The Lead
Broncos fans that made their way down to Coors Field on Sunday to take in the MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game could spot at least two recognizable faces among the dozens of current and retired pro athletes, actors, musicians, dancers and other stars.
There, on Team Helton, were Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller and kicker Brandon McManus, helping power their squad to a decisive victory.
"My marketing people have been working on it for a couple months now once Denver got the opportunity," McManus told 9NEWS’ Mike Klis. "I grew up watching this game. I knew I wasn't going to be the first choice for everybody but two weeks ago they let me know I'd be in the game. Get to have some fun playing with Von out here as well."
Like McManus, Miller said he wanted to take part in the game as soon as the announcement was made that the All-Star festivities were coming to Denver.
And though neither Miller nor McManus hit any home runs, they played key roles in the win. Miller got on base with a bunt and another single later, and each time made his way around the bases to score. McManus did similarly, scoring twice on his on-base opportunities, and in his lone inning as pitcher, he did not allow a single run.
Winning, of course, was beside the point, which ultimately was to revel in the fun of the game and share some memories with fans.
Miller, who spent plenty of time signing autographs and interacting with fans, also enjoyed everything that came with the game, like the baseball memorabilia exhibit that displayed a 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card that is worth an approximate $25 million. The quality of the card is graded by Professional Sports Authenticator to be a 10.
"There's only three of those," Miller told Klis. "My buddy Rob Gould, he has one of those three. I got a PSA 5. Mickey Mantle, 1952, PSA 5. It's a little rough around the edges but it's still got a lot of value to it. I just got into baseball cards probably six months ago."
Even among that fun stuff and all the star power, Miller stood out as someone the other celebrities wanted to be around. He had an existing friendship with rapper Quavo and some of the others stars, but even those he hadn't met were drawn to him.
"Honestly, I was most excited to see Von," said San Antonio Spurs guard Derrick White, a Colorado native.
Below the Fold
Outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo, who spent the 2020 season with the Broncos, has announced his retirement from the NFL. "My whole life my dream was to go to the University of Miami and play in the NFL," Chickillo wrote on Instagram. "I am so grateful for the opportunity and thankful for every one of the teams that gave me a shot. The game of football is a part of my family and will always be forever."
