Colorado Rockies History

Q & A session. with Paul Parker,

Colorado Rockies Manager, Community Affairs and Club Historian 

 

What are your primary responsibilities?

My responsibilities consist of being the club historian, conducting VIP tours, heading the RBI program, managing the archive, assisting with clinics and volunteer work through the Community Affairs Department, and attending public speaking engagements.

 

What is your favorite part of your job?

I am in charge of the VIP tours at the stadium—these can be a variety of different people who visit

the stadium, from auction winners to special guests of Ownership. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the Rockies, the Club’s history and telling stories. I am also frequently asked to speak at various engagements throughout the community. Some people get a thrill from sky diving or bungee jumping—I like my feet on the ground. I get my biggest thrill being on a stage in front of 100 people and having no idea what I’m going to say.

 

What did you do before this, and how did you get this job?

I graduated with a degree in history from Southern Connecticut State. I had a variety of jobs out of

college, including driving a cab in New York City, picking apples in Connecticut and picking oranges in California. Around this time I was also training for the Olympic Trials in Track. I was a journeyman carpenter for about 10 years. After working as a carpenter, I realized my true passion in life was sports. I became a freelance sports writer, worked for the Denver Post and had a weekly column in the Rocky Mountain News about running. In December of 1990, the National League narrowed the team expansion finalists down to 6 cities, with Denver being one of them. Growing up in New York City surrounded by baseball, I knew I had to be a part of bringing Major League Baseball to Denver. In January of 1991, I took part in a season ticket sale drive by cold calling potential season ticket holders to pledge $50 per season ticket if the team were to come to Denver. And the rest is history!

 

What is your favorite Rockies moment?

In 2007, it was game #163, which was the tie breaker game vs. the San Diego Padres. The game

went into extra innings and the Rockies won in the 13th inning.

 

What is your favorite piece of Rockies memorabilia?

Eric Young’s jersey from the Rockies first game at Mile High Stadium. EY had the first home at bat

on Colorado soil, and he hit a home run. EY signed the jersey he wore that day, as well as dated it, and I have it in the collection. I would estimate the current value of the jersey at around $18,000! What is your favorite baseball moment? My favorite baseball moment was the first game I ever went to: Game 3 of the 1960 World Series in New York—the Yankees were playing the Pirates and won 10-0. I couldn’t believe grass could be so green!