Are the fans back?

by Roberbola on Jul 7, 2007 7:58 AM MDT

Attending the comeback victory last night, I couldn't help to notice a very different feeling at Coors Field last night. This was the first game I attended after the 20-7 stretch and the Yankee sweep, and I have to wonder if the notoriety of the winning streak and the high-profile sweeps over the Yankees and Mets have energized the Rockies fan base.

First of all, the stadium was as full last night as I have seen it in a non-novelty game for years. The entire field level was full, the Rockpile and club level were packed, and the upper deck was well populated. The upper level out in right field was still barren, but those will be the last seats to fill up.

I was impressed with the fans' familiarity with the players. Chants of tu-lo tu-lo, lots of Kaz Matsui jerseys (strange choice if you ask me) and a general acknowlegement of everyone in the lineup, including Torrealba, was impresssive.

Finally, the crowd seemed to follow the game play a lot more closely than usual. People went NUTS when the ump called Helms' swinging bunt fair in the 1st. Everyone was on the edge of their seats during scoring opportunities. In short, the atmosphere was pretty electric. Kind of like old times.

The best part of the victory for me is that a large crowd was rewarded with such an exciting and fun game. Hopefully they will be back for more, and bring a few friends.

Now for a couple of game notes:

Helton looks lost at the plate - can't seem to make good contact.

Outfield defense was relatively poor, each starting outfielder had a catchable ball that they let drop after a long run. Willy and Matt didn't communicate well on one.

Willy's legs are still bothering him. His double in the first should have been a triple, but he was limping out of the box.

The Phillies have an incredible top half of their lineup. May be the best in baseball. Rollins in on pace for 30-30, with 100 RBI and 140 Runs. I was coveting them for fantasy purposes.

Eat. Drink. Be Merry. But the above FanPost does not necessarily reflect the attitudes, opinions, or views of Purple Row's staff (unless, of course, it's written by the staff [and even then, it still might not]).

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Kaz jerseys

Kazuo Matsui was the "player of the homestead" and the t-shirts were free for the first 500 fans last night, which is why you saw so many shirts for one of the greatest 2ndbaseman in the majors.

Treasurer of the Kazuo Matsui Fan Club! Still waiting for Broncos training camp.

by Redhawk on Jul 7, 2007 9:23 AM MDT reply actions

That being said...

If an extension is ever announced for my boy, I'm picking up a Matsui jersey in a friggin second.

President of the Kazuo Matsui Fan Club

by MattTheRock on Jul 8, 2007 10:38 AM MDT up reply actions

Agreed

I would love to see Kaz locked up for several years. 3 or 4 max but the market might not allow that short of a deal.

Being agressive signing players internally is just as important or more important than getting external free agents. Perhaps the deal that Francis signed indicates a more proactive approach by management.

by MADness on Jul 8, 2007 11:13 AM MDT up reply actions

I've always wanted

an authentic jersey, but I hate to invest that kinda money in a guy that might be gone in a year, especially if I'm not that big of a fan of him. But if they resign Kaz, I'll meet you down at the Rockies Dugout store!

Treasurer of the Kazuo Matsui Fan Club! Still waiting for Broncos training camp.

by Redhawk on Jul 8, 2007 2:41 PM MDT up reply actions

I finally

plunked down for an authentic jersey a couple of weeks ago. I went with Tulo. I'm a big fan, he's good and he's young so I figure he'll be around a while.

by Knepster on Jul 9, 2007 6:08 PM MDT up reply actions

In the Non of my bee's wax category

What did you go with? Purple? basic Home, or basic away, Home Alternative Jersey w/ interlocking CR, Black vest, or White home Vest?

This is the next big problem after the WHO. I think I'd get the Home White Vest. Or the Purple.

Treasurer of the Kazuo Matsui Fan Club! Still waiting for Broncos training camp.

by Redhawk on Jul 9, 2007 6:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Home basic

The standard jerseys are my favorites. I liked the old interlocking CR before it went to vest. I have a blank one of those that I got for dirt cheap because they weren't going to wear it anymore.

by Knepster on Jul 9, 2007 6:55 PM MDT up reply actions

I made that mistake

and went with an Ashley Lelie jersey after he got drafted by the Broncos. Since then, I've gone with throwbacks and personalized ones with my name on the back. Jerseys are too expensive for the risk, IMHO.

by A.J. Haefele on Jul 9, 2007 6:13 PM MDT up reply actions

Good crowd

tonight, too. 35,196 is solid.

by Knepster on Jul 7, 2007 10:21 PM MDT reply actions

i heard

the pads series is at 30000 each game already and it is only getting bigger

by roxfan4life on Jul 8, 2007 12:10 AM MDT reply actions

Fan's are back?

I was at a cook out/house warming yesterday. I was surprised at the interest in the Rockies. EVERYONE was talking. There was a group of teen age boys there, and they were all into the game and the Rockies.

So maybe the fans are coming back a little (or maybe a lot). Now I find this odd, as I gave up my last smidgen of hope after that last road trip. We got too far behind good teams in the Padres and the Dodgers. Now we are looking to make up 5 1/2 games and 3 teams. That's a lot, though not impossible.

Treasurer of the Kazuo Matsui Fan Club! Still waiting for Broncos training camp.

by Redhawk on Jul 8, 2007 3:50 PM MDT reply actions

Don't need to make playoffs

We don't need to make the playoffs this year - we need to play good baseball and give the fans some hope.

Look at the decade of complete futility that the Nuggets had (with that small 2 year window in the middle) and all it took was some hope (Carmelo Anthony) and some good basketball (barely making the playoffs that first year) and the fans were hooked again.

Give us a decent product and a reason to delude ourselves into thinking that we have a contender and Denver fans will support a team.

by MADness on Jul 8, 2007 10:24 PM MDT up reply actions