DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Second baseman Mark Ellis #14 of the Colorado Rockies throws out Melky Cabrera #53 of the Kansas City Royals at Coors Field on July 1, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
It has been a roller coaster couple of weeks for Rapid City native Mark Ellis. After nine years in Oakland, he was traded to the Colorado Rockies on Thursday, arrived in Denver on Friday, and played in his first game for the Rockies on Friday night. What a debut it was. Ellis went 3-for-5 with three RBI, including a two-run home run.
Ellis took a few minutes Saturday morning to answer questions from IDS about the move from Oakland to Colorado.
Jake Nordbye: What have the last few days been like for you?
Ellis: The last couple of days have been crazy. Very emotional. Excited and sad all at the same time. I was very excited to come to Colorado, and I was sad to leave Oakland. It hit me when I was leaving the clubhouse how much everyone there meant to me and my family. Obviously, when I got to Colorado my emotions turned the other way and I was extremely excited.
Jake Nordbye: What was the feeling of putting on a Rockies jersey after nine years in Oakland?
Ellis: Strange, would probably be the best way to describe how I felt. I kept looking down at the black shoes and thinking how different they looked. It also felt good. Colorado is a team I’ve always admired from a distance, and a place I thought I would enjoy playing.
Jake Nordbye: As a hitter, do you think it is advantageous moving to the National League and facing ‘new’ pitchers? How about hitting at Coors Field?
Ellis: Sometimes it’s more advantageous to be familiar with the pitchers you’re facing. Playing in the National League will be fun. Different cities and ballparks is something I’m looking forward to.
Jake Nordbye: I know you always have high expectations for yourself, but your debut for the Rockies must rank right up there as one of the best individual moments in your career? Thoughts on your first game in Colorado?
Ellis: The first game was definitely special. I was a little nervous before the game, but Jason (Giambi) calmed me down and told me just to be me and I would be fine. To be able to contribute and help the team win was something I hope to continue here.
What a debut! Great interview Jake.
If Mark was nervous I couldn’t tell. He always looks so calm and collected. Great to see him back and smiling last night! Good luck in Colorado Mark!
Good stuff. Impressive get, Jake.
We interviewed Ellis for the RC Weekly News and he was gracious and decent.
New team, new league, same good guy.
Here’s hoping for a career revival for him in Colorado. Except when they play my Giants.
Jake…thanks for caring about what matter in sports to the people of Rapid City. Mark Ellis is such a humble professional. We are all proud of what he has accompished in baseball but even more on how he has done it.