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How did it get such a good reputation? Did they leave fliers on the stalls at the local colleges telling people where the party is at in Coors Field? No. We owe it all to one man. No, not Pete Coors he is one of the suits behind home plate. We are talking about Captain Earthman. That’s right; the best beer vendor in the world and you can see him in the Pavilion section. The man that will shout, “Hey beer drinking human!” whenever someone calls him a “beer man”. He is the definition of what the occupation as “beer vendor” is all about. He has business cards that he hands out to the crowd and whenever you’re low on your beer, you give his cell phone a jingle, tell him what section you’re in and how many beers you want. Like a superhero, he comes down decked out with a crazy uniform holding your beer in his hands. You are saved. Before you know it, after numerous games in the left field rowdy section, he knows you.
We found an old Earthman business card, his business card circa 2005 and flipped him an e-mail. Within an hour of e-mailing him, he called back. He was busy doing his laundry during Spring Training in Tucson. Wow, didn’t know beer vendors needed Spring Training.
When did you start beer vending at Coors Field?
1995—when it first opened. It is my 22nd year beer vending for me, I also vend at Red Rocks, Coors Amphitheatre, The Stock Show, Pepsi Center, I do the Broncos, and the Broomfield Event Center.
What sections are you in for the 2008 Rockies season?
151-160, about 80% of the games, if I am not there I am either at Red Rocks or working a concert.
Are you going to change your outfit for the 2008 season do you still have the squirrel on top of your head?
Squirrel is gone now. I have a baseball bat through my head.
What is that you carry on your back?
Red rope licorice in a canister I made to save them from the heat.
What is the canister made out of?
Piece of sewer piping stuff, plastic tubing.
What are your predictions for the Rockies this year?
Playoffs, strong second.
Who is your favorite player on the Rockies?
Oh yeah, Ryan Spilborghs all the way. That guy is awesome. His dad sits in the outfield. I have had a chance to get to know him. His dad’s name is Renee.
What do you think about Spring Training?
I love Spring Training. There is nothing more than I love more then when I worked in the record stores in late 70s. Music is my main passion. The only instrument I can only play is the stereo which really sucks but I get by with it.
Shining star for Spring Training?
I don’t know I haven’t paid attention to one game. I am just going by what the fans are saying to me. Matt [Holliday] is coming on great, [Jeff] Francis is doing good too. But Spilborghs is my favorite.
Are you having your annual Memorial Day party on May 26th?
Party, yup and my official 52nd birthday five days later.
Do fans call you in the off season to go drink with them?
Yes. Oh yeah that’s kind of a given.
You definitely get spotted?
Coolest highlight of my job.
What is your favorite thing about Coors Field?
The fans. Definitely the fans, with baseball being a very close second.
Where is your favorite bar?
The Breckenridge Brewery. Charles and Pete behind the bar. Oh yeah baby! And The Arvada Tavern behind my house, they have the best hamburgers ever, great ½ lb. dead cow.
If you saw notoriously cocky Arizona Diamondbacks player Eric Byrnes what would you say to him?
“Hi Eric need a beer?!”
Thank you Captain Earthman. Thank you for all the beer over the years, all the beer to come.
