BCB Interview: Mike Fontenot
Many thanks to the Cubs and Troy Tepley of Exponent PR for arranging this interview with Cubs infielder Mike Fontenot.
BCB: You were a number one draft out of LSU with the Orioles. Did being a number one draft put any more pressure on you when you came up out of school to pro ball? How did you feel about that? Did you expect to be a number one pick?
Mike: I don’t know if I expected it. I’m just glad that it happened. I try not to put any undue pressure on myself coming up or whatever… people would always try to be like he should be doing this or that because number one pick… I just try to go out there and play baseball every day and try not to worry myself too much about that.
BCB: What did it feel like when you got traded because a lot of guys say there is an adjustment there. You were traded in the deal for Sammy Sosa. Did you think that was a big deal coming to the Cubs and what kinds of adjustments did you have to make coming to a different organization?
Mike: I was shocked a little bit. A lot of people, the team you get drafted by you think you’re going to play with them for a while, or stay a few years. I was in Florida at the time. I was training, getting ready for Spring Training, actually and like I said, I was shocked a little bit at first but then you know, it’s a good organization to come over to and make a fresh start. Give me a chance to go out, especially in the National League… that was one of the adjustments I had to make. I played third base a lot my first year when I came over and starting to move around, learning the National League game, those types of things. Those are the main adjustments.
BCB: So you got called up for a few games in ’05 and then in ’06 you didn’t play in the major leagues at all. Did that start you wondering when am I going to get back here, how am I going to make it back, what do I have to do to make it back?
Mike: A little bit. Coming up in ’05 got a little taste, a cup of coffee, I guess you can say. And then the next year I got called up at the trading deadline and that’s when they traded for Izturis. They actually called me in and said you’re getting called up and then it didn’t work because they made the trade. Then I pulled my hamstring two weeks later, so who knows what might have happened that year. I might have been called up in September, but I ended up having a decent season. I also always wondered. I wanted to get back, trying to do every little thing I could to get people to notice and try to get back up to the big leagues.
BCB: What’s it like playing for Lou?
Mike: It’s been fun. He’s a good manager. He’s a character, too. He’s got his little quirks. He’ll get on umpires. Everyone knows from all the clips of him over the years. He’s a good dude. He’s intense. He wants to win, as we all do and he’s doing everything he can to do that.
BCB: Does he always let you know what’s expected of you, not just from a day to day basis, but also in general for the whole season, what your role is on the team and do you know what to expect all the time?
Mike: Yeah, most guys do. That’s one of the nice things about this team, everybody kinds of knows where they stand. They know what positions we’re playing, not necessarily positions but the role you’re having on the team. Like going into Spring Training I was just trying to make a utility spot and play a little shortstop in Spring Training and show them I could move around if they had to, even though we have other guys who, we have a very versatile team. I definitely think he lets everyone know, he starts at the beginning at Spring Training what’s expected of you to play for the Cubs, to play for Lou.
BCB: In terms of being a fan I like watching you play and I like the game you bring on the field. What did you know about Cubs fans and about Wrigley Field before you came and is that meeting your expectations or is it different from what you expected? What’s it like for you personally to come play here every day?
Mike: You always hear when you’re other places of how the fans are really passionate about the Cubs and Chicago is and I never really knew until I got here. It’s unbelievable the volume we get. I’ll tell anyone, we’ve been away on trips, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, everywhere. A lot of times there’s more Cubs fans than the home stadium. I was just telling these guys [there were three other people with Mike], we were playing the Marlins on Sunday in the 9th inning and they’re singing "Go Cubs Go" the whole stadium.
BCB: I can tell you from watching the game on TV it sounded like a home game. It must have been incredible.
Mike: Oh, it’s good. The fans are so good. They’re what makes it so good. Anywhere we go they love the Cubs so much that they’re always pulling for us it’s almost like a little boost of energy there for us.
BCB: What’s it like playing with Ryan Theriot who you played with in school?
Mike: It’s fun. We didn’t grow up together, but we knew of each other in high school, Little League. I imagine I played against him coming up through all that too, living in close areas. It’s been good. We got a chance to win a national championship in college together and last year, actually in AAA we got to play a little bit there but then last year we started playing in the big leagues together and it’s been a great experience so far. Just from the standpoint of our families, it’s been so fun just to get together.
