Article Contributed on: 6/23/2008 7:38:24 PM
I would like to share with your readers how much I love the
ColoradoRockies. As a 45- year old Denver native,we were strung along and teased with the fantasy of major league baseball in Denver for many years.
I welcomed the new team in a manner that I organized a group of friends to share season tickets. Interested parties were required to place a deposit on season tickets before it was a sure thing that the National League awarded us an expansion franchise.
One snowy afternoon, with three of the above mentioned group, my wife,
Carolyn,and I were standing in the stands at the
real Mile High Stadium to choose our season ticket location. I cannot describe the excitement of imagining a baseball game in progress and where we would be best located to absorb all the greatness of a major league baseball game. Our first choice was approved in row 18 between home plate and the Rockies dugout.
Attending the games was thrilling. No one can say enough about EY and "
the home run". Screaming for the "Cat" to hit a grand slam. Carolyn had this patented "Go Vinny" whenever
Vinny Castilla came to bat.
During the seventh inning stretch, the television announcers would toss boxes of Cracker Jacks out to the crowd.Carolyn and I made new friends in the stands. Year after year in April we would greet our fellow Rockies fans with "Well, how was your winter?"
An aspect of obtaining the Rockies that I never anticipated is how my mother,
Beverly,embraced the new team. I knew she was a baseball fan from attending her sons' games and joining us in attendance at an occasional Denver Bears game.
The enthusiastic level at which my mother has welcomed the Rockies into her daily routine was charming. At first, I believe she had a crush on
Andres Galarraga. My mom, like many others in her generation, was completely satisfied with television channels 2, 4, 7,and 9.
When the Rockies ceased airing games on channel 2, it took one phone call to convince her that cable or satellite was the best avenue to view her team. From there she's been the most loyal fan I know.
I credit the acquisition of the Rockies to append an element to our mother/son relationship in a fun interactive manner. Our baseball season conversations are more than "What's the weather doing?" or "When is your next doctors appointment?" My mom wants to know what I think about
Todd Helton. Should he be placed higher in the batting order or down around seventh or eighth. She tells me how Tulo's replacement has been playing. I once took her to see the Yankees here in Denver. My buddy Jim sat down next to her with a Mike Hampton jersey on and she was disgusted that Jim would display such a uniform.
If I were to win, I'll invite the original season ticket friends and of course, my mom and Carolyn.