It's been a remarkable first half of the baseball season for the Colorado Rockies. The team has exceeded expectations under new manager Bud Black, with a 52-39 record. To top it off, four Rockies players head to Miami this week to participate in this year's MLB All-Star Game.
We caught up with two of those players -- center fielder Charlie Blackmon and third baseman Nolan Arenado -- shortly before they made the trip to Florida to represent the best in the National League. And we talked about our favorite subject: music.
We wanted to know how it motivates their game on and off the field -- starting with the songs that play at Coors Field each time they step up to bat.
Those picks include an '80s pop-rock hit that's become an anthem at Coors Field and a hard-hitting beat from an up-and-coming rapper.
We also got their opinions on the best training music and the team's best DJ. (Arenado says he's the best, but Blackmon says it's definitely not Arenado.)
Listen to those interviews above and read highlights below.
Nolan Arenado on irritating a Rockies legend with his music selection in the clubhouse:
"Back in the day when Todd Helton used to be here, I used to play rap and he would get super angry. 'Cause I was like a rookie and he didn't wanna hear that. So he would yell at me.
"And then there'd be times he'd be like: 'Who played that song!' And I’d be like: 'I dont know.' But it would be me. I would just lie 'cause I didn't want him to yell at me anymore."
Charlie Blackmon on fans singing along to his walk-up song:
"I think it’s great! Since it’s already a classic song, I don’t feel like it gets old. It’s something where I feel like the fans can associate me with that song. When they hear that song, they know what to do."
We've got more Rockies interviews coming this summer -- including a chat with classic rock expert Bud Black. Stay tuned.
