As part of my opening day experience, I wanted to make sure to check out the new tequila bar on the right-field mezzanine.  As you may have heard, as part of the Rockies continuous efforts to improve the concession options at the ballpark (and create additional revenue opportunities) they have converted the center-field end of the mezzanine into a destination for drinkers.  Familia Camarena Tequila stepped up to the plate, and made their product the signature offering.  Sounded right up my alley...

First, I'll describe the space.  Obviously, any tequila bar worth the name needs a bar first.  It is large and L-shaped.  To give you a idea of the scale, on opening day they had 8 bartenders working behind the bar without constant collisions.  There are a limited number of stools at the bar, as well as spots to deal with walk up traffic.  There are 10 TVs at the bar, since you have your back to the field while ordering.  The side facing the Rockpile is a solid wall of windows to give you some shelter from the wind, or other elements, for days not as perfect as April First was.  In the bar area proper, there are not a lot of seats...and I'm pretty sure that's by design.  More on seating in the Loft after the jump...

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Jim Lilliefors has put together a nice piece of baseball-related bubblegum for pop historians this off season.  His new book, Ball Cap Nation, covers a wide variety of angles on the American obsession with the baseball cap.  Everything from touring the New Era factory, where MLB official (and licensed) caps are made, to visiting with Lizzie Post, granddaughter of the more famous Emily Post on ball cap etiquette (Tip: a ball cap is NOT appropriate at church!), even a brief interview with David Wells about wearing one of Babe Ruth’s caps in a game (and driving Joe Torre insane at the same time).  Lilliefors visits with some of the top cap collectors across the country, relates the histories of Lids and Hat World as top cap retailers, and even offers practical advice on the care of your ball caps.

As with any book that ends with a quiz, readers will not be surprised that the tone is light throughout, with lots of great pictures and large fonts starting each chapter.  An academic work, this is not.  But for someone looking for an easy read on a unique part of the baseball uniform, it’s highly recommended.

7:30 am on 5/23, so I'm posting this after it has started.  Right now it's the middle of the 4th inning.  Sorry!  MLBN normally schedules a classic game on Saturday mornings, so it's worth checking out.

Here's the original game thread: http://www.purplerow.com/2007/10/15/2177/3466  Should be interesting to review...find out who were the true believers.  Heh.

I like the Rockies chances this morning!