When people ask about a game, the only thing they really care about is the score. As it boils down to it, sports are all about winners and losers. But for games like this, the final score tells none of the actual story. 

The Fossil Ridge High School baseball team lost their matchup at Coors Field in Denver 6-4 against the Dakota Ridge Eagles. However, this game was one of two foundation games this season, which don’t count towards the Sabercats’ record. 

No one cared about the score though, because this game was all about the players and the comradery that comes from America’s Game. 

Upon arrival at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, you can tell it’s a stadium unlike any other. Between the long walks through the spacious hallways, the memorabilia hanging in the hallways, or finally the awe after walking into a major league locker room. 

But the greatest part for most players is walking up the steps, emerging out of the dugout onto the field above. The spacious field is crowded by seats on all sides along with fresh grass, clean dirt, and the miniature forest right outside of center field.

“It’s just a normal baseball field,” said senior outfielder Kevin Hamilton. “But it was perfect.”

This trip tends to be the highlight for most players in their high school career, as head coach Ted Bergquist explains.

“I hope it’s something for the seniors that they’ll never forget,” Bergquist said. 

However, this game wasn’t just a celebration of the sport, but also of a person. Earlier this season, Dakota Ridge High School player Brady Hoos died after suffering a seizure. This has been a massive loss to the program along with the entire state of Colorado.

“I’ve known that boy since he was eight years old,” Bergquist said. “It had a little extra meaning to me.”

Both Fossil Ridge and Dakota Ridge worked together to celebrate and honor the life of Hoos. Before the game, the Sabercats made custom jerseys with Hoos’ number seven jersey, which the Dakota Ridge players wore during the game.

During the first pitch, the Eagles left Hoos’ position in left field without a player, to show that he is still a major part of the program, and will be for years to come.

“It was bittersweet,” Bergquist said. “[But] hopefully special to them.”

The Sabercats hope to get back to Coors Field soon to carry this unforgettable experience to the next group of players and demonstrate how sports are more than just numbers.

This story was originally published on Etched in Stone on April 25, 2023.