I got another letter in the mail today.

This time it was from Mark Grace.  Mark played for the Cubs and the Diamondbacks.  He racked up more hits than any other player during the 90's and collected several Gold Glove awards.  He also helped the D-backs win the World Series in 2001 over the Yankees.

These days, you can catch him as a broadcaster for the Diamondbacks and occasionally for Fox Sports.  Thanks Mr. Grace!     

About two weeks ago, I got an e-mail from Don, the Rock Pile Ranter, to see if I'd be interested in going to the first ever Rockies Fan Fest.  I jumped at the chance!  Don put Dad in touch with Dan, a Rockies season ticket holder and familiar face during batting practice.  Dan was kind enough to give us a pair of tickets for the big day.  Dan and Don, thanks so much!  We really appreciate it.

Today was the big day! 

When we got inside, we set off on a self guided tour through the tunnels under Coors Field.  I cruise in style.  I got shuttled around in my stroller.  It's really the only way to travel.  Our first stop was at the humidor. 

Unfortunately, it was locked up tight for next season. 

From there, we wandered over to the batting cages.  I think I could do some serious damage in here. 

I spotted some fancy hardware from several players including Matt Herges and Jeff Baker.  Next, we headed to the Rockies dugout.  It was great to walk around in there.  I could almost smell the pine tar and hear the cracking of sunflower seeds.  I got Dad to give me a few pointers.  These are without a doubt, the best seats in the house.  Down the hall from the dugout is the clubhouse.  These guys have it all figured out.  A big kitchen, comfy chairs, fancy smelling soaps and soft towels.  They even had big old TV's for watching Sesame Street before the game.  I think I could get use to it.  Mom tracked down the lockers of some of my favorite players.  Here's Todd Helton. One more for you.  This one belongs to Troy Tulowitzki.  Dad thought he spotted a Cal Ripken Jr. bobblehead on the shelf.

After checking out all the lockers, we headed down the hall to see where broken players go to get fixed.  I tried to get Dad to give me a massage.  Being a baby can be a stressful job at times.    They also had hot tubs and cold tubs and other weird things to make you feel better.  We made our way out of there and came across a room full of Rockies memorabilia and things from historic games.  They had game used pitching rubbers, bases, bats and pretty artwork.  I had Mom take pictures of a few items in there.  Here are some jerseys from Iannetta's and Tulo's MLB Debuts. Here's a shot at one of the National League Championship rings. 

Eventually, we made our way up to the Club Level and when we got there, we ran into Dan.  He told me that Brad Hawpe was reading stories for kids, so I decided to make that my next stop.  When we got there, he was wrapping up, but I decided to try my luck at getting an autograph. 

I was holding my World Series baseball that I've been getting signed by the '07 team.  Brad came over and tried to take my ball from me.  He and Dad were both trying to pry it out of my hands, but I wasn't having it.  I worked hard for that ball and I wasn't going to let them take it from me.  I was grunting and holding on with all my might.  Brad thought it was pretty funny and decided to just move my fingers out of the way in order to sign my ball.

Brad, if you're reading this, I just want to apologize for not giving you my ball to sign.  I'm kind of attached to it and don't want to lose.  Thanks for understanding and being nice enough to still sign it for me. 

Next up on our agenda was an interview session.  Dan scheduled us to sit in on an interview with the infielders.  They answered all kinds of things from an update on Todd's back injury to what ballparks they like to play in when they're on the road.  They even went on about the 4th of July home run derby to the 22 inning marathon that took place in San Diego last season.  It was really interesting.  While I was sitting there, I got to thinking about the upcoming season.  I really think we have one of the best group of infielders in all of baseball.  I think know we're going to do great this year. 

After the interviews, we got in line for our autograph session.  I didn't know who was going to sign for us, but I had a few players in particular I was hoping to meet.  Fortunately, I'm a super lucky baby, becuase my autograph session was with Mr. Todd Helton, who was at the top of my list. 

However, my experience was a little strange.  It was one of those moments you read about when people meet their heroes and they can't speak and sometimes even break down in tears.  I cried more than a little school girl watching the Beatles arrive in America.  I'm not sure what that means exactly, but that's what Dad told me.  What I do know is that my mind went blank.  When I finally came around, I was in Dad's arms with tears running down my face and I was holding a shiny, new baseball.  What had happened to me?  How had I gotten here? 

