Originally when I put the schedule for the trip together, I assumed it would take me two days to drive from Kansas City to Denver. It only took me one. On the way, I did encounter one problem, a lack of fuel for my car. I drove more than ten miles into the heart of Kansas only to find all the gas stations were closed (because it was Sunday). Luckily, a nice woman in Minneapolis, KS (whose name I never got) and her family welcomed me into their home and called the local gas station owner so he could open the station and fill up my tank. If not for that woman, I would have been stranded in the middle of Kansas without any fuel or means of travel.
After that adventure, I spent a full day in Boulder, CO with Via Wyant (my Aunt Barbi's sister) resting, eating, and getting my car tuned up for the drive over the mountains. The morning of the game, I set out for Coors Field in Denver, only to have trouble finding the stadium and wasting more than half an hour driving around Metropolitan Denver looking for some indication of what led to 20th and Blake Streets.
Coors Field is absolutely beautiful -- probably one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen in my life. But, finding that out for yourself assumes that you can actually find the ballpark. The roads around Denver, namely I-25, do not indicate which exit you are supposed to take to access the ballpark. Once you exit, it is somewhat of a challenge to find parking (mostly because all the streets are one way only and many of the parking lot entrances are blocked by construction in the neighborhood). Most of the parking lots are several minutes walking from the ballpark and only reach the ballpark after a series of undulating pathways.
Once you reach the ballpark, all is forgotten. The ballpark is constructed entirely of red brick giving the building (and the surrounding neighborhood) a warm feeling. Dark green iron fences surround the ballpark and large open areas surround the ballpark giving fans an area to congregate before the gates open. Once inside fans are greeted with spacious concourses and signs indicating where seats and other park amenities are located. There is a playground area located beyond the left field stands for parents whose kids aren't fully interested in the game. Video arcade and batting cage areas are located underneath the Rock Pile seating area (with all proceeds going to the Rockies charitable foundation). And, if you are fortunate enough to be sititng in the upper sections of the stadium (behind home plate) you get a magnificent view of the valley and mountains.
The seating bowl is enormous, stretching all the way around the ballpark and extending up four levels (that includes one level for suites and club seating) to accommodate more than 52,000 seats. The seats are all dark green, relatively widely spaced compared to other parks, and a purple row of seats (located in the upper deck) indicates the exact point where the stadium reaches 1 mile high. In left field are bleacher seats which are drenched by the hot mountain sun throughout the game, and in center field is the "Rock Pile" -- a bleacher like area in deep center field (above a literal rock pile and tree garden) that offers $4 adult and $1 child seats. Choose wisely when you purchase because the sun will bake you to a crisp in most seating areas and the lack of oxygen makes reaching the upper decks somewhat difficult for those not accustomed to the high altitude.
The field is beautifully manicured with different designs being cut into the infield and outfield grass. Because of the high altitude (making the ball fly 9% farther than at sea level) the walls in the stadium are considerable farther away than any other park in baseball -- measuring 415 feet to center field and 347 to left field. The right field wall measures 350 but climbs more than fifteen feet into the air and holds the out-of-town scoreboard. Above the bleachers in left field is the scoreboard, a combination of an immense diamondivision (offering stats and graphics) and a considerably smaller Jumbotron (offering graphics and replays). In right center field (adjacent to the literal "rock pile" (rather than the seating section rock pile")) are the bullpens -- each is adorned with shrubbery. The dugouts are spacious and inviting, comfortable seats are available for both the home team and visitors, and the Rockies dugout has a second set of benches (on a raised level, out in the sun, on the field level instead of depressed like the regular seats) for players to watch the game without having to strain from below field level.
Overall, the park has an intimate feeling to it (considering it seats over 50,000 for a game) and fits into the neighborhood very well. There are plenty of things to do inside the ballpark as well as outside of the ballpark. You won't have to worry about a lack of action on the field to keep your attention though, the ball flies off the bats and the scores are traditionally as high as the altitude. It is certainly one of the most beautiful ballparks in the league and one of the most interesting settings for a ball game -- any fan would truly enjoy an afternoon or evening at this ballpark.
The previous night's game lasted 4 hours and 39 minutes, stretching very late into the night and ending in extra innings with a Rockies loss. As a result, there was no batting practice scheduled for either team prior to today's game. This was somewhat dissapointing because I was looking forward to watching the balls rocket out of Coors Field with the combination of slow batting practice pitches and the high altitude. I sat in the dugout for a while and then walked back inside.