BCB: I read an article last year that said you watch his kids sometimes. Is that true?
Mike: I think that was the "Sports Illustrated" where it said I’m more of a kid than his kids. That he came in there and I was jumping on the bed.
BCB: That’s the one. So, is it true?
Mike: Not necessarily. I wouldn’t say that I was jumping on the bed. I mean, I might have done it once or twice but Houston, his son, was the main one jumping on the bed and I’m like hey watch out and he started getting a little crazy. But I’ll go over there, spend time, hang out. And he just had another one, so they have three now. I’ll go over there and hang out every once in a while.
BCB: What’s it like for you preparing for a game every day depending on whether you’re starting, not starting? How do you prepare differently for those two because you have so many different roles and you’re not starting every day.
Mike: Every day I come to the field with the frame of mind that that I’m playing. Some days you know, like I know I don’t play against lefties really ever. So I know if there’s a lefty I probably won’t be playing but I’ll still try to keep the mind frame that at some point during the game I’m going to be going in. I just try to stay mentally prepared that way. Before the game I still take BP, do my stretching, warm up and all that kind of stuff we do before. That’s pretty much my regular routine if I find out I’m starting. But if I ever look at the lineup and I know I’m not playing as the game’s going along, I’m usually, say around the third inning I’ll go in, move around a little bit, stay loose. Go ride on the bike or do the elliptical machine or get stretched out by one of our trainers, hit off the tee in the cage. Or if we’re on the road get in the cage and one of our coaches will throw if we want that. That’s just one way we try to stay loose throughout the game if we’re not playing other than just sitting there watching the game and staying in it as much as you can.
BCB: I noticed on Sunday when Aramis Ramirez hit the double that broke the tie, they took a shot of all you guys in the dugout and everybody was right off the bench cheering for everybody. That really shows how tight you are as a team.
Mike: It’s a really close-knit team I think. Last year with the new manager and new faces and everybody didn’t know what to expect but as the season went along everybody started to gel a little bit, really get to know each other. And we had a good run last year. And coming into spring this year we had pretty much the same team, we had a couple new faces but not as many and we all kind of knew what to expect of our manager and knew how he did things, how to stay prepared because you know what kind of moves he might make. And that’s just one of the things that I think shows what a good team we are. We’ve got a lot of versatility. We have guys who can come off the bench and step right in and get big hits like Daryle did the other night, the big home run he hit. It speaks volumes of how the team goes.
BCB: You know one of the broadcasters calls you Little Babe Ruth.
Mike: Santo.
BCB: You’ve hit more home runs, honestly, than maybe a guy your size may be expected to hit. What do you do that allows you to hit for that kind of power?
Mike: I don’t know. All I’ll say is I stay in the weight room. I’ve always been good at that through the season. That helps. I think I’ve just been blessed with, I have pretty good bat speed over the years, I have the ability to hit the ball out. Growing up I’ve always hit a fair number of home runs in Little League and high school, college, though the ranks I’ve always hit at least a number of home runs so I’ve always had that. So for me personally, it wasn’t a big deal to hit however many number of home runs I’ll hit. I just accredit it to those types of things.
BCB: Are you surprised at how well the Cubs have done this year? You guys knew you had a good team, or felt you had a good team but as a fan, it’s way beyond my expectations. Are you surprised at how well it’s been going so far?
Mike: I’m not going to say I’m surprised. Like I said, I knew we were going to have a good team going into this season. Jim Hendry and Lou and everyone got together and they put a good team together. There are a lot of guys who really care about winning and want to got o the playoffs and want to go deep in the playoffs. That’s our mind frame to go as far as we can. We’re going to try to do it for Chicago this year. So I won’t say that I’m surprised. I’m very happy where we stand going into the last month of the season.
BCB: Let’s turn this to the reason that Troy got in touch with me, yes, it's a commercial deal. You deal with AcuVue. Tell us a little bit of what that’s about.
