This was my first trip down to the springs. It was very rainy and got cold pretty quick! I headed down with Jared and Rachel and met Rox Addict and Rachel’s boyfriend Michael there.

It was $2 Tuesday meaning parking, tickets, and beer was all $2. The only thing that is a killer when going to the springs is the drive from Brighton to there.

We showed up in the 2^nd inning to see that the game was tied at 2.

Pitching for the Sox was Chris Volstad and for Omaha was Nate Adcock. In the top of the 2^nd Volstad pitched a 1-2-3 and the Sky sox threatened in their half but did not end up scoring.  In the third Johnny Giavotella homered to center field along with Chad Tracy (son of former manager Jim Tracy) to center field.  4-2 Omaha.

 In the bottom of the 3^rd Matt McBride led off with a homerun to center and then Ben Paulsen scored on a single to right field by Hernan Iribarren. The next batter Tommy Manzella grounded out but Colvin scored putting the sky sox on top 4-5.

From this point on it was a homerun Derby. Omaha got one more run by Max Rameriez and he smacked the ball over the center field wall and the Sky Sox got a home run by Corey Dickerson and another homerun from McBride making the final score 5-9. Yes there were a few runs in there somewhere but watching those homeruns get out of the park was amazing. They were crushed!!!!

After we stood outback and got some autographs from Tim Wheeler, Drew Pomeranz, DJ LeMahieu, Tyler Chatwood, and Chris Volstad. Volstad and I had a discussion whether it was considered driving down to the spring but technically they are high elevation. (It really is tricky if you think about it)

This is where I’m going to leave this one though. The Sox end up on top.

I’m Blake St Babe and this is The Take: From Colorado Springs!

5/3

Rach and I

What a great day! I decided to make this game my birthday celebration.

Mom, Dad and I

It was an OK day for autographs. I got Johnny Herrera on a card and that was it. The wall has not been great at all this season. After graphs we headed to the top and sat in a big group.

Herrera

In attendance was my rents, sister and fiancé, Rach, EB, Jared, Rox Addict, Kevin, Mariano, and Kristen. It as a big group but we always have fun together.

This was Arenado’s first home game which was awesome to watch!

On the mound for the Rockies was Jeff Francis and on the mound for the Rays Matt Moore.

The Rockies were on the board first with a homerun by Michael Cuddyer! (Helps me in fantasy points) Rockies up 0-2. Rutledge then homered in the 2^nd giving the Rockies a 0-3 lead.

In the top of the third the Rays stung by scoring 2, a double by Ryan Robert and then a double by Ben Zobrist. 2-3 Rockies still on top.

The 4^th inning was quiet for both teams but in the 5^th the Rays went ahead by a 2 run homerun. In the bottom of the 5^th Nolan Arenado doubled which scored Rosario tying the game up at 4.

Ottavino came in to pitch the 6^th and the 7^th which he went 1-2-3 each inning but so did the Rockies each inning. The Rays threatened in the 8^th but didn’t score, same with the Rockies.

In the top of the 10^th the Rays scored on a single by Evan Longoria and then a homerun by Kelly Johnson. 7-4 Tampa Bay.

I wish I was writing a happy ending but the Rockies didn’t score any in the bottom of the 10^th .

Rockies ended up falling to the Rays in-game 1 7-4.

After the game we stood outside and got photos done. Thanks to Brooklyn, Lachemann, and Weinstein for stopping to sign and to Ryan Roberts from the Rays. It was very cold but worth it but would have been even better if the Rockies would have won!

This is all that happened from this game!

I’m Blake St Babe and this is The Take: From 20^th and Blake.

Follow me on Twitter @BlakeStBabe

See you around Coors for the Yankees!

5/8

This was game 2 against the Yankees but I thought it was a game that was going to be delayed. It was not though. I showed up early with my dad to find that they were not doing any BP due to the rain. So what did I do? I tried to stay dry as much as I could until the gates opened and we were able to work the Yankees wall. The two goals during this homestand were Mariano Rivera and Joe Girardi, neither that I was able to get thus far.  So once the gates opened Kevin from Rocknation, EB, Rachael, Rox Addict and myself all headed down to the Yankees wall and waited while to poured to see if we could get anything… We didn’t get ANYTHING again! Rivera did sign like 3 but then was told that he needed to go in. So we didn’t get him yet again.

