| SUNDAY-What
a great feeling to board a plane on the coldest day of the year, and step
out in sunny Arizona! The Welcome Reception eased my fears. Everyone's
out here to have fun-including the pros. |
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MONDAY-I
can't describe the feeling of entering the clubhouse for the first time,
finding my locker, and "suiting up." Believe it or not, the locker next
to mine belongs to a fellow named Billy William's! Got a few batting tips
from Gene Oliver, who was once traded for Bob Uecker. |
| TUESDAY-Exciting
intrasquad game today. Played the position I was born for-second base.
Almost made a great play. A guy hits a blooper into short right and I catch
it-even with Santo yelling "Catch the ball!" Then I fire to first to double
off the runner, only the first baseman is 5'4" and it sails over his head.
The runner reaches third and scores the winning run. Oh, well, it gave
Glenn Beckert something to kid about by the pool. |
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WEDNESDAY-I
really think everyone is improving. The major leaguers are great instructors.
Joe Pepitone is as nutty as they say, but he really knows his baseball.
I doubled down the left field line in the intrasquad game. The whirlpool
sure felt good afterward. I'm even starting to get used to seeing videos
of myself in a Cubs uniform! |
| THURSDAY-I've
been sleeping like a baby-the hotel is first rate. But I can't wait to
get into my freshly laundered uniform in the morning. Who says that major
leaguers have it hard? Won the intrasquad game 7-4. Randy Hundley congratulated
me on spearing a line drive up the middle. Had dinner with Keith Morland,
Jody Davis, and a couple rookies. There's even more strategy to baseball
than I thought. |
FRIDAY-The
intensity is picking up. I really think we have a shot at beating the major
leaguers tomorrow. We're allowed more outs than they are, so anything could
happen. |
| SATURDAY-Imagine
fans showing up to see me play against guys like William's, Santo, Beckert,
Hundley, and Jenkins! The crowd went wild when I beat out an infield hit
against Fergie. Can't wait to see the video. I hope the announcer commented
on my blinding speed. Larry Bittner applauded my play at second. We lost
11-7, but I wouldn't trade the memories for anything. Emotions ran high
at the awards banquet because everybody hates the idea of leaving. Randy
Hundley presented me with a million dollar contract, so I can continue
the fantasy back home. |
SUNDAY-Have
to catch the plane. I don't think time has ever moved so fast. I'm a little
sore here and there, but I feel like Ernie Banks, "Let's play two today!"
Already warned Randy that I'll be back next year. |