On my way back towards the press box, I decided to pop my head into the Rockies clubhouse to see what the pre-game ritual was for a major league ballplayer. The clubhouse was an expansive and beautifully decorated area consisting mostly of long corridors and little rooms assigned to each division of the team (coaching, video replay, training etc..). On the walls were framed copies of each Rockies Magazine since the team's beginning in 1993. There were some dramatic photos of game action and pictures of Rockies players doing community service work (including the dedication of numerous little league ball fields named after players --i.e. Andres Gallararaga Field). The locker room for the players was like most, large open lockers for players to dress and keep personal belongings, a large television, leather couches, a personal lounge offering snacks and drinks. There were a few naked players walking around complaining of soreness and other ailments while others were just arriving (such as Gallaraga who showed up wearing a bright yellow sports jacket, bright blue pants and a blue and white polka dot tie).
All of my advance dealings with the Rockies management were pleasant and generally successful. I wasn't able to secure a meeting with someone in the front office because I never got a call back. This was probably more my fault because I never got a good contact name and probably left a message for the wrong person. The Media Relations office, once they acknowledged the receipt of my credential request (I had to fax it three times) granted me access to the field, press box and clubhouse. And, when I was ordering tickets, and arranging all the details for getting those tickets to the proper people, I had nothing but support and suggestions from the front office.
My dealings with the Rockies management from that point on left something to be desired. Besides their general distrust of me (evidenced by their constant checking of my credentials and identification) they seemed unable or unwilling to answer my questions or give me the information I needed. To their credit, they did arrange a meeting between me and the little girl traveling to Major Leauge Ballparks to sing the National Anthem. But, isn't that what there job is anyways?
We did have one run in with someone who can sort of qualify as a member of the Rockies management. Jeff McMorris, the brother of Rockies owner Jerry McMorris threatened to have several members of my party removed from the stadium after we sprayed him lightly with a water pistol. In our defense, the temperature near the field where we were sitting was in excess of 100 degrees and the dozens of people who we sprayed with water during the first several innings of the game enjoyed it -- and asked for more. I was told by several locals that Jeff McMorris is not a pleasant man to deal with anyways and everyone who has season tickets near him wishes he would no longer attend the games.
After receiving my credential I hopped on the elevator and made my way to the press level. I was asked to produce my media credential (which was clearly displayed while hanging from my belt) on TWO different occasions and even asked to produce photo identification to gain access to the press box. Once seated I was once again asked my name to verify my placement on the daily press access list. Throughout my time in the press box, I was unable to get any help with information -- having to ask more than once for media guides and other information. And, when I asked for the most current issue of Rockies magazine, I was given multiple copies from previous months. I found the whole operation disorganized and I was frankly dissapointed considering the wonderful surroundings.
The press facilities are very nice. In addition to the more than 200 seats, there is a copy room, cafeteria (gourmet food -- smelled very good), multiple dark rooms, large and clean bathrooms, and an open air view of the field. The box was filled mostly with local press folks who were all complaining and joking about the time of the previous night's game -- most asking if there was going to be a time limit implemented from now on -- and partaking in the expansive dessert area (animal crackers, cookies, ice cream, etc...). There were also a considerable number of foreign press representatives -- I believe from Korea -- in the press box to cover Chan Ho Park, the Dodgers starting pitcher. They mostly kept to themselves, traveling in a group and speaking only in their native tongue, but were kind enough to display copies of their own press notes (in Korean I assume) for the rest of the press corps to collect. Both the local and foreign press folks gathered in the Cafeteria prior to the first pitch to watch Hideki Irabu pitch for the Yankees on television.
During the game, I spent most of my time in the stands so I didn't get to watch the interaction between the local press and the foreign press. Most of the local guys were already writing their game stories before I left for my seats -- some following up on the news that the Rockies had acquired pitcher Frank Castillo from the Cubs -- and didn't seem too interested in the action on the field. As for the foreign press, they typed away at laptops -- very similar to the local press -- but seemed to spend more time talking to each other about the little things of interest on the diamond. I can't really be sure since I couldn't understand what they were saying, but they were nonetheless interesting to watch doing their jobs.
THE FOODIt was too hot to eat anything during the game so I spent most of my time walking around trying to get a feel for what was offered. In addition to the regular fare of hot dogs and nachos were a plethora of offerings such as pizza, mexican food, and grilled hamburgers and specialty sandwiches. Ice Cream is very popular at Coors Field with more than half a dozen different brands, some more appealing than others. Rockie Mountain Oysters (fried bull testicles), a bakery (cookies and ice cream) and a Taco Bell (oooh, that's exciting) round out the fast foods. There is a special restaurant called Buckaroos located in left field that offers food for kids (smaller portions, cheaper prices and a few more child like options), several different restaurants/bars for the older fans and Beers of the World keeps the locals well lubricated.
