Phillies help Rockies' grounds crew stabilize tarp during rain delay
Associated Press
<!-- end story header --><!-- begin left column --><!-- begin page tools -->Updated: July 8, 2007, 6:15 PM ET
<!-- end page tools --><!-- begin story body --><!-- template inline -->DENVER -- A strong burst of wind caught the tarp as the
Colorado Rockies' grounds crew tried to roll it over the infield during a seventh-inning rain delay on Sunday, sending crew members flying into the air.
And when the tarp doubled over, covering some of the workers, several Philadelphia players rushed out of the dugout to help stabilize it.
Shane Victorino grabbed a corner, dug in and began wrestling it toward left field.
Ryan Howard held a section down with a knee, and
Michael Bourn started heaving sand bags onto the tarp to weigh it down.
Even
Adam Eaton, the starting pitcher, was out in the middle of the field, trying to extend the tarp so it could be weighed down. Home plate umpire Bill Welke and crew chief John Hirschbeck were out there holding down the tarp as well.
The only Rockies player out there was
LaTroy Hawkins.
No one was hurt and the crew -- with the Phillies' help -- eventually got the tarp down. The crowd, which was scurrying for cover, applauded their efforts.
The rain hit just after the bottom of the sixth with Philadelphia leading 5-4.
The grounds crew had no further trouble with the tarp while removing it after a 50-minute rain delay.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
