Fogelberg – With the cooler temperatures entering the Fogelberg area over the last week and the conclusion of the I-70 Classic all eyes have begun to turn to the Holiday Baseball League and the upcoming draft. Falcons manager Don Zimmer has begun his customary daily press conferences and the questions have run the gamut between his favorite video game and who he plans to draft if the Falcons happen to get the number one pick.
“I really like that Frogger game,” Zimmer says with a smile as his bald head gleams in the lights of the small conference room buried deep within Macintosh Stadium. “Look, we have a lot of guys in mind for that pick if we get it…. but to be perfectly honest, the group of guys is pretty level. I have my favorites as I’m sure that all of the other teams have a favorite. These drafts are a pretty big deal, but I am more a believer in team chemistry… The life-time players are where these things are won and lost. Look at those guys (pointing toward Boggstown), why do you think they have been so good lately. They have had some great teams, but Brett has been the leader for them… Those lifers’ have to be the leaders, the heart and soul ya know.”
Mattingly to get a shot?
The most curious question of the day came from WKRP sports reporter Chris Banninger who asked “Is it true that Carlton Fisk came to your office and asked that Don Mattingly get a roster spot?” in which Zimmer replied, “Carlton and I talk about a lot of stuff. He is one of the captains of this team and I value his opinion greatly.”
“Did he ask you to give Mattingly his spot?”
“You can ask him that question. I can’t speak for Fisky,” Zimmer replied.
Later that day Banninger did in fact ask Fisk that very question. “I walked into his office and told him what I though… I said that Donnie is a hell of a player and he has not gotten a chance to play in a while… I said that I know Paul (Molitor) HAS to play in this league and I would be willing to give up my spot for Donnie to have a chance to play… LISTEN, Don has been a BIG part of this organization for a long time and has been a part of a LOT of championships, especially in the early years. Paul and I have been picked quite a bit lately so I told him to take a look at Don and give him a chance. I respect whatever Zim decides.”
“I love to play. I love coaching. I love being a part of the Fogelberg Falcons,” Mattingly said during a packed press conference. “I will do whatever it takes to win… I’ve been here from day one and I know that weather I am driving in a run with two outs or waving in a run as the third base coach with two out I am still a big part of this team… This franchise is second to none.”
With haunting rumors and questions as plentiful as the presents on Christmas morning one thing is certain, the Holiday Baseball League is here and it’s time to celebrate.
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To check the standings, schedule and draft list for the Holiday Baseball League, click here or on the link to the right.
Leave it to Banninger to stir things up!