Tarp coming off field!

NELLY!

 The reason we found out later is that Mariano Rivera had to run in and get changed because they were honoring him with the check that was made out to his foundation.

After waiting in the rain my dad and I headed over to our front row seats in Right Field… Yep that is right FRONT ROW. I have never been lucky sitting in these seats we have never had the chance to get a homerun ball. So I knew that the likely hood of getting a homerun was very very very low!

On the Mound tonight for the Rockies was Juan Nicasio and on the Mound for the Yankees was David Phelps. Nicasio looked good in the beginning but has had a rough time this year. It doesn’t seem he has control of his pitches which has destroyed him this year.

The Yankees ended up getting on the board in the 1^st inning with a 2-run homerun by Vernon Wells to left field.  The Rockies in the 1^st went 1-2-3 while The Yankees did 1-2-3 in the top of the second.

However in the bottom of the 2^nd the Rockies were able to get tie up the game with a 2-run homerun by Todd Helton to right field…. Yes I said Right Field, where I was sitting front row, no the ball was 3 sections to my right and not even close to where I was at… AGAIN!

The rest of the game was rather boring and no one scored while we were there.

ALSO A QUICK CONGRATS TO NELLY WHO GOT HIS FIRST HIT WITH THE YANKEES, IT WAS A TRIPLE TO CENTER!

My dad works at 530 in the morning which means he wakes up anywhere between 4-445 am so when we go together we usually leave early. If you know me I NEVER leave early but it was cold, I wasn’t prepared with clothing, and dad had to work the next day so we left.

I heard the rest of the game from the nice warm car and heard about the blown call at 1 which essentially cost the Rockies the game, thanks Phil Cuzzi!

The Yankees ended up taking game 2 of the series 3-2.

 I did not go to the Yankees game on Thursday but if you want to know about the game make sure you head over to Rox Addicts page http://roxaddict.mlblogs.com and check out his post.

Also want to give another shout out to D the Rockpile Ranter for mentioning me in his post, we really are the Trifecta that’ll Reck Ya, but why aren’t we ALL in the top 50? One day hopefully soon I will be up there!

This is where I shall leave it! I will be posting about the Sky Sox game before the next Rockies game so keep an eye out for that!

I’m Blake St Babe and this is The Take: From 20th and Blake.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @BlakeStBabe

See you at Coors against the Giants!

This was the first time that I have ever seen the Yankees player which was exciting but as an autograph seeker you knew that the wall and BP was going to be HORRIBLE! Rox Addict, Rockpile Ranter and myself all chilled in the Rockpile line till gates opened at 4:30.

I got in and headed down to BP where Juan Nicasio threw me a ball. I had a play on three balls but they were all over my head. Rox Addict on the other hand had 2 nice snags, receiving his first BP homeruns of the year.

Rox Addict with his first snag while doing a running man!

At 5 I decided to head over to the Yankees side to see who I could get. The wall was CRAZY packed and wish I would have stayed where I was at. I went over toward the dugout and third base to try to get Nelly’s attention and sure enough he saw my neon green sign and thought it was the coolest thing! The Broncos showed up and my goal was to get them on a baseball but no one signed.

Joe Girardi and Peyton Manning talking

 After a call from EB I headed over to the Yankees wall because Mariano Rivera was signing. I didn’t get him which really upset me but knew that I had Saturday to get him. So after h went in I went over to my seats and sat and enjoyed the game. No graphs on the wall today.

The Legend Mariano Rivera signing autographs

 On the mound for the Colorado Rockies was Jorge De La Rosa and on the mound for the New York Yankees was Hiroki Kuroda.

De La Rosa

Ichiro batting

 Yankees threatened in the first inning but Jorge got out of it with no runs scored. Rockies ended up going 1-2-3 in the first after Rutledge was picked off of 1^st base.  Yankees went 1-2-3 again in the 2^nd but so did the Rockies. In the third the Yankees threaten again but Jorge was able to get out of it again leaving Ichiro stranded at third. In the bottom of the third the Rockies have 5 batters get to the plate but no one scored again. 0-0 headed to the fourth.

