(Courtesy @Rockies)
It has been a tough season for the Rockies and for Rockies fans. MLB Network flashed a graphic last night showing the team’s with the worst record since June 19th and he Rockies were tied for the worst record in that time frame. Only the Houston Astros have a worse winning percentage for the entire 2012 season.
The Jeremy Guthrie trade has been frustrating, losing Troy Tulowitzki due to injury has been painful (pun intended) and the constant decisions made by the team have, at times, been infuriating. Add in the insanely awful “It’s a Peach” Jim Tracy commercial and Toyota Talk and I have a hard time watching this team.
But the players are trying. I don’t think we can say that any player isn’t trying and trying hard. It’s just that the guys on the other side of the field are better. The team is out-coached and the Rockies are more than one or two steps behind in player development and general leadership. But the players are trying.
You have to root for the players. And if you cannot here are two more reasons why you should.
The Rockies had an off day yesterday and instead of spending time at home taking a break from baseball they spent time in the community.
I know what many people think: I would give my right jeans pants leg to play baseball full time! But let’s be honest, many of us couldn’t stand the mind numbing repetitions that are involved to become truly great at baseball. Athletes that are at the top of the game are not only great because of their God given talents, but because they have the mental power to stay focused during excrutiating long practice sessions. Whether it is spent spending hours on the driving range for golf, running the same play over and over and over again in football or spending hours hitting a baseball off of a tee in baseball: these guys are always focused and practicing with a purpose. Over seven months (including Spring Training) these guys spend 10 hours (or more) at the ballpark working on their game and trying to get better. If they have an off day I can totally understand the desire to do something at home with their family.
But the Rockies didn’t do that yesterday as many of them went to the University of Colorado hospital to spend time with the Aurora victims. Not only did they spend time but many of them were inspired or came away with a feeling of appreciation for those who truly work to keep our society in good shape. Here are some of the tweets sent yesterday from some of the players who were at the hospital.
Michael Cuddyer (@mcuddy3)
Truly incredible time visiting a few of the shooting victims. True definition of heroes and fighters!
Eric Young Jr. (@EYjr)
Blessed to be in my position, but the heroes are the staffs that work at hospitals saving lives. I have a better understanding of that 2day.
Drew Pomeranz (@DrewPomeranz)
Great to see how the family’s we visited managed o stay in good spirits!met a guy who took a bullet for his gf #whataguy
Jordan Pacheco (@JstyleP)
had an awesome visit at the hospital with some of the shooting victims
******
One player who was not at the hospital with the team was Dexter Fowler, but he had his own idea.
Dexter Fowler (@DFowler24)
Sneaking into Save Our Youth Summer Academy in Denver to surprise & hang out with these kids
Players on all teams do this stuff all the time and often it goes unnoticed and doesn’t get the publicity it should. If a guy is caught jaywalking it will make the front page, but if he spends his free time with under privileged kids no one hears about it.
Players in all sports should get more recognition for this work and when you see this activity it really makes you want to root for the person playing, doesn’t it?
You can follow Travis on Twitter @TravisLay_BSB
Loading ...
Loading tweets...
3 comments
1 ping
Jerry
July 27, 2012 at 12:16 PM (UTC -6)
Nice article and you make a good point that often needs emphasis. These players continue to play with emotion and a desire to succeed but they’re laden with the twin albatrosses named O’Dowd and Tracy. They’re all good ‘character guys’ and keep out of trouble. God bless them for going to the hospital and brightening the day and mood of the victims.
BA Baracus
July 27, 2012 at 1:34 PM (UTC -6)
Proud to be a Rockies fan, that’s awesome.
Dan
July 27, 2012 at 4:22 PM (UTC -6)
Great job Rockies! Love the players, hate the ownership.
Back to the Future - Blake Street Bulletin » Blake Street Bulletin
July 28, 2012 at 8:09 AM (UTC -6)
[...] No pun intended, but I’d also like to encourage the image of the Colorado Rockies as a “Youth First” organization for the rest of this season, and for 2013 as well. [...]