Notes From Yesterday's Cubs-Rockies Game

I was able to get out of the mountains yesterday and attend my first professional baseball game of the season, Cubs vs. Rockies in Denver. Here are some notes from the game, and how the overall experience compared to a Rays game.

Atmosphere

-The first thing you notice when you enter Coors Field is the view out of left field. Rockies management did an excellent job using their mascot to adorn their stadium (Rocky Mountains). It appears that the Rays will finally capitalize on their mascot when the new stadium is outdoors (Sunshine Rays) and on the water (Devil Rays). Ahh Ambiguity.

-I was not too impressed with the Rockies Fans (except for their love of Tulowitzki). The stadium never really got too loud, and the Cubs fans could definitely be heard. Of course, there are Cubs fans everywhere because Chicago is a huge market and it's super trendy to root for them. Just ask "DN", he loves the Cubs.

-The surrounding area is sweet. Sports bars and clubs everywhere in Downtown Denver. Reminds me way too much of "Real World Denver" though.

-The parking situation was pretty terrible, not because I couldn't find a place, but because I couldn't find a place under $15. It's funny because as you get away from the stadium and closer to Downtown Denver, the price of parking goes UP.

-It was a day game, weather was nice. Nothing like a baseball day game OUTDOORS. Watching indoor baseball during the day should be outlawed.

-The Rockies "Around the League Update Board" is still calling the franchise from Tampa Bay the "Devil Rays." Unacceptable.

-When a Rockies pitcher gets a K the A/V people sound the "Law and Order" Gavel. I don't know if more parks are doing this or not this season but it's pretty sweet.

-The Rockies have a "Guest Service" hot line you can call during the game with questions about the team. If not already implemented in Tampa, it should be immediately. For example, you and your boy are watching the game in left field and get into an argument about how often Carlos Pena strikes out. You say that he strikes out atleast half the time he comes to the plate, your boy (who's wearing the #23 jersey with his own name on the back) disagrees. All you need to do is pick up the phone and you'd find out that in 74 at bats Pena has struck out 28 times.

to the game itself...

-I've been to only three non-Rays baseball games, Jason Marquis has started two of them.

-I never realized how many white guys play on the Rockies, the whole starting lineup is white. I heard alot of Nickelback and U2 when the players came to the plate. In Tampa, the sounds are much more eclectic.

-Tulowizki had an incredible at bat in the 8th and ended up reaching on error while hitting in the go ahead run. In Denver, they love a Tulowizki.

• Cheer 1 (Clapping): Dah Dah Dahdahdah dahdahdahdah TULO!!


• Cheer 2 (Charge): Instead of "Charge", insert "Tulo!!"


• Cheer 3 (Standard): Tu-lo-witzki clap clap clap clap clap

Can't wait to get back to Tampa on Monday.

AG