Nelly hopping out of the way

Todd at bat

 Both teams were silent in the fourth inning along with the fifth. In the top of the sixth the Yankees went 1-2-3 and in the bottom of the sixth the Rockies FINALLY got onto the board with a 2 out 2 run homerun by Carlos Gonzalez. Rutledge was on base so he scored too. 0-2 Rockies on top.

Cargo homerun swing

Trot around the bases

Scoring

Celebration

 Matt Belisle came in to replace De La Rosa in the 7^th which he then pitched a 1-2-3 inning. Neither the Rockies nor the Yankees scored the rest of the game which was awesome. Rockies end up throwing a shutout against the Yankees 0-2.

After the game we thought we would try to get Joe Girardi along with Chris Nelson and any other Yankees that might walk out. There was no luck. We did get Nelly as he was walking out which was somewhat closure because when they left out of town then we were fighting then he got traded, so it was awesome to see him and say goodbye. Thanks Nelly for everything.

This was it for game one against the Yankees. Keep an eye out for game two.

I’m Blake St Babe and this is The Take: From 20^th and Blake.

Follow me on Twitter @BlakeStBabe

Make sure to share and I will see you around Coors!

WHAT A GAME! I met up with Rox Addict and his mom Fran and headed down to the stadium with them. We showed up about 330 and waited outside Rockpile Gate. Gates opened and we headed in. We did BP for a little and also watched the Kentucky Derby… This was DANGEROUS! It was awesome watching on the screen but batting practice was still happening so it was look at the screen… look at the field… screen…. Field…. You get the idea!

Watching the Derby

Did not end up getting any balls which was a bust again so I headed around to the Rockies wall to stand and wait and see what I could get. No one signed…yet again!

Jared counting his All-Star Ballots

After I headed up to my seat to enjoy the game. We had a big group again consisting of Tanya, Josh, Rox Addict, Fran, Kevin, Tonja, Mariano, Michelle, Kristin, and Jared.

Baby Bull warming up

On the mound for the Rockies was Jon Garland and for the Rays the 2012 Cy Young David Price.

Rockies were first to get on the board by a single by Tulo, which scored EY.

The 2^nd was quiet for each team but the Rays came back in the 3^rd and scored by a double by James Loney and then a single right after by Kelly Johnson. 2-1 Rays.

Tulo with a double

Tulo was able to produce a double in the 3^rd which scored EY again. Tied at 3.

Garland and Price pitched really well during the 4th-5^th innings, neither of them giving up any runs.

Cargo decided to go long in the 5^th to put the Rockies up 3-4.

Cargo scoring after his homerun

In the 6^th Escolona replaced Garland and went 1-2-3. The Rockies went 1-2-3 also in the 6^th. In the 7^th the Rays had a runner on base but could not get him home. Score headed into the bottom of the 7^th 3-4 Rockies.

This was a great inning for the Rockies! Cuddy got a single which scored Cargo. 3-5 Rockies.

Pitch 1

Here is the GS swing but its blurry

With Tulo at 3^rd, Cuddy at 2^nd, and Rosario at 1^st, Arenado came up with a purpose. He was close to hitting his previous 2 out but it was his chance to shine. On a 1-1 count he hit a ball to left-center field for his first Grand Slam. I don’t think I had seen Coors Field go that crazy in a while!

 http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2013/05/05/mlbtv_26853749_1200K.mp4

This put us up 3-9. No one else scored which was good! Rockies take this one 9-3 over the Rays.

I didn’t go to Sunday’s game but they ended up losing 8-3, the Rays take the series.

On the other hand let’s leave this one on a positive note!

me, Tanya, Josh

I’m  and this is The Take: From 20^th and Blake.

Follow me on Twitter @BlakeStBabe!

Keep an eye out for the Yankees series! It’s going to be a good one!

See ya at Coors!

I know that this is long overdue but wanted to get it in before I start writing about the Rays games.

This was weather and science day so there were a tons of kids there and a lot of kids on the wall before the game. No graphs yet again but hey what’s new.

This was a great game! The weather was amazing (compared to the last few games). Pitching for the Colorado Rockies was Tyler Chatwood and for the Atlanta Braves was Tim Hudson. The Rockies were the first to strike in the 2^nd inning with a solo homerun but Cuddy and then another shot right after to left field by Rutledge. Rockies end inning on top 0-2.