Mike: In 2003 I knew my vision wasn’t too good; I knew I needed to get contacts. I finally went in, got some contacts. Actually had the AcuVue 2 contacts, that’s one of the first ones they got to me and there was an immediate turnaround. I’d put the contacts in and go out on the field and I could actually see the spin of the ball, all kinds of things like that, I could see it. It made a world of difference when I was hitting. Toward the end of the year, I ended up hitting .325 that year so I turned that around. Actually a couple of years ago I started getting a little fuzziness again so I went to the eye doctor and I tried on a few different contacts and I tried on the AcuVue Advanced for Astigmatism and that’s the one I wear now and that one was a world of difference. I got all my clarity – it was clear, real crisp and from then on it was even that much more…
BCB: It sounds like such a simple thing –- see the ball, hit the ball.
Mike: That’s the main thing. That’s our livelihood. Baseball players, if you can’t see, especially at this level, every level it makes a world of difference but especially when you get up here and guys are throwing 98 with a slider at 90 and things like that, the better you can see is really going to make a difference. It has really made a difference for me over the years. I make sure every year I have to go get an eye check up. I’ve got to make sure my eyes are where I want them to be so I’ll be able to play at my top level that I want to.
BCB: So this isn’t just an endorsement. It’s something you use and it has helped you.
Mike: Oh definitely. It has definitely helped me. For a lot of people, they don’t ever go get checked or they don’t know until they put the contacts in and they can see and it’s like wow. I do a lot of hunting in the off season. If I can’t see the duck going by…
BCB: Do you have any predictions for the rest of the season?
Mike: Yeah, we’re probably going to play real hard the rest of the season. That’s going to be my prediction.
BCB: You’ve seen the enthusiasm of the fans and people on road games and there’s only going to be more as time goes on.
Mike: It’s exciting It’s very exciting. Everywhere we go, anything that has anything to do with Cubs baseball right now is very exciting. The old cliché, we’re taking it a day at a time. But we’re really looking forward to as the season goes on.
BCB: You guys were lucky to get out of Miami Sunday night. There’s a tropical storm coming in.
Mike: I was looking at the sky when we were at the airport…
BCB: Was it weird when they had that rain delay when it wasn’t raining? That was kind of strange.
Mike: It was. Down in Florida it will pour for 20 minutes and then it’ll be fine. I guess they thought it was going to rain. They actually told us around 12:40 that it may rain so they pushed the game back to 1:30 just in case. And nothing came and we had a good day there.
BCB: I imagine it’s much more fun coming to the ballpark when you’re winning like this.
Mike: It’s a lot easier. It’s a lot of fun.
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127 comments
Comments
great interview, Al!!!
The only stats I care about are the ones on the back of a baseball card
by carmen_fanzone on
Aug 19, 2008 8:29 AM CDT
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Great job, Al
Fontenot seems like a nice guy. I’m a Little Babe Ruth fan – he’s a southern boy like me, he tossed me a ball earlier this year at Wrigley, and I got his autograph at the Convention this year. I would’ve liked to hear who came up with his pregame routine with Zambrano, though…
by sparky39762 on
Aug 19, 2008 8:29 AM CDT
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Good Questions
Learned some new things about LBR
"We’ve still got a long ways to go, I don’t like to get giggly over things in July. But the team’s playing well, they really are. They’re playing with confidence, and it shows."
by Cubster on
Aug 19, 2008 8:31 AM CDT
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Great guy to have coming off the bench,
he is another reason why this is such a fun team to watch.
Lets do it Cubbies
by slocs55 on
Aug 19, 2008 8:32 AM CDT
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good job
still get a kick out of him coming over in the sosa deal.
by tim815 on
Aug 19, 2008 8:35 AM CDT
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Mike really does look like the love child of
Michael J. Fox and Emilio Estevez
by daeviant on
Aug 19, 2008 8:36 AM CDT
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Great interview
he is he guy you want coming off the bench. Great attitude.
Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!
by Ihatethecards on
Aug 19, 2008 8:36 AM CDT
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Thanks,
enjoyed the read, good article. For as much heat as he gets on this site, Mikey wins over a lot of fans with his play. He’s a valuable member of this team.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on
Aug 19, 2008 8:39 AM CDT
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Heat? What heat?
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on
Aug 19, 2008 10:56 AM CDT
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Fonty doesn't really get much heat at all here. We all think he's a pretty good righty masher.