Here's what Mom told me.  She carried me up to Todd.  He took my ball.  I flipped out and started to cry.  He signed my ball and gave it back to Mom.  At some point, Dad took a picture.  The ushers pushed my stroller down the hall, Dad picked me up to comfort me and a really nice guy in front of me gave me a baseball to play with.  He even told me I could keep it.  Thanks again friendly mystery man in line with me.  I've been playing with the ball all day.  I guess I was a little star struck...  Thank you Mr. Helton.  It was really nice of you to sign my baseball.  I hope I don't freak out the next time we meet.

We did a little more wandering around.  I wanted to show the other teams, especially those pesky Diamondbacks, what I thought of them, so I slept through my tour of the visitor's clubhouse.  HAHA.  Take that you non-Rockies.     

We also saw the owner's suite, the press boxes and just about any other place they let me explore.  I got a few autographs and saw players walking all over the place.  Dad almost got ran over by Jeff Francis, Mom flirted with one of the new guys, Greg Smith and I waved at my buddy Chris Iannetta.   It was a pretty amazing day. 

Here's my Todd Helton ball.

I also talked Dad into buying a ball signed by the 2006 team. 

As we headed out, the ushers waved goodbye and told me they'd see me on opening day.  I sure hope so.  Uhm, Dad, that's a hint.  Mom says you don't take hints well, so I'm spelling it out for you.  I'm so ready for Spring Training.   

What a day!  Thanks so much to Dan and Don.  You guys rock!  We really appreciate the tickets.  Without you guys, Dad would have been stuck going to work and I would have resorted to watching reruns on the MLB Network.  Thanks again!

Also, thanks to the Rockies and the staff at Coors Field.  You guys know how to throw a party.  I really hope to see you in a few months for the 2009 season. 

I've recently discovered the mail.  I don't know where the stuff comes from or who puts it in the big mail box, but every now and then, I get a fun surprise.  I never know what Dad's going to pull out of that shiny thing.  It's almost as exciting as Christmas! 

On the other hand, Dad doesn't seem to like the mail as much as I do.  When he gets the mail, I usually hear him mumbling something about bills.  I don't really understand the whole "bill" concept, but I've decided it's not for me.  Sometimes I see these colorful, shiny ads that look like fun and catch my attention.  Every now and then Dad will give them to me to play with and rip into tiny little pieces.

Recently, Dad helped me send letters out to some of my favorite baseball players.  We went and dropped them all in our mailbox.  A few weeks have gone by and Dad has started pulling out some nice surprises for me out of the shiny box.  Here's one I got yesterday from Mike Mussina.

He's a seven time gold glove winner and won 20 games last year.  He recently announced his retirement.  I hope Moose enjoys retirement as much as Pappy does.  Anyway, I was really excited to get this back.  Mike had a great career and it was really nice of him to sign my cards.  Thanks Mr. Moose!  I appreciate it.   

Today was my big day at the rodeo.  Mom, Dad, Pappy, Gran C, Patty and Floyd all went with me to the National Western Stock Show in downtown Denver.  The weather was in the 60's and it was perfect outside. 

There were lots of different events in the rodeo, but I had Mom take pictures of some of my favorites.  I hope you enjoy them.

The first event was full of cowboys on grumpy horses.  These horses should seriously consider taking a nap during the day.  I think they'd feel so much better. 

Here are the fancy draft horses.  The big guys on the right weigh over 2,000lbs. each and were all decked out in fancy jewelry. 

Next, a team of sheep herding, cowboy monkeys came into the ring.  They were riding puppies like they were horses, which made me crack up laughing.  Dad loves monkeys and I love puppies, so it was a big hit for both of us. 

The last event of the day was the bull riding.  These bulls were crazy.  I think they must have mad cow disease or something, because nobody is this wild.   

It was a lot of fun to watch, but it's pretty dangerous for the guys riding the bulls.  Some poor cowboy got stepped on and wound up with a broken arm.  I hope he gets better soon.  I also enjoyed the rodeo clowns.  They were really silly and seemed to have a lot of fun. 

