Dear Rockies,

I know we’ve known each other for a while now. So, you probably know what I’m about to ask. After all the late nights under the stars and the Sunday afternoons in the sunshine, you can guess what’s coming next.

Don’t break my heart again.

Last summer really meant something to me. A chance to go to the postseason for the first time in eight years was special. It brought back memories long forgotten. And even though it ended in a one-night stand, the walk-off cycle, the batting title, and the Gold Gloves made it a magical run just to be there.

When this summer started, I had high expectations. We weren’t perfect, but there was still a spark. You’d spent a lot of money in the hopes of making the end of the night, every night, that much better. But it started to fade.

When June rolled around, I was ready to write this summer off as just another fling. Sure, we had a few home runs here and there, and even a handful of quality starts, but it just felt like there was so much distance between us. I was starting to move on, debating the second-string defensive line of my other love down at Dove Valley and projecting the numbers for Philipp Grubauer between the pipes.

Our relationship felt like a lost cause, just as it did back in 2016. And 2015. And 2014. And 2013. And… well, no reason to bring up the past any longer.

But then, the calendar turned to July, and something changed. That spark I felt in April returned. I found the energy again. I watched Kyle Freeland beat Madison Bumgarner. I saw 19 runs cross the plate in just five innings. And as we entered the summer break, I yelled as Trevor Story hit the first walk-off of his career.

Suddenly, you brought me back.

You’ve done this to me before, though. We’ve chased the dream, only to fall short. We’ve come close to the top of the 14’er, only to turn around and head home just a few hundred feet from the summit. Last year we made it, but we didn’t even stay long enough to take a selfie. This time, let’s reach the top and maybe stay for a while and enjoy the view.

I believe again. So please, don’t break my heart.

Sincerely,
Nate