I think you mean Theriot?
by sackings108 on
Aug 19, 2008 11:06 AM CDT
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Well, I admit
I used to complain a lot about Fontenot being on the team instead of Eric Patterson. But that wasn’t as much a knock on Fontenot as a belief that Patterson needed to get a chance. But since Patterson is in Oakland now (and I always did say we needed to either play Patterson or trade him) I haven’t complained about our bat off the bench.
My main complaint with Fonty is that I thought Patterson could provide just as much offense (not more) and actually play a position other than second base. I still don’t like a bench player like Fontenot who only plays one position. But he’s done well at that one position.
He’s still lucky he’s backing up a guy who can play five positions though.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on
Aug 19, 2008 11:28 AM CDT
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He can be play 3rd base and SS...
Not sure how good he is, but he couldn’t be worse than E-Pat was playing LF.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on
Aug 19, 2008 1:33 PM CDT
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Fontenot can play SS? If you want to make our SS defense
somehow worse than it already is, that would be a good start. Look, he’s good for what he is, which is a great pinch hitter against righties, and a 2B sub. But he only plays one position.
by sackings108 on
Aug 19, 2008 1:38 PM CDT
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very cool Al
i’ve always wondered if he or any other players read bcb, was there any discussing of that?
by cubswynn on
Aug 19, 2008 8:39 AM CDT
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I didn't ask, but...
… hopefully, they will after today!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 8:52 AM CDT
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Maybe Ryan Theriot...
…will sign up as RSTLSU and really let us have it.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 10:36 AM CDT
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Remember the guy that worked for Theriot...
by sackings108 on
Aug 19, 2008 11:06 AM CDT
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i work for fontenot now
so i’m really getting a kick out of a lot of these comments . . .
the pink hat guy is my father
by joeschmitt on
Aug 19, 2008 1:42 PM CDT
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What's the point?
In a matter of 45 minutes…yada, yada, yada…..
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on
Aug 19, 2008 2:40 PM CDT
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were you part
of his posse?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 19, 2008 3:33 PM CDT
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Great interview. I love Fontenot. I only wish you could have found a larger, more zoomed-in picture. ;-)
by Ryno72 on
Aug 19, 2008 8:49 AM CDT
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Good stuff
I laughed out loud there.
Lets do it Cubbies
by slocs55 on
Aug 19, 2008 10:03 AM CDT
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LOL
I thought the picture came out good, even if it was a bit big.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 10:06 AM CDT
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It's a great picture
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on
Aug 19, 2008 2:57 PM CDT
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He's kind of
Keith Urban-ish. Not quite that hot, but same look
"That guy is a gamer." said Ron Santo of Reed Johnson on 07-25-08
by love the ivy on
Aug 19, 2008 3:24 PM CDT
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Take this as constructive criticism and not a complaint...
but better editing would make that article easier to read. I found it difficult to get through.
Thanks, though, for the content and for the time and for sharing it. All the hard work that went into making that interview possible shouldn’t be obscured by poor editing. Just my opinion.
Hamster Power.
WOXY.com - The Future of Rock and Roll
by Gibbon Jockey on
Aug 19, 2008 8:50 AM CDT
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OK, I take it as constructive criticism.
Exactly what is it that made it difficult for you?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 8:53 AM CDT
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Thanks a ton Al
Love that you and BCB have enough recognition to get inside like this. Excellent.
I’ll second Gibbon’s comment re editing though. I know that you’re usually a very astute editor, but there were quite a few missing words and/or run-ons and just plain awkward sentences. I wouldn’t say it was difficult to get through, but I am used to “clearer” writing from you. I just chalked it up to hurriedness. No biggie. Great job.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on
Aug 19, 2008 9:05 AM CDT
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Part of it is...
… I don’t really want to edit out anything the person I’m interviewing says.. except for “ums” and “ers” and things like that. Yes, that makes it sometimes grammatically incorrect. But I’d rather have whoever I’m talking to know that I’m not going to edit.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 9:13 AM CDT
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Understandable
I’ve never interviewed professionally, so I’m not sure what the standards/expectations/ethics may be concerning editing transcripts. In my opinion, as long as you’re only editing for clarity and not changing the statements being made, that’s not a big deal. Like I said though, don’t know what the protocol is.
Again, no biggie. Love it. Good job, my man.
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
by Kegler on
Aug 19, 2008 9:35 AM CDT
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Even when editing for clarity
the editor still runs the risk of incorrectly inferring what the interviewee was trying to say.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on
Aug 19, 2008 2:58 PM CDT
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True.
