I’ve always rooted for the underdog. While others rode the bandwagon of whichever team was successful at the time, I avoided it like the back of an ambulance.

It’s been a handy trait being a Rockies fan. It has also helped endure the past decade or so of the Broncos’ struggles.

As a kid, it made me a fan of backup centers when watching basketball. The first was Henry Finkel, who subbed in for Boston Celtics great Dave Cowens for a few minutes a night. It always puzzled my dad that I would pay such close attention when Finkel entered the game.

Others were Tom Burleson, Harvey Catchings, Petur Gudmundsson and James Donaldson. Haven’t heard of them? You’re in the majority.

But my all-time favorite was Kim Hughes, who passed away on Aug. 29.

Having been a star at the University of Wisconsin, Hughes started his career with the New York Nets of the old American Basketball Association. The ABA was also an underdog, so of course I was a big fan. When Hughes signed with the Denver Nuggets in 1978, he became my favorite.

Hughes’ career was nothing special, but I admired his hustle and his good defense. When he went toe-to-toe with stars like Artis Gilmore, Wes Unseld or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, I was enthralled. If Hughes could overcome long odds, so could I.

Denver traded Hughes to the Cleveland Cavaliers right before I left for basic training. He returned some years later as an assistant coach.

My son Robert and I went to a Nuggets autograph event. Inside, there was a long line of tables and behind each was a Nugget from yesteryear. I can’t remember who was there, but I do remember that Kim Hughes was there.

“You were my favorite player,” I told him.

“I wasn’t anyone’s favorite player,” he replied.

I assured him that I was sincere. The former players on each side grinned, certain that I was playing a prank. I think in the end he was convinced. Confused, but convinced.

My son became impatient with my fascination for a guy he’d never seen on his video games and continued on down the autograph line.

It was similar to when I met Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Doug Ault. When the Blue Jays were formed in 1977, Denver didn’t have a major league team. That being the case, I adopted the Blue Jays as “my” team. Ault was an original Blue Jay, drafted in the expansion draft from the Texas Rangers. He became “my” player.

When I was 16, my family took a trip to Seattle and the Blue Jays were in town. Like I did with Robert, my father took me to the game and we waited outside of the Kingdome where some players autographed my baseball cards. When I told Ault he was my favorite player, he blushed. He also signed my card.

Ault passed away in 2004 at the young age of 54.

It’s kind of fun to meet your sports hero when you’re the only person who regards them as a sports hero.

I wonder if Hughes or Ault remembered me.