Day One

January 29, 2008

Here is one thing you should understand about fantasy camp:  it’s about laughter, it’s about camaraderie, it’s about baseball and a shared love of the game, but let’s not mistake anything – it’s also about winning...because winning always beats the you know what out of losing.  Last year, after finishing second two years in a row, I was fortunate to win the fantasy camp championship!  This year we were selected by co-managers Marv Foley and Ryan Spilborghs along with Commissioner Clint Hurdle as the camp favorites at 3:1.  Clint has done a tremendous job as manager of the Rox the last few years, however I think his talent evaluation on “the Marvelous ones" may be slightly off - in today’s game, we had some control issues on the hill and blew a late lead to Jim Wright and Alan Cockrell's team.

It should be noted that camp participation is at an all-time high with more than 90 campers making up 8 teams.  Pitching, like it is at the big league level, will be at a premium!  Clint started the day at Hi Corbett field with an explanation of what was expected and what wasn't.  For instance, no longer do the campers carry the burden of setting the tone for the Rockies season.  As Clint said, the Major League club is in pretty good shape. 

Clint then went on to explain to everyone exactly how you put your laundry on the “loop” for easy return service from the clubhouse attendants.  ****eemingly simple as this task should be for grown men and women (yes, seven ladies are participating), from past experience I know there will be a number of fines doled out in the morning session of Kangaroo Court - fines for messing up on the laundry loops, fines for wearing a left handed helmet to the plate as a right handed hitter, fines for bizarre and unusual behavior.  One of my all time favorite fines was for the two players who decided to pass themselves off as real players and sign autographs for a few fans who couldn't distinguish between big league talent and little league talent!

Though as a competitor I'm not pleased with the 0-1 start and my so-so mound performance, the day was not a total loss - I'm injury free through the first day which is no small accomplishment in fantasy camp! 

Before I adjourn to rest my tired limbs, I’d like to give a big shout out to Rockies employee Jason Fleming and his staff for putting on such a tremendous fantasy camp week year after year.  And the proof is in the number of players that return each year to rekindle relationships, laugh and enjoy the game of baseball.