I haven't written very much about Coors Field this year - the Rockies drifted slowly downward as the season went on; we had the usual variety of goofy phone calls (and I do plan to write about them in the next few days); but in general, nothing really stood out from this season as especially memorable.

I have my eyes glued to the NL Central, where the real story of September is unfolding.

About a week ago, Rockies first baseman Todd Helton announced his retirement. In a very unusual career for these years for free agency, Todd has played his entire seventeen year career with the Rockies. He has been a perennial fan favorite, ans while most of us knew this moment was coming, no one really was happy when the day arrived. Last night was his last home game at Coors Field. In a pregame ceremony, in front of a sold out crowd, with his father and other family members watching from the suite level and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning watching from the dugout, his wife and daughters standing with him, Todd was honored.

I was awash in goosebumps, and for the only time I can remember, I tuned the volume on the lobby TV set so anyone entering the lobby would take the hint and keep intrusion to a minimum so we all could watch and listen.

Godspeed, Todd, all of us will miss you.