Baseball Today and a Week Away

We’re getting close to that time when the Cubs come out of winter hibernation and start strechin it out in the AZ sun. In fact some of the Cubs are already here at Fitch Park working on their game. Some of those I watched take BP today were Daryle Ward, Jake Fox, and hot prospect Tyler Colvin. Rich Hill showed up during practice today having just got into town last night, the guys warmly welcomed “Ritchie”. I was told Ryan Dempster and Michael Wuertz are here but I didn’t actually see them.

Tyler Colvin making a statement?
In case you can’t read it his shirt says:
NO I’m not on STERIODS IT’S THE BAT – OLD HICKORY – Probably just a free T-Shirt

Rich Hill shows an athletic move as he whirls and hurls a ball while running.

Click here for more of my photos from today at Fitch Park

I am always excited at this time of year for spring training but I’m more jacked up than normal, last years Central title and Lou Piniella back for year two has my expectations raised. Yes I’m optimistic about this year’s Cubs squad even though the realist in me knows there are some issues that need attention.

You may or many not have noticed our website has gone thru a bit of change in the past week, all designed to give Cubs fans the best during the spring ritual. We now have FAQ’s for questions you may have about your Hohokam Cubs experience. I have updated my Tips section including a run-down on concessions and restaurants in the area. More Cubs and Mesa baseball history on the Hohokam page. There are some new video clips in the circles along with the classics. We will have a weekly CubsAZ.com video show starting next week as well as all the usual photos, and audio interview clips.

Here at CubsAZ.com we are dedicated to making a difference by getting involved in charitable giving, not just from the check book but being involved personally. So we are extremely pleased to add the Fergie Jenkins Foundation to the charitable organizations we help and promote, joining the Alzheimer’s Association and Phoenix Day Child and Family Learning Center. Fergie is very dedicated to helping others with his foundation and hosts many events every year to that end. Some of those organizations who have been funded by the Jenkins foundation are Cancer Assistance, Red Cross, National Institute for the Blind, Special Olympics, YMCA Camps, Second Stage Housing, and Child Refugees in Need.

So here’s your chance to help a great cause and have a fantastic time doing it. Come out to the only night game at Hohokam this spring on Friday Feb. 28th, join us at the Cubs spring home for the Fergie and Friends Celebrity Baseball game. There will be a card show, autographs, and much more. Gates will open at 5 pm and the game will start at 7 pm. Expected to join Fergie will be former Cubs Lee Smith, Bob Dernier, Keith Moreland, Jody Davis, Ed Lynch, and Bill Buckner. Also expected to play are Bert Campaneris, Vida Blue, George Foster, J.R. Richards, with more to come. The Honorary Team Managers for the evening will be Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams and Harlem Globetrotters legend Meadowlark Lemon. So mark it on your calendar for Friday March 28th for Fergie & Friends!

Spring Training 2008 is somewhat of a milestone for this PA Announcer as it’s my 25th spring with the Cubs in Mesa. 25 years, that must be a typo. Think I’m going to start telling people I started doing this at Hohokam when I was 8 years old. I mean really…It’s hard for me to comprehend how 25 years just blew by. In the spring of 1984 I was fortunate enough to finagle my way into the press box and somehow I’m still here. At any rate, I can’t think of a better place to be during February and March than Chicago Cubs Spring Training in Mesa AZ…I feel darn lucky!

Tim