After the rodeo, I got a chance to personally meet some fuzzy farm animals.  Mom had some yummy food that she bought to share with them.  Unfortunately, some crazy goat jumped up on her and ate it all as soon as we got inside.  Oh well, no big deal.  I just used my charming personality to get to know these guys.  As it turns out, they had all herd (no pun intended) about my blog and wanted to get a picture with me.  I promised them I'd post it on my site.  Check them out.

This guy was my favorite.  He had soft fur and really knew how to pull off that "just got out of bed" look.   It was a really great day and you can bet I'll be back again next year.  I hope you enjoy the pictures.  Mom did a great job. 

My plans are still up in the air for next weekend, but if all works out, I'll have another exciting weekend to share with you.  Stay tuned! 

It's that time of year again.  The National Western Stock Show is back in town for a few weeks.  We're going this weekend.  If you've never heard of it, there's a bunch of big animals, good food, funny clowns and plenty of great entertainment, the only downside is that it stinks.  I mean it literally stinks.  All those animals, means lots of animal poo.  Those big bulls could really use some manners.  I feel that if I have to wear a diaper, then they should have to wear a diaper.  I just don't want to be the baby that has to change it.

Anyway, I'm excited.  We went last year, but I was only a few weeks old and slept through most of it.  Pappy showed me his pictures when we got home and I knew I had missed out.  I really hope I don't fall asleep this year.  He sent me some pictures to share with you guys.

I'm having a pretty sweet week.  Mom told me tonight that Grandma and Grandpa Goodrich might be renting a house for a few weeks this spring in Florida.  Anybody know what happens in Florida during the spring?  Anybody?  Anybody?  How about Spring Training!  That's right, the Grapefruit League will be going strong at the same time that they'll be in Florida. 

Not only that, but they're going to be staying in Port Charlotte.  That's where the 2008 AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays will be calling home for Spring Training!  They've even got a brand new stadium in the works.  I love me some Rays!!! 

But wait, there's more!  Gran C and Pappy told me a few weeks ago that they want to go with me to catch some games in Arizona.  Any guesses as to who'll be in Arizona this spring???  Hmmm???  That's right, the Rockies!!!  The Rockies will be in Tucson as part of the Cactus League.

Needless to say, I'm pretty psyched.  I mean, could it get any better?  Spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa and the chance to catch some great baseball games.  I'm a pretty lucky baby. 

I've also got two special events coming up over the next couple of weekends.  Stay tuned for all the details.  

Have you seen the new patch the Mets will be wearing to commemorate their first year in the new stadium?  If not, here it is:

Am I the only baby who's a little disappointed with this?  I'm not a huge Mets fan and I'm not trying to bash them either.  I just think that with all the money they're putting into this new stadium, $632 Million to be exact, they can spend a little more than $0.38 cents to have someone come up with a logo for them.  Especially a logo that they will wear on their sleeve every day for 162 games.   

Their friends next door put together a pretty nice patch for their new ballpark.  Here's the Yankees design:

I like it.  It ties in the old with the new.  Simple, yet classy.  But hey, what do I know.  I'm not exactly an art critic.  So before you Mets fans get upset, just realize that my only experience with design comes from squeezing spaghetti between my fingers and smearing it around on my high chair. 

What do the rest of you think?  Like it, don't like it, don't care?  Are the Mets really "choke artists" like Cole Hamels said? 

Looks like another Rockie is set to play on Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.  Brad Hawpe announced today that he accepted his invitation. 

It's good to see Brad and Chris getting the recognition they deserve.    

Two legendary players were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame today.  Rickey Henderson was voted in on his first ballot. 

Jim Rice made it in on his last chance.

Congrats to both!  It must be a huge honor.  They both played way before my time, but Dad promised to tell me some stories about these guys...  After my nap of course.   

Chris Iannetta has accepted an invitation to play for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.  That must be quite an honor!  Way to go Chris.  Here's a pic of Mom helping me get my program signed by Chris last season. 

I couldn't think of a more deserving player.  He's a solid catcher, had a good year at the plate and treats the fans really well. 

He'll be playing alongside players like Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones and Jimmy Rollins.  Brian Fuentes, who was recently traded from my Rox to the Angels has also accepted an invitation.  Brad Hawpe got an invite, but hasn't made a decision yet.  

Friday night, usually means "Guy's Night".  Typically, Mom has to work those nights, so Dad and I usually just hang out at home.  There's plenty for us to do at home and we always manage to find a way to have a little fun. 

