteen hits himself.
Livan gave up five runs with twelve hits in seven innings. He is now (13-11).
I know these last few games mean nothing. But straight up, I would rather see them win the last six games than lose them. I hate losing to the Giants.
I do plan to blog about the playoffs but I just can’t seem to blog about other teams while my team is still playing and winning.
Game 3 vs the Giants is tonight is at 8:15 MST. Only four games left.
Go Rockies…D
Time to call in the Toddfather
9/10/08
I really thought I was gonna see a late inning comeback.
You could see the makings of it when Ian Stewart hit his homer in the seventh and a couple of Rockies scored.
But, forget that idea. Too little too late.
What ever we have or had, did have, almost had, had but then lost, lost but then had.
Well we don’t have it right now, and it doesn’t appear that we will be getting it.
Now that’s off my chest, I’m still confused.
Maybe the simple answer is timing. Our timing just plain sucks.
The timing of some of our injuries.
The timing of some of our late inning “almost comebacks” we have had our share of this season.
Tonight’s game for example.
Dexter Fowler got his first major league career hit in his hometown of Atlanta. He made it to first off of a hit that bounced high off of home plate..
His parents were in attendance just a few rows back from the field. His mom said said she was so nervous/excited she could hardly watch.
I watched to see if he got the ball after the play ended and he did…Sweet
My dad was skinny like Fowler when he was a young Marine and he used to tell me they made him carry rocks in his pockets so he wouldn’t blow away.
My pops eventually figured out it was easier to eat.
Luis Vizcaino pitched for a little over four innings and gave up four runs.
We were witness to very impressive back to back home runs tonight.
Sadly, it was not the Rockies. It was Chipper Jones and Kelly Johnson not in that order.
Rockies suffer loss number two to the Braves with a final score of 9-4.
WTF?? Thats four in a row, in the second week in September.
This is the flippin Rockies, we OWN september…Don’t we????
One thing comes to my mind…
Todd Helton…It is the only thing that makes sense and yet it doesn’t make sense. Am I making any sense? I sense your frustration too.
At this moment I’m helpless, your helpless, the Rockies are helpless to the wrath of the Braves.
ToddFather, We need your help.
Let Todd play..You have to Clint.
Even the Rock Pile Ranter knows when to ask for help.
What have you got to lose?
If he tweaks his back again, he has the off season to heal…
We need the ToddFather.
Whatever the cost may be.
Go Rockies..It’s now or next year…D
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