Two more home games for the Rockies. The season was disappointing, to say the least. Even so, I enjoy this part time "stay busy in retirement" gig so much that I fall into a kind of childish blue mood every year as the season ends.

The farewells have already begun - two of the guys who work in scouting and baseball administration and who will ALWAYS talk about baseball with me are off to the instructional league in Tucson today - I won't see them until next spring.

The accepted stadium language for the next few days and all kinds of leavetakings will be: "See you opening day." Most of the year, as a homestand ends, the phrase is "see you next homestand." and the difference in wording always pings a little sad response within me, even as I do my best to smile and wave.

Not everyone will be back of course. Several long time co workers quit for various reasons during the season, and as with any large group comprised mostly of retirees, there were some deaths. As a matter of fact, day before yesterday I was at a funeral during which "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was part of the music.

The past couple of years, usually around Christmas, the stadium receptionists are all heading in different directions at the same time and I have received a call to inquire if I could fill in. The answer is always "yes" of course! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!