[Fantasy Skipper]

Denver, CO -- September 1, 1991 -- In the quiet confines of Arthur Sterling III's office, the air was charged with a sense of purpose. Sterling and his newly appointed General Manager, Caleb Thorne, sat across from Dusty Rhodes, the veteran baseball man whose name had quietly risen to the top of their list. The conversation was less an interview and more a confirmation of a shared philosophy.

"Dusty," Sterling began, his voice warm, "Caleb has spoken highly of your approach to player development and your ability to connect with individuals. We believe in building this team from the ground up, with a focus on sustainable success, not just fleeting wins. That requires a manager who understands the long game."

Caleb Thorne, ever analytical, added, "My studies, and our discussions, indicate that your methods of nurturing young talent, and your willingness to adapt strategies, are precisely what this unique market demands. The altitude presents challenges, but also opportunities. We need a manager who can embrace those nuances, and who is open to leveraging every advantage, traditional, or otherwise."

Dusty Rhodes, a man who had seen every corner of professional baseball, nodded. "Mr. Sterling, Caleb, I've always believed in the power of fundamentals and the heart of a player. But I'm also a realist. The game is evolving. What you plan to build here in Denver, with a fresh perspective and a commitment to new ideas, that's exciting. I've spent years in the trenches, developing players, and I know what it takes to get the most out of them. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and build something special, brick by brick, pitch by pitch."

Sterling smiled, a rare, genuine expression of satisfaction. "Then let's go tell the world, Dusty. Welcome to the Colorado Rockies."

Press Conference: Dusty Rhodes Introduces as Manager
Denver, CO -- September 1, 1991 -- The Brown Palace ballroom was once again a hive of media activity as Arthur Sterling III and Caleb Thorne took the podium, a sense of anticipation in the room.

ARTHUR STERLING III: Good afternoon everyone. Today, we complete the leadership of your Colorado Rockies. We've spoken about building the franchise with foresight and a long-term vision. That vision requires not just a forward-thinking General Manager, but a field leader who can translate that philosophy into action, who can develop our young talent, and who can inspire a winning culture. It is with immense pride that I introduce the inaugural manager of the Colorado Rockies: Mr. Dusty Rhodes!"

Applause, mixed with a few murmurs of recognition, rippled through the room. Dusty Rhodes, a familiar but not superstar face, stepped forward, shaking Sterling's hand firmly.

DUSTY RHODES: "Thank you Mr. Sterling, Caleb. It's an honor to stand here today. I've spent my life in baseball, and I can tell you, there's a special energy about what's happening here in Colorado. This isn't just another job; it's an opportunity to build something truly unique, to shape a team that reflects the resilience and spirit of the Rocky Mountains. I'm excited to work with Caleb and Mr. Sterling to bring a brand of baseball to Denver that will make every fan proud. We're going to work hard, we're going to play smart, and we're going to compete."

Sarah Jenkins (Associated Press) "Manager Rhodes, given Mr. Thorne's analytical background, how do you foresee your traditional baseball experience meshing with his data-driven approach?"

DUSTY RHODES: "Sarah, I believe the best baseball minds are those that are open to learning. Caleb brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective that I deeply respect. My job is to take that information, combine it with my experience on the field, and translate it into actionable strategies that our players can execute. It's about collaboration, not conflict. The game is always evolving, and we intend to evolve with it."

Mark Davis (USA Today Sports):"Mr. Thorne, what was it about Dusty Rhodes that mad him the right choice over other experienced candidates?"

CALEB THORNE: "Mark, Dusty's reputation as a player's coach, his deep understanding of player development, and his proven ability to get the most out of young talent were paramount. Beyond that, his open-mindedness and willingness to embrace innovative strategies, even those that might challenge traditional thinking, made him the ideal partner for our vision. We believe his leadership will be crucial in building the foundation of this franchise.

Laura Chen (Sports Illustrated): "Manager Rhodes, what's your immediate message to the players who will eventually join this expansion team?"

DUSTY RHODES: "Laura, my message is simple: come ready to work, come ready to learn, and come ready to compete. We're building something special here, and every player who puts on a Rockies uniform will be expected to contribute to that culture. We'll play hard, we'll play smart, and we'll play with the passion this city deserves."