Sometimes we hang out and listen to music.  Dad's got a bunch of these round, shiny things that play groovy tunes.  I like to look at the pictures and try to eat them.  

Word to the wise, they look better than they taste. 

After that, sometimes we get inspired to go and make a little music of our own.  Dad's got this noisy thing in his "man cave" that I like to smack. 

I don't know who this crazy guy is, but I like him.  I like his wild hair and cool pants.

After jammin', it's time for a break.  I've found the best way to wind down is with a little MLB Network.  I pulled my bat out tonight during "Hot Stove", to work on my bunting technique.  This is about the time that I start to get tired.  Really tired.  Which means, it's about time for our bottles.  Can you figure out which one is mine?  Mine's the one in the middle.  Dad likes this stuff called beer.  He says his favorites are from Belgium, whatever that means.  I'll be honest with you, the stuff is gross.  I think his tastebuds might be broken or something.  I don't argue with him though.  It just means more milk for me. 

So Friday nights are pretty great, even when there aren't any baseball games to watch.  You should give it a try sometime.  You won't regret it.     

I'm still rockin' with the MLB Network.  It's pretty perfect if you ask me.  Anyway, Tim Lincecum is going to be on the Hot Stove show tonight.  Even though he's not a Rockie, he's one of my favorite players.

I always cheer for him unless he's playing my Rockies!  I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say about winning the Cy Young Award and what he's been doing during the offseason.  Maybe he'll even throw some pitches in Studio 42!  Check him out.

Late last season, I sent some mail out to a few of my favorite players.  I had to get Dad to help since I can't reach the mailbox.  I was hoping to add a few autographs to my collection.  I got some responses and I want to start posting them on my blog. 

To start it off, here's a card I got back from Jeremy Affeldt.  He even personalized it for me.

Thanks Jeremy! 

And in case you haven't already heard, the Rockies got a new pitcher today.  Jason Marquis is coming to Colorado this season.

He played for the Cubs last year and I think he'll make a great addititon to our starting rotation.  

That's it for now.  I'm ready for bed.

-PBR 

Since 2009 has arrived, I decided to take a look back on 2008.  2008 was pretty darn good to me, especially when it came to baseball.  I didn't a little math and added up my '08 totals.  But before I share that with you, I want to send out a special thanks to all of my bears.  Without you guys and all of your paws, I never would have been able to add these totals up.  You guys have my back and I appreciate it. 

Games Attended: 22

Different Teams I Watched: 15 (11 NL and 4 AL)

Stadiums Visited: 3 (Coors Field, McAfee Coliseum and Camden Yards)

Baseballs Snagged in Batting Practice: 6

Autographs: 23 different players

----

I also managed to catch 3 Minor League games, where I caught 4 baseballs and got plenty of autographs.  Needless to say, I was a pretty lucky boy.

For 2009, I came up with a few goals for myself.  I'd like to try to attend 12 games, visit 3 stadiums and snag 1 baseball.  I know it might sound a little on the conservative side compared to last year's numbers, but I want to make sure I wasn't just really, really lucky in 2008.  It was only my first season, so who knows.  

I'm already off to a good start.  Yesterday in the mail, I got a letter from Bud Selig.  He's the Commissioner of Major League Baseball!  He sent me a letter and a signed picture.  Dad said his signature is on every single official baseball.  His hand must get tired from signing his name all the time.  Thanks Mr. Selig!  I hope to see you at the park this season.   

-PBR

I'm hooked on the MLB Network.  I can't seem to get enough of this awesome channel! 

I'm also learning a lot.  Since I'm just a year old and have only witnessed one full season of baseball, I've got a lot of catching up to do.  Last night, Dad and I watched an entire game from the 1956 World Series.  We saw Don Larsen throw a perfect game.  There were lots of legends on the field, including Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle. 

Tonight, we've been watching the Red Sox run from the 2004 World Series.  Well done MLB Network!  You've got me hooked.

I'm excited that I can get a baseball fix anytime I want.  Just yesterday, I was excited about a hockey game at Wrigley Field, for the simple fact that it was being played at a baseball stadium. 

While it makes for an interesting game, it's still not baseball.  The MLB Network is doing it up right.  All day, every day.  It's the perfect start to 2009.  Check it out and tell them Baby Paul sent you!