The third inning was very quick with 3-up and 3-down on both sides, but in the 4^th the Braves got on the scoreboard when Freeman doubled and then Juan Francisco singles which then scored Freeman. The Braves ended up going ahead by a single by the pitcher Tim Hudson.  3-2 Braves.

The Rockies on the other hand came back in the 4^th and countered by a single by our pitcher Tyler Chatwood, Nelson scores. 3-3.

The 5^th was another 1-2-3 on the both sides which kept the game going. With 1 out I the 6^th inning the Braves scored by a throwing error by Jonathan Herrera and the next batter Schafer brought Uggla across the plate.  5-3 B Braves.

The Rockies went quietly in the 6^th inning, which brings us to the 7^th inning. Ottavino came in to pitch the 7^th inning, the Braves ended up going 1-2-3. Rockies ended up going 1-2-3 in the 7^th as well, Braves still up 5-3. Ottavino gave up one hit in the 8^th but no runs. The Rockies didn’t get any runs in the 8^th inning, we head to the 9^th with the Braves still on top 5-3.

Rex Brothers came in to pitch the 9^th and did not give up a run. Headed to the bottom of the 9^th the Rockies needed to get 2 runs to tie it and 3 to win. Dexter ended up hitting a double which scored 2 and tied up the game at 5-5.

Betancourt and Belisle came in to pitch the 10^th – 12^th innings. The Rockies ended up winning the game with a single by Yorvit Torrealba. The Rockies win in 12 over the Braves 5-6! Great way to end the homestand and a great travel day for them.

This is it for game 3 between the Rockies and Braves, Braves taking the series 2-1.

I’m Blake St Babe and this is The Take: From 20^th and Blake.

See you around Coors!

Follow me on Twitter

@BlakeStBabe

Since Monday was yet another Snow day and since the game was postponed they decided to have yet another doubleheader on Tuesday. Due to class I was not able to make it to game 1 but was able to make it to game 2.

I watched 7^th inning through the rest of the game at Jacksons then Rox Addict came over to get some food and then we headed over to Coors to freeze during game 2.

On the hill for the Rockies was Jon Garland and on the mound for the Braves was Julio Teheran.

It started out as a very good game! Neither team scored through the first 2 innings and the game went by rather quickly until the Braves warmed up.

The Rockies scored first in the bottom of the 3^rd inning by a single from Michael Cuddyer (EY scores). Rockies on top 0-1.  That didn’t last long thought the Braves scored 3 in the 4^th, 2 in the 5^th, and 1 in the 6^th, while the Rockies didn’t score ANY! Braves on top 6-1.

The next two innings went by very quick with neither team scoring but then the 9^th the Rockies Josh Outman gave up 4 runs, making the score 10-1 heading into the 9^th.

I wish I could say that the Rockies had a magical run in the 9^th inning but they only ended up getting 1 and ending the game with a final score of 10-2.

Rockies looked like a different team. Not sure if they are getting tired already or if they were cold but losing both games on the double-header just plain right SUCKED!

Let’s hope they get back to winning and stay in the leading spot.

This is it from a FREEZING game, yet again.

I’m Blake St Babe and this is The Take: From 20^th and Blake.

I’m getting ready for the Rays series, if you are at Coors say hey!

Follow me on Twitter @BlakeStBabe

Ottavino and Outman warming up

4/21/13

 Sunday is always a fun day especially when you hang out with my group of friends. It was an early morning at the field to celebrate Rachel’s birthday!

Rachel, Wil, and I

While waiting for the gates we saw Wil Nieves walking in and Rachel and I decided we wanted a picture.

Bobblehead Sunday

We knew gates were going to be busy because it was a bobblehead giveaway. I love this day but hate it! I love the fact that we can get people in the gates and that people want to be there but I hate that there are that many people there for autographs. Half of those people bring nothing to get signed but whatever.

Jerry doing a Running Man!

It was packed for autographs!

We got in and got our bobbleheads and headed down to the wall for autograph Sunday. 4 players autographing were Jon Garland, Reid Brignac, Rex Brothers, and Adam Ottavino. As we got down to the lines we didn’t know who was signing where but you picked a line until they brought them out and decided who was signing where.  I really wanted Reid Brignac and so I thought if I tried the second line that I might get lucky and I did! Thankfully Reid was the only one out of the 4 that I needed on my helmet, so after getting Reid I headed up to Ottavino’s line to get my throwback jersey signed.

