SAN DIEGO -- Fans at PETCO Park may not even realize that just a few months ago they were cheering the efforts of Rockies rookie right-hander Jason Hirsh, who will start against the Padres in Friday night's home opener.

During the 2006 NFL season, Hirsh was a minimum-wage gameday employee of the Chargers. Granted, his role was miniscule in the team's 14-2 regular season, but it put him close to the action.

Before each NFL play, a photographer in the end zone takes two pictures -- one when the players line up, the other right as the ball is snapped. Those shots are transmitted to the sideline, where, in this case, Hirsh's girlfriend, Pam Clark, places the pictures in books for coaches or players.

Hirsh's job last season was to relay one of the books of kicking game pictures to Chargers special teams coach Steve Crosby.

"My girlfriend had been working for them for the last 10 years," Hirsh said. "When we started dating, she got me down on the field.

"I really wasn't a fan before, although I enjoyed watching the game. But when that opportunity came I became more of a Chargers fan. Now I get really into it. I really root for them. When they do bad, I feel bad. When they do good, I feel great."

Hirsh left with a warm impression of fans and their role in a team's success.

"Just the intensity of the crowd, getting into the moment and watching those guys play, it was all special," Hirsh said. "Linebacker Shawne Merriman is my favorite player. He gets the crowd into the game and gets everyone pumped up. It seems to take him to a new level. Usually, the louder the crowd gets, the more energetic the team gets, and it helps spark some good play."

Friday night, however, Hirsh wants to be the one who causes a San Diego crowd to be quiet.