Kyle Dyer: The Making of ‘When Colorado Went Major League’
Deep dive into the interview with Kyle Dyer about the making of her documentary on Colorado baseball
Dyer on the field with former State Rep. Kathi Williams and Denver businessman Neil Macey, both whom played important roles in getting MLB to Denver. | Photos courtesy of Kyle Dyer
During her years as a television anchor and reporter, Kyle Dyer became quite adept at distilling mountains of information into 30- or 60-second spots for the morning or evening news.
Years later, that skill would serve her well when she would embark on the biggest story of her career: creating When Colorado Went Major League, an hour-long documentary that chronicles the arduous process of establishing Denver and Coors Field as the home of the state’s first Major League Baseball team, the Colorado Rockies.
Starting last February, when Neil Macey and former State Rep. Kathi Williams hired Dyer and Julie Andrews, her partner at Kyle Dyer Storytellers, to make the documentary, Dyer has conducted dozens upon dozens of interviews, sifted through mounds of newspaper clip- pings and legal documents, digitized tapes from the Denver Public Library, and reviewed architectural drawings, photographs and tele- vision news footage—all of which had to be distilled into a cohesive, 60-minute piece.
Dyer describes the documentary as an “inspirational, educational and engaging story about our community. I wrote it, Julie handled the creative side, and Milkhaus, an esteemed documentary producer here in Denver, put all the pieces together.”
When Colorado Went Major League premieres July 13 at a McGregor Square screening for “everyone who has been a part of bringing MLB to Denver.” It airs on 9News the following weekend. PBS12 will host a screening and panel discussion as well. In addition, Dyer says the documentary can be shared with “any venue, club or organization throughout the state that has a screen. There’s no charge because this isn’t a commercial project; it’s a gift to the community.”
Dyer recently took a break from her work to talk more about the documentary and her television career.
Julie Andrews, principal of JSA Video Production and director of photography Dave Klein in the Rockies’ locker room.
Are you a baseball fan?
I am! On one of my interviews with Kathi Williams, she told me that when you think of football or basketball the thing you remember is who made the touchdown or the half-court shot. But with baseball, your memory is of who you were with. And that is so true.
Who did you interview for the documentary?
Everyone from political figures like Tim Wirth, Roy Romer, Wellington Webb, Federico Peña and John Hickenlooper to civic leaders like Pete Coors, Dick Robinson, Ray Baker, Dick Monfort, Linda Alvarado and Charlie Woolley. I also spoke with Alan Roach, who’d been the voice of the Colorado Rockies from 1993 to 2006 (and is still with the Avalanche and Rapids), and some of the former players, like Vinny Castilla, Andres Galarraga and Eric Young. Young told me how much he loved his time in Denver; he said the people made him feel like a Hall of Famer.
Does any interview stand out?
Every single person we interviewed—from ticket-sellers who’d been with the team since day one to the owners and MLB officials—brought their A game and told some great stories.
What led you to become a television news reporter?
I’ve always liked to know what’s going on and to share stories with people.
Please trace your TV career:
I started out working behind the scenes in Washington, D.C., and then was on air for two years in Evansville, Ind. Ironically, I was a reporter there when [the baseball movie] A League of Their Own was being filmed 30 years ago. After Evansville, I was a morning anchor in Louisville, Ky., before joining 9News in Denver in 1996. I left 9News in 2016 to start Kyle Dyer Storytelling. And, last October, I became the executive producer and host for Colorado Inside Out on PBS12.
Is there one story from your television career that stands out?
There are so many! I was live on the air my first day at 9News when the Oklahoma bombing suspects were being transported to the courthouse in downtown Denver. I’ve also been live on the air for the Columbine tragedy, 9/11, the Aurora theater shootings, fires and floods. My current project is probably my biggest and longest; I’ve never had the opportunity to spend an entire year on a story and have never had to retell a decades-old story in a way that resonates and engages today’s audience.
It seems that every news personality has an “eek!” or an “uh-oh” moment. What is yours?
I was on live TV in 2012 when I got too close to a dog and he bit my face, taking off my upper lip. I had to undergo two surgeries where my mouth had to be sewn shut following each one. It was a vulnerable time but also a valuable time. Not being able to talk was an eye-open- ing experience. I now approach every story, and really every day, by listening deeply to others.
Is there a news personality, living or deceased, who you try to emulate?
Sheilah Kast, a former Washington correspondent with ABC, graciously met me for breakfast on Capitol Hill when I was in college. As a young reporter, I wanted to be her, and I tried to emulate her—until I realized it’s best to be yourself.
Dyer interviewing Eric Young
What advice do you have for someone breaking into the news business?
Listen! When you show you care, and understand their perspectives, you’ll earn their trust and get a more insightful story.
How do people describe you?
Approachable. Empathetic. A good listener.
How would you like to be remembered?
I hope to be a light for others, lift them up, make them feel special, appreciated and loved.
Who do you most admire?
I adore my family beyond words. The same can be said for my dear friend and storytelling partner, Julie Andrews. She is wise, sharp, clever and creative and makes me a better storyteller and person.
The last great book that you read?
Baseball in Denver by Matthew Repplinger.
When it comes to relaxing, nothing beats …
Sitting in the sun at Coors Field or on the sand in Bethany Beach, Del.
Best thing about living in Colorado?
The people. I love the friendliness of Coloradans and our can-do spirit. Denver is very special because it’s where I met my husband, it’s where we raised our two girls and where we have made so many wonderful friends.
Your favorite Denver-area restaurant?
We love the fish tacos at North County in Lowry and the orzo chicken salad at Cucina Colore in Cherry Creek. But lately I also find great joy in a Rocky Dog, hot pretzel and a cold Coors Light at a Rockies game.
What is your favorite getaway spot?
Anywhere in Colorado in September.
Are you involved in any nonprofit organizations?
This year I’ve spent a lot of time with JDRF, the Women’s Bean Project, Mother Cabrini Shrine and Regis Jesuit High School
THE DETAILS
Age: 55
Marital status: Married to Chris West
Children: Josie, 20, studying architecture at the University of Virginia; and Eliza, 18, who’ll study sports media at Butler University starting in August.
Job title: Owner of Kyle Dyer Storytelling and executive producer/host of PBS12’s Colorado Inside Out.
Hometown: Bethesda, Md.
Education: Bachelor of science in journalism from the University of Maryland
Website: kyledyerstorytelling.com
Joanne Davidson was a fan of Kyle’s during the time she was on TV and thus welcomed the opportunity to get to know her better through this interview.