I was only about 30 up but didn’t end up getting through his line but yelled at him and he waited and called me down and signed the jersey. Thanks Brooklyn!

Herrera signing

After getting him I hung out on the wall until the Rockies came out to warm up. We did get Johnny Herrera (I got him on my helmet) then we sat in the sun and enjoyed the game.

On the mound for the Rockies was Juan Nicasio and on the mound for the Diamondbacks was Brandon McCarthy. The Rockies got on the board in the 3^rd inning by a single by Jordan Pacheco, single by Carlos Gonzalez. Rockies up 0-3.

Herrera batting

Both teams went 3 up 3 down in the 4^th and Arizona finally got on the board in the 5^th inning. Colorado on top 2-3. The Rockies added to their lead though in the bottom of the 6^th inning by a solo shot by Tulo to center field.

Tulo solo shot!

Brooklyn batting!

The pitching was very good, Belisle let up 1 run in the 8^th making it 3-4 Rockies still leading. The 9^th was sketchy though once the Rockies put Wilton Lopez in 9^th which he gave up a single to Marte, Pollock scores from 3^rd, 4-4 Rockies. Next batter was Gerardo Parra who hit a sac fly and gave Arizona another run, which pushed them ahead of the Rockies 5-4.

Brooklyn!

Outman pitching

Rockies came up in the 9^th but didn’t do anything special and lost the game.

This was the first home game that they had lost and very happy to get it out-of-the-way! It would have been even better if they would have won and swept again but maybe next series!

After the game we headed outside and got Nelly to sign his locker tag, Ottavino to sign his locker tag and he signed my Brooklyn jersey! Then we head around to the other side and waited to see if we could get anything and sure enough CARGO stopped and signed photos along with my helmet! It was amazing! JP also stopped which was awesome because I got the rest of his cards done! I would say that it was a very successful day!

I only need 6 more players that are here in the majors and then the rest should be taken care of down in the springs! The helmet is coming out great and I hope that I can get it done before June!

All of with our signed Cargo stuff!

 This is where this one ends! Rockies takes the series 2-1.

I’m Blake St Babe and this is The Take: From 20^th and Blake!

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @BlakeStBabe

Also please keep an eye out for the Braves series!

Game 6 of this 10 game home stand and game number 2 between the Rockies and the Dbacks.

I showed up early with the rents to go to BP and to get the poster that they handed out. It was nice that they had the posters already rolled and in a plastic bag! One of the few convenient items they have ever given out!

We headed down to BP and I was SOOO close to 2 baseballs but was scared at the last second and didn’t catch them… I need practice when it comes to baseballs coming at me! My dad ended up getting a roller which was beat up!

In the middle of BP I decided that I wanted to head over to the game used store and pick up my Adam Ottavino throwback and Chris Nelson nameplate. Once I paid for those I headed over to the Rockies wall and met up with Jamie, Rachael, and Michelle to see if we could get any autographs!

Rachael and I

Jamie and I

Wouldn’t you know it… we didn’t get anything again! Man this is like three days shut out and didn’t get ANYTHING! Frustrating but have to remember that the season is still very early!

Once they went in we went up to our seats underneath club because we did not want to get rained on (if it rained of course.) We decided that we did like these seats because they were a little further up which was nice for photos.

On the mound for the Rockies was Jorge De La Rosa and on the mound for the Diamondbacks was Trevor Cahill. Colorado was the first to get on the board in the bottom of the second when Reid Brignac singled on a line drive to right and Josh Rutledge scored by a throwing error by catcher Wil Nieves, 0-1 Colorado.

In the 3^rd inning EY came up and tripled to lead off and Dex was the next batter who walked. Cargo was next to hit, he grounded out but Dex stole second during his at bat and ended up at 3^rd when Cargo grounded out. Tulo ended up hitting a sac fly which scored Dex, 0-3 Colorado. De La Rosa pitched 6 innings with no runs scored and was pulled in the 7^th inning. To add to the Rockies lead Cuddy came up in the 6^th inning and CRUSHED a homer to Left Field!

