The throngs of purple-clad Rockies fans at Friday’s home opener didn’t see their team win, but they were left with a piece of baseball history emblematic of a new season’s promise. Some called the feeling hope. Others called it .
“It’s not going to be about if the Rockies won or lost,” said Lorry Hanson as he stood with friends during the seventh-inning stretch. “What people are going to remember (about today) is what he did.”
Story’s massive home runs — a record six by the unlikely young star in his first four major-league games — gave Rockies fans a boost of optimism despite a 13-6 loss to the San Diego Padres.
With dyed hair, new team tattoos and a clean slate, Friday’s sellout crowd of more than 49,000 was cautiously optimistic about this season’s possibilities. And while Friday’s walloping certainly dampened the mood, fans’ expectations for the season couldn’t be quashed.
“Every season brings hope,” said Brett Joblinske, sporting a purple helmet as he walked outside the stadium. “It feels like everything is different.”
Many were lined up outside Coors Field’s gates long before they opened, hoping to be among the first fans inside for the team’s 24th season. The bulk of those were children clamoring for a peek into the empty concourse where staffers hurried to prepare for the swarms.
As the party brewed outside, Rockies players were on the field taking their first pregame swings at Coors Field for the season. The crack of their bats echoed inside the empty confines.
Bars and restaurants around 20th and Blake streets, many blasting music that pumped through surrounding streets, were packed with fans decked out in purple.
“It’s the best frickin’ day of the year,” said Deborah Furney, who came from Loveland with purple hair and covered head to toe in Rockies gear she had fashioned herself.
“The energy. The fun. The people,” she said. “Hope springs eternal.”
One fan suggested the stadium’s new grass would bring renewed mojo.
Tom and Bob Baker headed to their season ticket seats just behind home plate each with a beer in hand and big aspirations for the Rockies.
The pair embraced the longtime usher of their section, who likened opening day to the first day of school.
The Rooftop party deck and Rockpile seats were filled with revelers packed shoulder to shoulder. Even John Elway and Peyton Manning were in attendance.
Alex and Mary Lou Gonzales were at their fourth opening day wearing camouflage purple and white outfits. He wore a homemade Rockies combat helmet.
“Is there really a word for it?” asked Mary Lou Gonzales of the opening-day excitement.
“The most exciting part of the season is watching the new Rockies players grow,” she added. “They learn from each other.”
That’s exactly what Lynne Toedtli was hoping to see from Story, who was the talk of almost every fan streaming into the stadium.
The shortstop set a record by hitting a home run in each of his first three games as a major leaguer heading into Friday’s matchup.
He was greeted with a booming applause and a standing ovation when his name was announced for his first Coors Field at-bat.
“I’m hoping he hits a home run,” said Toedtli, as she enjoyed snacks outside Coors Field with her son, Blake.
When her wish came true in the fourth inning with a two-run blast, fans went wild.
When he hit another in the bottom of the ninth, the smattering of people left in the stands were in disbelief.
“It’s great to finally see the new Rockies players,” Blake said.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