All I took out were “ums” and “ers”, things like that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 2:58 PM CDT
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And for that
we, erm, appreciate it.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on
Aug 19, 2008 2:59 PM CDT
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Uh, definitely, dude.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 3:23 PM CDT
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Exactly.
I don’t want someone to do the editing for me – I can do that in my own mind. I want the whole interview. It was perfect.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on
Aug 19, 2008 9:36 AM CDT
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Well done.
As someone with a journalism degree, well done, Al. Keeping Mike’s natural tone and grammar intact helped me understand a little more about him. Thanks for the great interview and insight with him.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on
Aug 19, 2008 10:25 AM CDT
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For example
First question missing words – : “You were a number one draft out of LSU with the Orioles. Did being a number one draft put any more pressure on you do you think when you came up out of school to pro ball?”
Confusing Run-on questions with many different thoughts: “What did it feel like when you got traded because a lot of guys say there is an adjustment there is such a different organization and you were traded in the deal for Sammy Sosa”
Like I said, I appreciate you taking the time to do the interview and to share the transcript.
WOXY.com - The Future of Rock and Roll
by Gibbon Jockey on
Aug 19, 2008 9:20 AM CDT
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Yeah, I missed editing both of those.
I fixed them. Should read better now. Thanks for mentioning this.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 9:21 AM CDT
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Thanks for another great interview
I have always liked LBR and am glad he is a key ingredient of this year’s team.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on
Aug 19, 2008 9:10 AM CDT
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Thanks Al.
It is always great to hear from some of the guys that you normally don’t get to hear a lot from during the season.
Great interview.
GO CUBS GO!
by Tangled Up In Blue on
Aug 19, 2008 9:15 AM CDT
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Thank you! Enjoyed it!
Great job as usual! Love this site!
by OhioCubFan on
Aug 19, 2008 9:22 AM CDT
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Another reason BCB is the best.
thanks Al. BCB keeps getting better. Hope you get some more interviews. I can’t wait to read them.
Let's get some runs!!!!
by Colorado Cubbies Fan on
Aug 19, 2008 9:23 AM CDT
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"This is why I love this site"
was the first thought that popped into my head when Fonty’s visage appeared with those bedroom eyes. It’s quite the scoop to get one-on-one time with the players. Thanks, Al!
by Emelie on
Aug 19, 2008 10:08 AM CDT
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This is why this site is the best, agreed
+1
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on
Aug 19, 2008 10:11 AM CDT
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The bedroom eyes?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on
Aug 19, 2008 10:53 AM CDT
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Maybe
LBR switched to the AccuVue Sultry contacts that aren’t available to the general public ;).
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Aug 19, 2008 11:05 AM CDT
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AccuVue Sultry Contacts
“Because seeing well isn’t nearly as important as looking good.”
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 11:35 AM CDT
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I couldn't
come up with a tag line for them, yours is pretty good
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Aug 19, 2008 1:48 PM CDT
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Same thought
Great job Al!
"What a great call! Your doing a fantastic job, but people expect me to come out here and be upset. So I'm gonna kick some dirt, you understand?" - Lou Pinella
by Lou In Blue on
Aug 19, 2008 10:21 AM CDT
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Way Cool
That was a nice hook up from that Mr. Troy fella. It would be nice if he went back to the clubhouse today and told some other players about BCB…specially those that seem to be media friendly like DeRo and Demp. Imagine and off day or a game recap like the DWard game chatting with some of the Cubs!!! ok, dreaming high but this interview is still very very cool. Thanks Al!
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on
Aug 19, 2008 9:25 AM CDT
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What an awesome interview Al!
Interesting that he uses those AcuVue contacts… I use the same ones he does for astigmitism. I’ve been able to knock the ball out of the park ever since. Not really, but you know what I’m saying.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on
Aug 19, 2008 9:25 AM CDT
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Wow, so Fontenot has an entourage?
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on
Aug 19, 2008 9:39 AM CDT
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Sure.
Happy, Sleepy, Grumpy…
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on
Aug 19, 2008 2:57 PM CDT
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lol
"That guy is a gamer." said Ron Santo of Reed Johnson on 07-25-08
by love the ivy on
Aug 19, 2008 3:25 PM CDT
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When Fontenot comes to bat
The organist should play “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash.