Cuddy Homerun

It would be the last run Colorado would get but not the last runs in the game.

Ross after getting thrown out

 This was the first game this season that I saw someone get ejected! In the middle of the 7^th inning Cody Ross was about to attack the Homeplate umpire and was ejected then Gibson went out to argue and also got thrown so 2 people were ejected!

Escalona ended up coming back for .2 of an inning but he gave up a 2 run HR to Eric Chavez in the 8^th, 2-4 Colorado still on top. Rex brothers ended up getting the last out of the inning.

Rockies bats were silent in the 8^th and Betancourt was ready to rumble in the 9^th. I’m not sure how many of you have been to a game this season but they have a video that plays when Betancourt is jogging in to close in the 9^th inning. Perfect for Betancourt, I will try to record it at tonight’s game and post it!

The Diamondbacks ended up scoring one more run in the 9^th but it wasn’t enough to come back and beat the Rockies! Rockies ended up taking this one by a hair 3-4 over the Diamondbacks.

After the game we went and had some drinks over at the ViewHouse.

This is it for this game! Rockies had a nail bitter but pulled it out! This was there 7^th win at home in a row which is a franchise record! Not sure where this team came from but seeing the Rockies Win on the scoreboard is a great sight!

Till the next one, I’m Blake St Babe and this is The Take: From 20^th and Blake!

See you around Coors Field!

Follow me on twitter @BlakeStBabe 

I showed up late to BP because I got stuck in a meeting at work and we seemed to hit traffic along with every light on the way to Coors Field which was very irritating. It always seems like when your in a hurry you get slowed down that much more but then I finally made it.

Trevor Cahill

As I walked in a decided to change things up and try down Arizona’s wall to see if I could get Wil Nieves (Rockies former catcher) and Matt Reynolds (Rockies former Relief Pitcher) on cards. As I was standing down the third baseline I snagged a foul ball which was awesome then later received a toss up. I could have had three but Rox addict decided he needed one and stole one of the toss ups from Wil Nieves.

Wil playing catch with Aspen Mike’s son

After a while I decided to walk over to the top of the dugout and talk with Wil. After he was done with BP we chit chatted about the off season and I told him that it was great to see him on a major league team instead of down in AAA. It is always a pleasure to talk with him and again great to see him up here! All my best Wil!

Rosario practicing with Jerry

The Deuce

Nelly

After we talked I headed over to the Rockies wall and waited to get graphs… wouldnt you know it we didnt get ANY… again.

Rox Addict and I moved around this game but as we sat down in the 1st I was asked to do the Topps promo! Here are a few photos thanks to Rox Addict, @Blakebomber and @msroxrock!

On the mound for the Rockies was Chacin and on the mound for the Diamondbacks was Ian Kennedy. This seemed to be a pitcher’s duel for the first couple of innings when each went 3 up and 3 down in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Chacin in the 4th.

Rox Addict and I decided to go find Kevin and Tim from RockNation and sit with them the rest of the game which was over in right field in the mezzanine.

Tulo scoring

 Once the Rockies got to the plate in the 4th Rutledge was on due to a walk and Troy Tulowitzki hit a 2 run homerun to put the Rockies up 0-2!

The Diamondbacks bats started to warm up in the 5th and got 2 base hits but the Rockies defense held them to no runs. During the bottom of the 5th Nelly ended up tripling and Jhoulys Chacin hit a sac fly to score Nelly.

I also ran into a good friend from high school and talked to her for a few innings.

 The rest of the game was not very interesting and the Rockies should have shut out the Diamondbacks but they did not. In the top of the ninth Rafael Betancourt came in to close the game. By the way if you have to seen the closer video as he walks in you need to watch it, so inspirational and very god choice for a closer!) Parra ended up singling off of Betancourt and Prado came up right after and lined out to center and Goldschimdt ended up striking out also. We should have had 3 outs but Miguel Montero reached base by a throwing error on Nelly which gave Parra enough room to score.

  Not much luck for autographs before or after so really just hung out. This was somewhat of a boring game but some days you have those.
This is it against the Dbacks!

Matt Reynolds

I’m Blake St Babe and this is The Take: From 20th and Blake!

Follow me on Twitter @BlakeStBabe

See you around Coors!