Man, I am living a dream. (The Closer).

Last week, I had some company. My two buddies from Alabama came to Coors Field to watch our series against the Yankees. The three-game set was electric. The Yankees might be better then they were in '98. They're always a good challenge because they never quit.

It was cool to see my two friends. I saw them change into two 10-year-olds. Mark Prater and Sloan Beatty came to see me but also to get a chance to get on the field and get an up-close and personal vantage point of batting practice. The Rockies' public relations folks were wonderful about it. They gave my buddies a credential that I think would have gotten them into the owner's suite.

They could go anywhere, and they did. They checked out every nook and cranny of Coors Field. They'd be on the field for batting practice and one of my teammates would come up and talk to them. I'd introduce them to the player, and they'd be talking to them, then all of a sudden out comes the cameras. They wanted pictures.

They were proud as peacocks. All they kept telling me was, "Man, you are living a dream." They talked hitting with big leaguers, and I had a chance to introduce them to Goose Gossage, Mel Stottlemyre, Jason Giambi, Larry Walker and Todd Helton. But the best was yet to come for them.

As the series progressed, the guys started to be recognized by ushers and players. The ushers would come up and ask them if they needed anything. The guys on my team would come over and mess with them and make them feel as if they were a part of the team. For that, I'm grateful.

The second day, I was out running or lifting, and my buddies were on the field just hanging out. Who walks out of the Yankees' dugout but Derek Jeter. Mark and Sloan shyly went over and asked politely if they could have a picture with him. Derek told them he had to put something in his locker but that he'd be right back. He came out in a few minutes and talked with them and took a snapshot, thanked them and went on his way.

I didn't see any of this--I had to get ready to play--but I got the blow by blow from Mark and Sloan. Derek had seen them around the field for a few days and had to know they were with one of the players. Derek took the time to talk with two guys from Alabama. He didn't have to do that. Lord knows how busy he is. If you're a superstar, people pull at you from all angles: "Derek, sign this. Derek, can you come over for this interview? Derek, Derek, Derek." It would drive me crazy. But not him. He seems to take everything in stride. Derek is laid back and just smiles and deals with it.