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08 (http://www.wearecubsfans.com)
by Fuk-U-Meter on
Aug 19, 2008 9:41 AM CDT
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Notes
1 – How did you conduct this interview? Phone?
2 – Is it just me, or does the Wonder Hampster look a bit…high? Stoned? Tired?
3 – I’m pretty sure my contacts are Acuvue 2, too…
4 – I think Fontenot’s most significant quote is this:
That’s one of the nice things about this team, everybody kinds of knows where they stand.
We sure as hell didn’t have this with Dusty, and last year we were creating and molding positions for each player. I think it is quite clear that on this 2008 team, everyone contributes, everyone is expected to be ready to play each and every day, for any pinch running or hitting situation, move around the field defensively, and rely on each other to win. Sounds simple enough…but I haven’t felt a Cubs team as cohesive as this one in my 25 years.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on
Aug 19, 2008 9:41 AM CDT
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Interview was done in person.
And you’re right, I think a manager clearly defining roles for each player, and after more than a year Lou knows the team well and they know him well, definitely makes things more cohesive and I think contributes to a winning atmosphere.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 9:45 AM CDT
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It's a baseball team now.
Dusty was a big part of great memories in 03’, but in 2006 the Cubs were like a sandlot team with no expectations or roles.
Lets do it Cubbies
by slocs55 on
Aug 19, 2008 10:12 AM CDT
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re: Notes
2 – Is it just me, or does the Wonder Hampster look a bit…high? Stoned? Tired?
It’s just his face!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 11:41 AM CDT
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He's the Butters of this team.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on
Aug 19, 2008 2:57 PM CDT
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Thanks for the interview Al.
Who knew LBR had a posse?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on
Aug 19, 2008 10:21 AM CDT
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Right?!
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on
Aug 19, 2008 10:59 AM CDT
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Outstanding
Al, that was great, question were the three others there part of the organization or just buddies of his.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
by carolinacub on
Aug 19, 2008 10:27 AM CDT
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They were along for the interview...
… one was a guy with the Cubs, the others came with the PR guy, I think. Was introduced to all of them but right now can’t specifically remember who they were.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 10:30 AM CDT
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Fontenot and Theriot
I wonder if the Cajun Connection will be together as long as Will Clark and Jeff Brantley were together with Miss State and the SF Giants.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on
Aug 19, 2008 10:31 AM CDT
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Really appreciated his insights on Lou
Great interview Al – stay with your presentation of the actual dialogue in future interviews. It does provide an interesting reflection of the player’s personality. Thanks!
by Cajuncub on
Aug 19, 2008 10:33 AM CDT
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Really enjoyed the interview. Thanks, Al.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on
Aug 19, 2008 10:35 AM CDT
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Great job, Al.
LBR comes across as a really down-to-earth player with a sneaky sense of humor (to go with his sneaky power, of course). I found the bit about his eyesight particularly interesting. He’s been a great utility guy this season.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 10:38 AM CDT
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I'm just curious
why he hasn’t opted for laser surgery… maybe the astigmatism but I can’t imagine playing with contacts considering the elements.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on
Aug 19, 2008 10:47 AM CDT
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Hm, that's a good question.
I hadn’t thought of that. Maybe he doesn’t want to risk a mishap that could end his baseball career.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 10:59 AM CDT
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That risk is pretty low.
But it did take me a while, over a year, from when I got serious about getting lasik, and when I actually pulled the trigger. It is an unnerving idea to let someone slice your eye, and burn it with a laser. Plus, back when I got it I was told there was not much they could do about my astigmatism. Mine was slight enough that it was never even diagnosed until the pre-surgery exam. Also, poor night vision is often a side effect. Nothing debilitating, but when we are pushing the limits on our twilight round of golf, I have to rely on a partner to spot the ball for me.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on
Aug 19, 2008 11:05 AM CDT
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Any
problems with driving at night? I have been considering lasik for a long time now.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Aug 19, 2008 11:08 AM CDT
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I don't have any.
