Peer down at the Rockies dugout during home games and you might recognize a pair of middle-aged devotees. Kevin Fucile and Christopher “Smitty” Smith are part of the crew behind Rock Nation, the team’s unofficial fan club. They meet with players before and after games to gather signed memorabilia that they often auction off for charity. They also collect intel on happenings inside and outside the clubhouse and pass it on to fans through the Rock Nation blog and social media. The duo’s devotion has paid off with a collection—Smith’s is valued at close to $500,000—that includes sought-after pieces like Eric Young Jr.’s entire game-worn uniform from the day he hit his first MLB home run.

5280.com Exclusive: Read more about Smith’s and Fucile’s Rockies’ memorabilia collection here.

5280 July 2013
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