Hunter Pence pays the Colorado Rockies a compliment you won’t expect

It’s one of the more under-the-radar rivalries in sports, but Colorado Rockies fans versus Hunter Pence added another chapter on Sunday afternoon at Coors Field.

Sure, Pence is past his days of roaming Coors Field for the rival San Francisco Giants, but that didn’t keep him playing infield, outfield, and even pitching during the MLB All-Star celebrity softball game on Sunday afternoon at 20th and Blake.

And yes, Pence received a mixed reception when he was introduced on Sunday. It was something he expected and even relished. After all, Pence did a promo video with WWE superstar The Miz before coming over to chat with me, so it’s no surprise he was taking the role of the heel in stride.

“That’s part of the fun of baseball,” Pence told me about the boos and taunts he hears and reads. “Here at Coors, those fans have that nice beer out in right field, and the bullpen of the Rockies is back there so there’s always some kind of shenanigans and fun times happening. I’ve always enjoyed playing right field here.”

Even though Pence once said he felt “a little snakebitten” when he played in right field at Coors, he was adamant he enjoyed his time in Denver when he came. Rockies fans certainly enjoyed moments like this, and rarely let Pence off the hook any time he patrolled the outfield.

“I love Coors Field,” Pence said on Sunday. “This is a beautiful city, a wonderful city.”

Former San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence pays an unexpected compliment to the Colorado Rockies

So we know Pence has had some interesting moments at Coors Field, but I thought I’d give him a chance to relive a good memory so I asked him about his favorite memory or play at Coors Field. Pence didn’t hesitate with his answer, and it was an unexpected one.

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“I can really say that one thing I always respected about the Rockies is how good their infield defense was,” Pence said. “I know that’s a random thing to say, but I just always wanted to throw a shoutout to whoever does the work for them to work with their infielders. It’s like Gold Glover after Gold Glover after Gold Glover here. You had guys like Tulo (Troy Tulowitzki), (Nolan) Arenado, and (DJ) LeMahieu, so I’ve always really respected how hard they play. It’s always a privilege to play against a great organization.”

And did Pence share any advice with his fellow celebrities who were going to play right field during the softball game?

“See the ball, catch the ball,” Pence smiled.