Lasik is the best gift I ever gave myself…
Having said that, don’t go to one of the Lasik clinics. Go to an established ophthalmologist, have a complete exam (let him/her know you are thinking about Lasik), then wait one year. Most problems come when a person’s eyeball changes shape (fairly rare in adults). By being examined and waiting a year, the ophthalmologist can determine if your eye is changing shape — making you a poor risk.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on
Aug 19, 2008 1:03 PM CDT
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This sounds like great advice
I have been considering it for years and my eyes also have gone through changes recently eventhough I’m already an adult nearing 30. My opthamologist also has suggested going to a Dr that has done many many surgeries and that uses the latest technology in laser. He also suggested staying away from anything that sounds considerably less expensive than the rest. I’m hoping to get myself in position to go through with it in the next year or so myself.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on
Aug 19, 2008 1:28 PM CDT
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...but I have this coupon that offers second eye half off
and if I refer a patient, I get an additional 10% off and a set of steak knives.
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on
Aug 19, 2008 1:34 PM CDT
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I had Lasik 10 years ago.
Still have excellent vision. If you qualify for it and can afford it, I highly recommend it. Can recommend a good eye surgeon, too. Email me if interested in details.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 1:58 PM CDT
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No problem.
I guess if you were to drive an unlighted street with your headlights off under moonlight only, you might have a harded time than most. So dont do that.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on
Aug 19, 2008 1:59 PM CDT
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It took me a looong time to pull the trigger
But I’m glad I did it (in March).
The only real side effect I experience is rays (no, not Tampa) coming out of lights at night — like when a kid draws the sun. That doesn’t always happen — only when my eyes are dry. I haven’t had the “halos” (no, not Los Angeles) that people talk about.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on
Aug 19, 2008 11:10 AM CDT
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I had night halos
but only for a month or so
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on
Aug 19, 2008 2:03 PM CDT
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Was one of them named Vlad?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 2:19 PM CDT
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Thanks, Al!
As fans of the Cubs, we all appreciate your hard work in getting us closer to the players on this special team.
I am an American aquarium drinker...
by HoodooMan on
Aug 19, 2008 10:46 AM CDT
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Nice "get" Al.
Love hearing from the players. I thought the contacts thing was nice inside info!
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on
Aug 19, 2008 11:06 AM CDT
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Nice interview!
Well done.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on
Aug 19, 2008 11:16 AM CDT
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I can only hope his teammates read these comments.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Aug 19, 2008 11:20 AM CDT
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I hope he sees this. I really do.
Mike, we kid because we love!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 11:37 AM CDT
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Al
was it dark in there? Fontenot’s pupils are WAY dilated.
by sparky39762 on
Aug 19, 2008 11:34 AM CDT
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Time of interview: 4:20
Dismissed as coincidence.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 11:42 AM CDT
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LOL
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on
Aug 19, 2008 1:38 PM CDT
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LOL
It was a little dark, yes. I actually had to fix the photo because the original had redeye.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 1:59 PM CDT
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was this
at Fontenot’s party hause? Or your house?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on
Aug 19, 2008 3:34 PM CDT
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Nice job, Al!
I agree with keeping the “interviewees” part of the inerview unmolested, so that we get that insight into his character.
Go Cubs Go!
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
by Tekboy on
Aug 19, 2008 12:47 PM CDT
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Re: Fontenot’s Pupils
Then we’d spell it FontEnot.
(for those that get that…)
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on
Aug 19, 2008 1:05 PM CDT
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Len has a problem
…with the size of Fonty’s photo. :-P
Great interview. I love these!
Dave
by Dave in the basement on
Aug 19, 2008 1:08 PM CDT
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Big thanks to Al and Mike.
Great interview guys. It always fun to learn more about the players. I wish more of them would do interviews for you, Al. Thanks again!
When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch.
~Ty Cobb
by Jettero2112 on
Aug 19, 2008 1:11 PM CDT
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OT: FYI: Maddux to Dodgers
Unless I missed it somewhere here at BCB, I read in this morning’s paper that Maddux was going back to the Dodgers. I was waiting for someone else to post or comment, but here is one link.
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on
Aug 19, 2008 1:48 PM CDT
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On a lighter note, I read that Wrigley Fields will throw out the 1st pitch
at Wrigley Field on Aug. 29 when the Cubs host the Philadelphia Phillies.
