The Goose is Loose

Nine-time Major League Baseball All-Star Rich “Goose” Gossage is no doubt Colorado Springs’ most-celebrated native athlete. He was born and raised in the beautiful city, which dedicated the Rich “Goose” Gossage Youth Sports Complex for youth baseball competition in 1995. An active member of the community, Gossage was happy to spend some time talking about his home, which was recognized in 2006 by Money magazine as the most desirable city in America in which to live and work.

What do you love most about Colorado Springs?

The beauty of the area is just incredible. I was born and raised here, but this is more than my hometown. My family has been in the area since the 1800s.

What are your favorite outdoor activities in Colorado Springs?

There is so much to do. We love to go hunting elk and deer in the high country. There are great places to backpack and hike. Then we golf. We have some great mountain courses here at Keystone, Raven Golf Club and Red Sky Golf Club…some of the best greens I have ever played on.

What Colorado Springs locales would you take an out-of-town visitor to see?

I would definitely take them to the headquarters of the Air Force Academy, then over to Pikes Peak for some great hiking…the thin air makes for a great workout if you’re not used to it. If they like skiing, we have some of the best in the country.

What are some things about Colorado Springs that people would be surprised to find out?

I think the weather is the most surprising thing to people. It’s not as cold as people expect. We have 80s and 90s in summer, 70s in fall and 30s in winter. It’s pretty temperate compared to the rest of the country.