Picnic tables are located throughout the park so families and fans alike can enjoy their meal without the fear of being struck by a foul ball. Most of the fans at those tables seemed to have purchased hot dogs, nachos, and lots to drink. The "squishy", a virgin daiquiri type beverage, quenched most thirsts (but beer was the most popular drink on this hot day) and Ice Cream was abundant as the afternoon stretched without a break in the heat. The Pretzel didn't look very appetizing and I didn't get a really good response from the person I asked for a rating. There was some type of pretzel stick (offered in parmesean cheese and cinnamon) but I didn't realize that until the stand was actually closed so I lost my opportunity. All in all, I wasn't too impressed by the selection of food compared to most of the other new parks, but the quality seemed to be comparable if not higher than the others.
The crowd filed in very slowly for the matinee game and the stadium was far from full despite what the Rockies tried to claim was another near sellout. The temperature was expected to climb near triple digits and everyone seemed aware of that fact, dressing in shorts and light colored t-shirts. Not surprisingly, fans did whatever they could to avoid the fierce sunlight -- some donning hats others bringing umbrellas to sit beneath. To help fans keep cool, the Rockies mascot (along with a number of fans), carried water guns and sprayed fans. There were a lot of folks who went without shirts for the day -- I can only hope they had sun screen on. Despite the heat, the fans at Coors Field were very loud and very involved in the game -- cheering at the few moments of brilliance, and booing the more prevalent mistakes.
Jame Lynn Bence, the little girl who is traveling around to each Major League Ballpark and singing the National Anthem wowed the crowed with her rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" before exiting the park on her way to the next stop. I rushed down to the auxiliary locker room so I could meet her and her family to compare notes about trips only to have to wait while she was showered with gifts and interviewed by Fox Sports (network, not affiliate). I understand that she is only nine years old but I was somewhat appalled by the whole spectacle, from the support shown by the Rockies (while I was fighting just to get a media guide when I was an official member of the working press) to the idea that she was doing this trip more for the publicity than the love of the game. I suppose I can't expect a nine year old to make that type of distinction on her own (she is recording an album this fall I believe) but I would expect more foresight by her parents. Oh well.
I was joined at the game by a whole host of folks, some related, others friends of the family. My Uncle Doug, Aunt Barbi, Cousin Brook and friend Sue all flew from Aspen, CO for the game. Their tickets were provided by Rupert O'neil, his wife Claire and their kids Jake and Robin. In addition, Sylvia, Emily and Anna drove from Boulder and joined us all at the game. The whole crew was pretty wild, looking more for a fun way to avoid the heat than watch the game on the field. Rupert brought water guns and gallons of cold water to spray fans with (most liked it, one did not) and we spent most of the time warring with the fans in our section -- all trying to keep cool as the temperature reached triple digits. Rupert is very knowledgable of the game, a season ticket holder at Coors Field as well as for the local NHL and NBA team, and his son Jake follows closely in his footsteps. Barbi, Doug and Sue don't get much time to watch baseball, but each enjoys the sport and enjoy the chance to sit outside and enjoy the surroundings. The rest of them, all kids, seemed more interested in the water sports than the national pastime, spending a lot of the time walking around the stadium instead of watching the action on the field. It was a very diverse group to watch baseball with.
As for the action on the field, after more than four and half hours of play the previous night, it didn't seem like either team was very interested in being back on the field. The visiting Dodgers jumped out to the early lead and continued to build on it as the afternoon progressed. Starting pitcher Chan Ho Park held the Rockies to one run until his departure in the seventh inning. Then the Rockies woke up and battled back with some strong pinch hitting and aggressive base running. But, the Rockies couldn't seal the deal -- getting very close in the bottom of the ninth with the tying run on third base, but the Dodgers center fielder made a spectacular diving catch on what the fans thought was a sure game-tying (if not game-winning) double to end the game. The Rockies fell to their eleventh defeat in twelve games.
I left Coors Field very overheated and fried from the sun. I enjoyed the ballpark and the game, but was frustrated by the lack of support by the press box attendants and the unpleasant attitude of Jeff McMorris. The Rockies are very close to giving the fans exactly what they want and need to have a great time at the ballpark, but they come up short and actually take away a lot of the possibilities for having fun. They are still a new franchise, still experiencing growing pains and stress from playing in the new ballpark, so there may still be a chance. I would be happy to return to find out what happens.
Here's a view of Coors Field from the Press Box. Sorry, it's too low down
for you to see the spectacular sight of the mountains (stay tuned, I have a couple
of other shots and I will try to get them online).
Here's the gang from the ball game. Sue, Doug, Barbi, Rupert, Robin (and Claire
is in the background with Jake). Brook, Sylvia, Emily and Anna were walking around
the ballpark looking for a break from the heat.
The little girl traveling to all the ballparks (with her parents).
