Let me tell U about “Q”
3/14/10
Omar Quintanilla
I’ve yet to talk to a Rockies fan that doesn’t like Omar Quintanilla. I managed to get “Q’s” autograph back in June of 2006. His was my first pro-baseball player’s autograph and I remember it well.
He was humble and seemed quite happy to be there.
“Q” attended Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas, where he led the city of El Paso in home runs, RBI, and was elected to the Texas All-State shortstop. When he finished High School he received a scholarship to the University of Texas, Austin. While there he played second base, third base, and shortstop. In addition he appeared in two national championship games, winning one.
Quintanilla wasted no time as he was drafted by the Oakland A’s in the first round (33rd overall) of the 2003 Major Leage Baseball Draft. . In 2003, he played for Low-A Vancouver and High-A Modesto hitting .358 in 40 games.
He started 2004 with Modesto as the A’s 7th ranked prospect and after hitting .315 received a late-season promotion to Double-A Midland.
“Q” began 2005 with Midland as the A’s 8th ranked prospect and on July 15, he was traded along with Eric Byrnes to the Rockies for pitchers Joe Kennedy and Jay Witasick.
The Rockies assigned him to Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox and promoted him to the majors in late July.
He made his debut on July 31 and went 1-3. In each of the next five seasons, Quintanilla would begin the season with Triple-A Colorado Springs and make his way to the majors.
“Q’s” highest batting average was .238 in 2008. As a Rockie he’s a career .220 hitter.
Dante Bichette, Ryan Spilborghs and Omar Quintanilla are the only players in Rockies franchise history to end a game of 12 or more innings with a home run (Bichette did it twice).
Quote from “Q” in 2009….”You never know and especially my role, the utility role, you never know when I’m going to be needed.”
Quintanilla was outrighted off the 40 man roster on Nov 5, 2009.
On Feb 12, 2010 “Q” was invited back to attend Rockies Spring Training.
Props to you brotha and welcome back. You’ve got to admit “Q” lives a pretty good life as a Utility Man… 🙂
On a totally surprising and cool note I got a call from my pops today who informed me that he and my mom were in Tucson. I said “Whatcha doing there?” and he informed me that they were at Hi-Corbett watching the Rockies/Mariners game.
I was floored and jealous. After I hung up that got me to thinking. Robert is at that game too and he could take a picture of my parents for me. Sure enough I called Robert and asked him to do that for me and he said “Sure”.
So I may not be there representing in Tucson but you got the next best thing.
My Mom and Dad.
You’ve got to respect a guy who’s smart enough to sport a fine hat like that 🙂
Thanks for taking the pictures Robert…
Go Rockies
D..The Rockpile Ranter
Rockpile Rant 
Hey D,
First of all…..LUV Q! There’s just nothing to not like about the guy! Would luv to get his autograph!
Super cool that your ‘rents are at ST. Gah! I’m so jealous! (Oh and nice hat 🙂 )
Didn’t know much about this guy, but I sure learned about it from this post. I feel like you always have a connection with your first autograph, or at least you’ll ALWAYS remember that one. I feel that way with Jed Lowrie, who also happens to be a utility man.
Elizabeth
http://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com
My first autograph was also a relatively obscure latin middle infielder. Jays SS/2B Nelson Liriano. You always remember the first, and they are usually from unlikely players. Unless you refuse to get just any MLB signature and hold out for a notable one. As a kid, I was just happen I got a ball player to sign something!
http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/
R-LUV-Everybody loves “Q” that’s why I gave him some props. Nobody was more surprised that my parents were sitting in the stands than me…Made my day.
ELIZABETH-Agreed you never forget your first 🙂
HOMIE-Sup..I was honored to have “Q” as my first autograph. I still get a rush everytime I get something signed by a player, I hope that never changes…D
“Q” is an amazing player!! Glad to see him play. My first actual autgraph was Bo Jackson. He was doing a signing somewhere and my grandparents brought me down to get the autograph. The coolest though has got to be Derek Lowe’s. I was outside Fenway before a game, and a bunch of kids were around him. I snuck into the crowd, and he accidently stepped on my foot!! He apologized, asked if I was ok and signed my Fenway Park Tour ticket!!
-Holly
http://irishsoxkid19.mlblogs.com
HOLLY-Bo Jackson, now there’s a cool autograph. Bet that’s a great memory with your grandparents helping you obtain it. I figure a step on the foot is worth a Derek Lowe autograph anyday…D
Quintanilla is a good player and its nice knowing he is there if we need him!!! My first autograph was the GOOSE!! I am from Colorado Springs and he is from there so not that hard to get haha. Also was coached by his brother and nephew while I was in High School. I recently got Ian Stewart’s autograph last season. I feel your pain about spring training! I knew some people who were down there this past week and it killed me!!! So Jealous!! Anyway, great picture of your parents and I enjoy reading the Rant!!
DEWDROP-Welcome to the Rant. Very cool that Goose was your first. I’ll be at the Sky Sox game on Aug 7(my birthday) for Goose Gossage Day. If all goes well I hope to get his autograph then.