Diamond Dreaming with the Grand Junction Rockies

The saying “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” usually asserts an appreciation for shiny, expensive rocks.

In my case, it’s a little different.

I love baseball. I love everything about it, from the field to the history to the camaraderie to the sport itself—the rules, play making, and thrill of situational understanding.

When I hint about my love of diamonds, you know exactly what I mean. Between Coors Field and Gunnison’s Jorgenson Park complex, take me to the ballgame. Whether I’m sore from the bleachers, enjoying a box view, or winding up in the pitcher’s circle, I’m home.

Take me to the ball game

The Grand Junction Rockies recently gave me a chance to escape into the baseball head space, and I can’t brag enough about my experience.

Here’s the deal: you can watch a fun, exciting game of baseball, in a stadium, with affordable snacks and drinks, for as low as $7 a ticket. That’s right. A few extra bucks gets you folding chair seating.

If you are looking for a weekend experience—perfect for a date or a family outing (I went with my husband and dad on a Saturday night)—Suplizio Field is home to the GJ Rockies. The experience entailed exciting plays, a gorgeous sunset, excellent views from every seat, and a promise to return the following season.

More about the GJ Rockies: If the name sounds familiar, it should. The Grand Junction Rockies are a Minor League team and a Colorado Rockies affiliate. Essentially, the league order goes Major Leagues (CO Rockies, at Coors Field), then the Minor League, which includes AAA, AA, High A, Low A, and then Rookie Ball. The GJ Rockies are listed under the Rookie category.

But don’t let the level status fool you. Sure, they are all fresh-faced and are either straight out of high school or look like it, but they play a good game. There’s a level of energy and fervor that comes with youth. And, if you ask me, the experience is a little more engaging for fans; things like errors and overthrows and balks make the game exciting, and are pretty rare at the highest level. Not so much for Rookies. They don’t happen every inning, but you might catch a few and feel a whiff of excitement in the air.

Make a GJ Rockies game a part of your summer weekend adventures. You won’t be sorry.