Fans of the National League champion Colorado Rockies met under cloudy skies to pay tribute to their team today.
Thousands of people filled Skyline Park at 15th and Arapahoe in downtown Denver.
“We are not disappointed in you!” said Mayor John Hickenlooper, met by loud cheers from the crowd. He promised a parade next year, when the Rockies win the World Series.
“Thank you to so many of you for the unconditional love,” said manager Clint Hurdle.
Many fans had brought their Rockies rally towels, and waved them, chanting, “MVP, MVP!”
“It was a special season,” said outfielder Ryan Spilborghs, saying he saw team members and fans now as part of his family. “I love Denver. This is my home,” he said.
“It’s great to see the magic back in LoDo again,” said former Rockies shortstop Walt Weiss.
Pitcher Jeff Francis said he doesn’t know if he’s ever had more fun playing
baseball than he did this season.
Left-fielder Matt Holliday had trouble speaking over the screams of fans. He told the crowd he wasn’t quite sure what to expect out of today’s rally, but he can’t believe all the people that turned
out.
Holliday also said he wasn’t around when the Rockies used to
sell out every game, but now that he’s seen it, he knows what to
expect next year.
The crowd roared.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
