Because he’s deaf to critics, because he’s as comfortable in front of a camera as he is in the batter’s box, Ryan Spilborghs found himself on a commercial set two weeks ago.
The Rockies’ 29-year-old rolled through a series of takes and bulb flashes as the new face of Honda and Hyundai of Greeley.
Spilborghs has never been a starting outfielder — something he plans to change next season — and now he’s a pitchman?
“No, it’s probably not how I pictured it either,” said Spilborghs, who starred in the commercial with pet bulldog Gibson. “This is just something great that has come along with what I do.”
Spilborghs always knew he would reach the big leagues. He told his parents as much after his first T-ball game for Santa Barbara’s Westside Boys & Girls Club. Purpose and personality led Spilborghs to this photo shoot. He has grown from fringe prospect to favorite to start opening day in center field, while sprouting into a media darling.
Honda owner Wes Taber, a Rockies season-ticket holder, approached Spilborghs a few months ago about accepting a role as the dealership’s TV, radio and print spokesman after seeing his weekly TV work on Fox Sports Rocky Mountain.
Spilborghs accepted the gig after connecting with Taber, who promised to promote blood drives, an issue important to Spilborghs. Spilborghs is already bracing for the hazing from teammates the first time his face pops up on a billboard. Initially, he won’t be around to see it. His life has been a blur. In a three-day span, he wedded longtime girlfriend Stacey, shot the ads and headed to Mexico without his bride to play winter ball.
“I want to be home (in Denver). But this is something I need to do,” Spilborghs said. “I need to push the envelope.”
Spilborghs was on the verge of a breakthrough season last July, but days after unseating Willy Taveras as the starter, he pulled a right oblique muscle, sidelining him until Sept. 1. He finished with a .313 average and six home runs in 234 at-bats. With Taveras gone, Spilborghs has been challenged to take over full time. Manager Clint Hurdle likes the idea of Spilborghs’ power at the top of the lineup.
His ability to play center field, primarily at cavernous Coors Field, will likely determine if Spilborghs’ camera work will be for a cameo or star player.
“Whether I have to prove it to people, that’s fine. I know I can play center field every day,” Spilborghs said. “I just want to help this team get back to where we were in 2007. I am doing everything I can to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
