If These Walls Could Talk: Colorado Rockies: Stories from the Colorado Rockies Dugout, Locker Room, and Press Box

by Benjamin Hochman, Benjamin Hochman, Bud Black (Foreword)

The man on the mic for countless memorable moments from Larry Walker, Todd Helton, Nolan Arenado, and more, Drew Goodman has lived and breathed Rockies baseball as the team's longtime television broadcaster. In If These Walls Could Colorado Rockies , Goodman provides insight into the Rockies' inner sanctum as only he can. Featuring conversations with players past and present as well as off-the-wall anecdotes, this indispensable volume is your ticket to mile high history.

Genres: Baseball, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2019

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Is it perfect? Nope. But it was perfect for me.

[Cody A. Sheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read for any Rockies/baseball fan

Drew Goodman brings his on screen talent to the page, inviting you in to his “living room” for a heartfelt, fun, and honest take on our favorite Rocky Mountain team. The stories he shares from behind the scenes are hilarious, informative, captivating, and real. I highly recommend this book to not just Rockies fans, but to any baseball fan who would like to take a dive into the history and heart of the team, as told by their TV voice of 17 years and hopefully many more.

[Mason McFee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodman does a good job of providing insight to the history of one of the youngest teams in baseball. As a Dodgers fan I’ve never had an issue with the Rockies, but because of this book have a deeper appreciation for a division rival.

Goodman also does a solid job of balancing personal anecdotes along with behind the scenes looks into a team that has already had all-time moments in baseball history.

My one issue with the book (and why I can’t give it higher than three stars) is that Goodman places entries from his journal (that captures moments from his broadcasts and overall career) throughout the book at random spots. I feel they would have been better suited as an ‘extra’ section at the end of the book or as a chapter, rather than strewn throughout the book.

Overall though, Goodman provides a nice picture of the purple and black.

[Joelle Milholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

With baseball paused due to the Coronavirus, this was a great book to read to still have some form of baseball around the time when we'd usually be starting up the 2020 season. It was divided up into odd categories, but it worked well and was probably more interesting than if it was just a chronological history. There were some interesting stories and almost-trades that I never knew about. It was a fun, behind-the-scenes view that you don't really get to see as a fan. One bright note that I didn't see coming was a bit of cussing and humor that just made it more real. I like Drew Goodman as an announcer and you can definitely hear his voice coming through the text. This was a fun read in a time when it was definitely needed.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most likely for Rockies fans only. I enjoy Drew as an announcer and this book is a good history of his days with the Rockies (not too much before that). As I've said before with books like this I think I would have enjoyed it more when I was younger. Reading stories about 20 somethings and the stupid antics that they do aren't as fun when you're older. Just seems like a bunch of primadonnas with no maturity but I know that those in sports deem that to be good team camaraderie. But it was fun to read about some of the great moments, players and team officials and they did give Drew some good quotes regarding their thoughts on the organization.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some good flashback stories on the Rockies and some interesting tidbits about players throughout the 25+ years of the franchise.

My complaint would be that there is a lack of any critical thoughts on team management, past GMs or past managers. For a franchise that has an up and down history thus far I think people need to start being real about the team from the top. There’s been bad player decisions made, bad contracts given out and some failed team strategies from above as well. Yet there isn’t a hint of that in the book, everything’s ducky in this book.

Worth the read as a Rockies fan but there are some frustrating chapters due to the focus just being on positives.

[C. Seidle · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star is too much. Goodman is one of the worst announcers in baseball and AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain's coverage of Rockies games is probably the worst in the league. It carries over here. Drew still covers the team so there no real behind the scenes stuff, just stories he has told on broadcasts countless times, fluff pieces to kill time over the course of a game. Nothing here more than casual fan didn't already know and nothing of interest enough that a less than casual fan would care about. Honestly, covering the team for TV is more about being a spokesman than a journalist, and that is really how this comes across.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a 'must read' for any serious Rockies fan! Those not fully invested in this team and franchise might find it a bit dry. But for us fans this book is a treat - providing behind- the-scenes insights, hilarious player stories, team highlights and even discloses previously unknown franchise "secrets" - like what superstars 'almost' played for the Rockies! There's quite a bit of "adult language" but honestly it had to be there - some particular stories can't be told without it. This book is a keeper for sure!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book by Drew Goodman. He provides a behind-the-scenes look of what it’s like to be associated with a major league ball club, from being a player to a coach or manager, trainer, clubhouse attendant, broadcaster, front office executive, former player, etc. His stories about ballplayers and their quirks are especially fascinating and the book’s ending will leave you with a tear in your eye. I cannot emphasize enough how much this book was a great read.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book and all its wonderful stories. Told by the greT ROCKIES ANNOUNCER DREW GOODMAN. It was fun getting a background look into the Rockies history and it was also fun learning about Drew's family.

[dan snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book and recommend it for any Rockies fan!

[Cymiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

For any Colorado Rockies fan, this behind-the-scenes book provides great stories about players, management and the clubhouse.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to start the year. Baseball season can't come soon enough

[Mooshka · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love the Rockies you will love this book. It was so much fun going down memory lane! Thanks Drew for the epic read!

[Aaron Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teams that have never won a World Series almost always have the weakest body of writing about them (with the notable exception of the Seattle Mariners). This book does a credible job of anecdotally covering the key moments in franchise history. The happy-go-lucky approach sidesteps any explanation of why the Rockies haven't been successful. 30 teams, 30 books #3

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some excellent stories from inside teh organization