By F. Graham

The Colorado Avalanche just won the Stanley Cup. The Denver Nuggets have a repeat MVP by the name of Nikola Jokic. Denver Broncos fans are optimistic about Russell Wilson.

Our contributor decked out in Rockies gear and working on his swing.

It's harder to be a Rockies fan right now, but here's why you should still be really excited about the boys of summer.

When you think about the Rockies, you may not think about amazing talent, MVPs, or a great overall team. But there is great talent, and it is so fun to watch the team blasting homers. This year, C.J. Cron, the Rockies 1st baseman, is an All-Star. As of July 13, he is batting .295 (24th best in the league), has 66 RBIs (2nd most in the league), and has 20 Home Runs (11th in the league). Daniel Bard is the Rockies closing pitcher and has an ERA of 2.12, which is one of the best in the league.

The Rockies also have some players who have interesting backstories. Charlie Blackmon a.k.a. Chuck Nazty has played with the Rockies for ten years. He was an All-Star, has participated in the Home Run Derby and is still one of the greatest and hardest working people in the organization. Jose Iglesias, the Rockies shortstop, said Blackmon is always the first one in and the last one out of the clubhouse every day.

The Rockies head into the All-Star break having hit a season-record five-game win streak last week. The second half of their season opens Friday in Milwaukee.

Connor Joe, the Rockies outfielder and 1st baseman, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2020 and left the Dodgers' spring training to begin treatments. His grandmother gave him a necklace with the Chinese symbol for warrior on it, and it kept him going through his tough times. He came back strong as ever and has been a crucial part of the Rockies lineup since almost exactly a year ago.

Besides, baseball is awesome because you get to get outside in the summer, have fun with your family and root for your favorite team. I went to an opening weekend game this year and saw Conner Joe signing baseballs and he was throwing baseballs up into the crowd at the end of each inning. Baseball is great for summer because football games every Saturday and Sunday would ruin your weekend plans, but baseball happens every day of the week, so you can have other plans on the weekends.

So, start watching the Rockies and root for my favorite team in pro sports during their second half of the season.

F. Graham is getting ready for 7th grade and his second season on a middle school baseball team.