Editor’s Note: The following article represents the views of the author.
When was the last time baseball was that fun in Colorado?
Obviously, 2007 and Rocktober is at the top of the list.
And then 2018.
Maybe 2009?
After those three seasons, that’s it for the Colorado Rockies in this century.
Hopefully Rockies fans lapped up the All-Star Game festivities since it’s the last time they’ll see professional baseball in Denver for who knows how long.
What a sad state of affairs at Coors Field.
Short of Dick Monfort selling the franchise, which won’t happen, there’s not much Rockies fans can do.
Make Coors Field the permanent home for the Home Run Derby
So let’s think outside the box as to how to make Colorado baseball fun. We can’t really say “again” since it’s never really been “fun.” But, hey, at least there’s the Rooftop Bar and a giant video screen in left field.
There has to be a way to make Coors Field the permanent home of the Home Run Derby. There are some creative minds in MLB who could make this work. There’s also plenty of time for the players to get on a plane and arrive in the host city for the “game” the next night.
Though, let’s be honest, the best part of the All-Star Game festivities in downtown Denver was the Home Run Derby by a moonshot (pun intended, it wasn’t put in the humidor).
The fans loved it.
Fans betting on MLB loved it.
The broadcasters loved it (when they weren’t discussing the Trevor Story trade rumors).
You know who else loved it? The players.
Coors Field may not produce good baseball, but it definitely knows how to create home runs. Beautiful, majestic, home runs.
So take advantage of that fact and make it the moneymaker it undoubtedly can become.
Next year, the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby heads to Dodger Stadium.
Yawn.
The home of the Los Angeles Dodgers is known for its history and hot dogs. It’s also classified as a “pitcher’s ballpark,” though over time it’s become a little more neutral. Still, that doesn’t exactly scream “fun Home Run Derby.” What are we talking, 10 dingers max per batter?
Home Run Derby betting opportunities would increase
Try it out for a few years at Coors Field and see how it works.
If people are concerned it will lose its impact, tinker with it to keep it fresh.
But, honestly, it’s a Home Run Derby, and people want to watch home runs.
Beautiful, majestic, home runs.
“Welcome to Colorado, where even the home runs are high.”
And no ballpark in MLB is better suited for that than Coors Field.
And think of the Home Run Derby betting opportunities.
“Shohei Ohatani to pitch to himself in the Home Run Derby, +150.”
“Pete Alonso to hit a ball over them mountains, -800.”
Though since it makes so much sense, that means it won’t happen.
Why would Commissioner Rob Manfred and MLB want to make a moneymaker even better and rake in even more money?
Yes, this will not happen, but it’s at least fun to contemplate.
And sadly right now, that’s the only way for Rockies fans to get consistent fun when it comes to baseball in Colorado.
