SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Dave Ostermeier has attended 1,828 consecutive Rockies home games.Every spring, the longtime Colorado fan adds to his streak-away-from-Coors streaks at Salt River Fields.
He’s one of the many Rockies fans who make the spring pilgrimage from Colorado — and beyond — to support their favorite baseball team. Here’s a look at who some of them are:
Dave Ostermeier
Lives: Aurora
Rockies fan since: The start of the organization in 1993
Favorite player: Since the Troy Tulowitzki trade, Ostermeier has found a new favorite in star third baseman Nolan Arenado.
About me: Each year he and his wife come down to watch spring training for 3-3½ weeks. Even though he was sad to see his favorite player, Tulowitzki, traded last season, Ostermeier said he likes the team’s chances this season though most prognosticators are predicting a last-place finish. When the Ostermeiers aren’t at spring training here, they can be found back at their hotel resting up for their next Rockies-filled day.
Quote: “You get up close and personal with the players,” Ostermeier said about why he comes back to spring training each year.
Jay Fisher
Lives: Fort Plain, N.Y.
Rockies fan since: Last 10 years
Favorite player: Carlos Gonzalez. “I love Cargo,” said Fisher.
About me: Although he’s from New York, Fisher didn’t follow suit and become a fan of the Yankees or the Mets. “Everyone is a Yankees fan,” he said. Fisher comes to spring training each year for about a week to get a glimpse of his favorite team. When he’s not at Salt River Fields, he can be found playing baseball somewhere himself. Fisher has faith in the Rockies.
Quote: “We’re still building, we have the fourth-best prospect organization,” Fisher said. “They drafted young. Brandon Rogers is a good prospect coming up. Jon Gray is a good pitcher, we got a lot of good guys going forward.”
Tanya Milam
Lives: Denver
Rockies fan since: Last seven years
Favorite player: “Charlie Blackmon,” Milam said, though she doesn’t love his beard. “Just trim it up or clean shaven is fine, too.”
About me: Milam loves coming to spring training. “This is my fourth year,” Milam said. “It’s my way to still have a spring break after graduating from college.” When Milam isn’t catching a game, she likes checking out the restaurants in town.
