Smith Seeks Singer's Advice

Associated Press, April 10, 1993, transcribed by powerwindows

DENVER (AP) - Bryn Smith left nothing to chance in preparing for his starting role in Friday's first-ever Colorado Rockies home opener.

Concerned about decibel levels at Mile High Stadium when the Rockies met Montreal, the pitcher called a friend for advice, Geddy Lee, lead singer for the rock band Rush.

In 1984, Smith spent the offseason touring with the band. To this day, he wears a Rush T-shirt beneath his Colorado Rockies jersey.

So what advice did Lee give him?

"He just said, 'Have fun, good luck, and I wish I was there,'" Smith said. "I guess I'll have to figure it out for myself."

Webmaster note: The Colorado Rockies April 9, 1993, grand opening day ticket was later displayed with Geddy's other baseball memorabilia, as seen in this photo from the Counterparts tourbook (it's above and to the left of Geddy's right shoulder). The game drew 80,227 fans, setting new opening day and single regular-season game MLB attendance records.