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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 Fergie Jenkins! Got a few batting tips from Gene Oliver, who was once traded for
Bob Uecker. |
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Tuesday Exciting intrasquad game today Played the
position I was born for -second base- and
almost made a great play. A guy hits a
blooper to short right and I catch it - even
with Glen Beckert 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 Glen Beckert something to kid about at the pool. |
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Wednesday I really think everyone is improving.
The major leagues are great instructors. Joe Pepitone is as nutty as they say, but he really Knows his baseball. I doubled down the leftfield 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! |
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Thursday I’ve been sleeping like a baby, 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 Moreland. Jody Davis and a couple
of rookies. There’s even more strategy to
baseball than I thought! |
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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. |
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Saturday Imagine fans showing up to see me play
against guys like Williams, Beckert,
Hundley and Jenkins! The crowd went wild
when I beat out an infield hit against Fergie.
Can’t wait to see it on 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
that night at the awards banquet because
everyone hates the idea of leaving. Randy
Hundley presented me with my very own bat,
so I can continue the fantasy back home. |
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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!” Already warned Randy that I’ll be
Back next year. |
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