At age of 24, after seven minor league seasons, the past two with Triple-A Colorado Springs, Jayson Nix finally has made it to the majors. He will be the Rockies' Opening Day second baseman, the only new face in the lineup from last year's National League pennant-winning team. The Rockies' first selection in the 2001 draft - the 44th player taken overall - Nix finished strong at Colorado Springs last year and was selected MVP of the World Cup, won by Team USA, in November. Staff writer Tracy Ringolsby spoke with Nix about life away from the ballpark.

1. What are you interests other than baseball?

"Hunting and fishing. I mainly hunt doves near home in West Texas. I like to bass fish. I go to Toledo Bend in East Texas and Lake Fork."

2. What's your favorite movie?

"Lonesome Dove. There's something about Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall."

3. What type of music do you listen to?

"I like all types of music, from hip-hop to George Strait. That's one end of the spectrum to the other. I like the beat in hip-hop. I listen to it when I'm gearing up for the game. When I'm driving, I like to list to George Strait and Willie (Nelson)."

4. Did you ever play football?

"I played it my freshman year in high school but I tore my anterior cruciate ligament. I couldn't have surgery for two years because my growth plates were still developing. I finally had the surgery, but I had been focused on baseball for two years. Didn't seem like it would be a good time to go back to football."

5. What kind of car do you own?

"That's a good story. I have a four-door Ford F-250. I gave it to my dad, but technically I still own it. So I own a pickup, but I don't have a vehicle to drive. I'll probably just rent a car for a while and see what happens."