The Smokies’ Star Doesn’t Play
If you haven’t seen a baseball game at Smokies Park (Exit 407 off I-40), you’re missing a great time.
It’s a 9 Inning Vacation!
For some, just being baseball is enough. But it’s pretty good baseball - minor league level Double-A — and some of the guys you’ll see will make it as Major Leaguers. Also, the ballpark is nice — nice setup, easy access, good sightlines, nice people, and pretty good food (although they need to cook their hotdogs a little hotter on “dollar hotdog night”). And, since it’s minor league baseball, there are all sorts of promotions, contests, and the “Rally Crew”.
A big plus for us as of a year ago is the Smokies’ affiliation with the Chicago Cubs. As some of you know, I love, live, and die with the Cubs, and it’s fascinating to see what the Cubs have in their pipeline.
The Smokies have a new major attraction this year — their manager. Now, minor league managers are frequently people of whom you have some vague memory — often a former journeyman major leaguer (frequently catchers!). It’s rare to see a big star coming through the system, learning the managerial ropes one rung at a time.
But that’s just what the Smokies have this year — Baseball Hall of Fame member Ryne Sandberg, who had a stellar career at Second Base for the Chicago Cubs. Fans have flocked to the ballpark to see the legend, who managed last year at the Cubs Single-A affiliate in Peoria, Illinois.
During the game, Ryno is all business, managing his team. His focus remains fixed on the field and his players.
But prior to the game, he takes time out to greet the throngs who line up to meet him and to gather those precious autographs, often spending 20 minutes or so with the fans, cutting it short only when it’s time for the game-beginning festivities. Sandberg shakes hands, gets his picture made with fans, and autographs all sorts of things — baseballs, bats, balls, photos, and more.
For a normal 7:15 p.m. scheduled start, he may begin seeing people at 6:45 p.m., but don’t wait until then to go down to the Smokies bullpen — there’s usually a long line).
Result — lasting memories for the fans, who keep coming back!
Here is my flickr set of photos from Smokies Park, featuring Manager Ryne Sandberg.
Or, even better (big and automatic), here’s the slideshow.
Cubs Win!
Early in the season, things went from mediocre to simply bad. Team members started punching each other in the dugout and the locker room. Then Lou Piniella took action in his unique style: he kicked infield dirt on an umpire. In some wierd way, the team got inspired and the Cubbies started winning. There were still ups and downs, but at season’s end (with two games to spare!) the Cubs won the National League Central Division.
