Rocky Mountain Vibes Off To Impressive Start
Trevor Phipps
America’s favorite past time is finally in full swing in the Pikes Peak region and much of Colorado.
And yes, our unique version of minor league baseball marks a vast improvement from the embarrassing and losing plunge of the Colorado Rockies, who are vying for the worst record in the 100-year-plus history of Major League Baseball. In a stark contrast, winning has become the name of the game for the Rocky Mountain Vibes, part of the relatively new Pioneer League.
In mid-May, the Vibes launched their 2025 season with a new roster and the addition of locally televised games. Apparently, this combination has worked.
Ever since they hit the diamond, they have been on fire. The team started their season with an outstanding winning streak. After their full week of play, the team generated a 6-1 start.
The Vibes lost their last home game of the series against the Northern Colorado (NoCo) Owlz. But before that last game, the team basically dominated the diamond.
Right off the bat, the Vibes came out swinging with 15-2 and 25-7 back-to-back victories. They squeaked by in their third match 10-9 but then shut the Owlz out 21-0 during their fourth game.
Then during a double header on May 24, the Vibes barely won the first match 9-8. But then they blew out the team 23-2 during the second match of the double header.
Then during a rainy day on May 25, the tides turned in favor of the Owlz. NoCo’s starting pitcher Johan Castillo dominated the Vibes’ batters by pitching six straight no-hit innings. But then in the seventh and final inning of the first match of the Sunday double header, Vibes’ designated hitter Dane Tofteland snagged a hit followed by Vibes’ catcher Austin Chouinard.
In fact, after their first seven matches (after having one cancelled due to weather), the Vibes look like an all-star team. Besides, their 6-1 marks the team’s best season start since they rebranded to the Rocky Mountain Vibes in 2019. However, it is still hard to say if this means they are championship-worthy since they have only battled one team up to this point.
But on paper, the team still looks great. After their first six games, the Vibes picked up 103 runs along with nine homeruns (five of which occurred during one game). The team as a whole has an impressive .423 batting average, a .528 on base percentage and a .624 slugging percentage.
At this point in the Pioneer League’s 2025 season, there are no undefeated teams. As a result, the Vibes (at the time of this writing) are technically tied in first place in the Pioneer League overall with two other teams. The Idaho Falls Chukars and the Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers both have 6-1 records (like the Vibes) which means they will be the teams to beat for the Vibes further down the road.
Vibes’ Stars Recording All-Star Stats
Currently, the Vibes have three players in the top 10 in the league and five in the top 20 when it comes to batting stats. After playing four games Vibes’ outfielder Sam Linscott leads the team (and is second in the Pioneer League overall) behind the plate with a 0.733 batting average. He has also racked up 10 runs, 11 hits, 4 RBIs and a stolen base during his 15 at bats.
In fourth place in the Pioneer League, Vibes’ outfielder Carter Booth has picked up a .581 batting average after playing in six matches. During 31 at bats, Booth has racked up 18 hits, 13 runs, 10 RBIs, four stolen bases and a homerun.
Vibes’ infielder Garrett Kueber is currently ranked sixth in the league when it comes to batting with his .524 batting average after five games played. Over 21 at bats, Kueber has launched 11 hits, 12 RBIs, eight runs, one stolen base and two homeruns.
And even though the Vibes seem to struggle every year when it comes to pitching, this year could be different. The Vibes added some new giant-in-size pitchers that have been putting up good numbers. Better pitching combined with the team’s power hitters could make for a good equation for the Vibes this year.
Upcoming Games and Special Events
The Vibes started their first two series against the NoCo Owlz (one series on the road and one series at home). The team wrapped up their road series against the Owlz last weekend and they return to Colorado Springs this Tuesday to battle the 6-1 Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers for a three game series from Tuesday to Sunday.
Next week, the Vibes hit the road once again for six games against the Billings Mustangs. The team returns home on June 17 to face the Grand Junction Jackalopes for a series of six games.
Throughout the season, the Vibes are also offering special promotions each day of the week and a slew of special events are slated to take place during games.
Feed your Face Tuesdays have returned to Blocktickets Park (formerly UC Health Park) where eateries will offer special food deals. On Wednesdays, the Vibes offer buy one get one free tickets; and if the Vibes win, attendees will get free tickets to a Sunday game. On Thank You Thursdays, active and retired military get in free along with the Vibes’ Thirsty Thursday promotion with $2 draft beers and sodas.
Every game that happens on a Friday this year will feature a post-game fireworks show. On Souvenir Saturdays the first 1,000 fans will receive a special souvenir. On Sundays, fans can get a free ticket by bringing in two canned food items.
This weekend, the Vibes also have special events planned. June 7 is “Partee Night” featuring Christopher McDonald who starred in the golf-themed comedy “Happy Gilmore.” June 8 is a special Trucker Hat Giveaway.