Wrigley Fields is the 7-year-old of Kathy and Jerry Fields. Coming from a family of Cubs fans and with the last name of Fields, Jerry decided to name their first son after the Friendly Confines. Mother Kathy thought he was joking, but the name stuck.
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on
Aug 19, 2008 1:59 PM CDT
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I am a friend of Wrigley's cousin
She says Wrigley is thrilled to throw out the first pitch at Wrigley.
by SuperContext on
Aug 19, 2008 3:04 PM CDT
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Forgive me for the OT. I found the original fanpost.
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on
Aug 19, 2008 2:09 PM CDT
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Nice Al, did you ask him if he or any of the team ever visits the site, or let him know we like to refer to him as.....
THE WONDER HAMPSTER!!!!!!!

"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes
by SouthsideCUBSfan on
Aug 19, 2008 1:58 PM CDT
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I thought about asking the Wonder Hamster question.
Figured he’d find out anyway if he reads the site. As I said, I left some BCB cards with him and asked him to spread the word around the clubhouse. We’ll see.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 19, 2008 1:59 PM CDT
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Let me be the first to say...
…we here at BCB affectionately call Fontenot the “Wonder Hampster”…and the name has stuck. We love our hampster!!
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on
Aug 19, 2008 4:30 PM CDT
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Yeah, I'm sure...
Howry and Marquis will love it here….“sarcasm font”
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on
Aug 19, 2008 2:43 PM CDT
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On the off chance Bob Howry is reading:
Bob, dude, buddy – we have a t-shirt for you. And we feel very strongly that, if you start wearing it during every game, your struggles on the mound shall cease. Just make up funny user name (maybe something along the lines of “Hob Bowry” or “Rob Howby”) and let us know how to contact you.
Don’t get me wrong – your last outing in Florida was nice. Sure, you walked a guy, but you also got three outs and didn’t give up any runs. But, Bobby, my man, the way things are going this season, you know it’s not going to be that easy for the rest of the season – UNLESS YOU GET THIS T-SHIRT.
That’s all I’m going to say for now. Just trust me, Bob – drop the shirt under your uni and your ERA will drop as well. Trust me. Seriously. Bobby.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 3:31 PM CDT
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Remember, to comment
he has to wait a day.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on
Aug 19, 2008 3:35 PM CDT
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That's true.
But don’t worry, Bob. I’ll be waiting. I am nothing if not patient.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 19, 2008 3:37 PM CDT
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No idea how he could resist that.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on
Aug 19, 2008 3:37 PM CDT
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Hilarious!
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on
Aug 19, 2008 3:45 PM CDT
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Perhaps a little disclaimer on the back of the cards
could read that any player that is in a hitting slump and has baserunning or defensive errors should not visit after that particular game.
"That guy is a gamer." said Ron Santo of Reed Johnson on 07-25-08
by love the ivy on
Aug 19, 2008 3:34 PM CDT
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Excellent Al!!!
Thank you Al and MIke. Very nice interview and fun to read.
Good luck Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones and Doug Schwab. Bring home the gold!!!
by sue369 on
Aug 19, 2008 3:09 PM CDT
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Great Interview, but
throw the first pitch already. Argh….. 3.5 hours until the game.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on
Aug 19, 2008 3:35 PM CDT
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agreed
jonesin big time for some Cubs baseball!
"That guy is a gamer." said Ron Santo of Reed Johnson on 07-25-08
by love the ivy on
Aug 19, 2008 3:36 PM CDT
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i haven't seen a game in 10 days
i am seriously jonesing for a cubs game right now.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on
Aug 19, 2008 3:54 PM CDT
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lots of jonesing going on here...
by sackings108 on
Aug 19, 2008 3:56 PM CDT
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Lt Dangle jonses every day!
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on
Aug 19, 2008 3:58 PM CDT
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Grrr.
I won’t get to see another game til Sunday.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on
Aug 19, 2008 4:12 PM CDT
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In the related fanpost section at the top right
It shows DGU’s fanpost titled Hitters Weekly Recap June 1 – 7. It constantly catches my eye because it looks like Hitlers Weekly Recap instead of hitters. It’s probaly just me.
"That guy is a gamer." said Ron Santo of Reed Johnson on 07-25-08
by love the ivy on
Aug 19, 2008 3:58 PM CDT
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