I am lucky enough to get some updates from a friend who visits Hammond often, I bet there are a few on here that would enjoy them. Here is the first one of the year.

Hi guys! I went to Hammond this morning. When I arrived Phil Roof was pitching to Byung Ho Park,

Adam B. Walker, O. Arcia and someone I didn't know. Park has a nice smooth swing, hits line drives

with little effort, and hit at least one that was way over the fence in left. Arcia did not impress; hitting

ground balls and popups. Those of us watching were talking about Walker. Nice easy swing and

the ball easily clearing the fence a few times.

Then they switched and the 5 guys that were shagging came to hit, but I did not recognize any of them;

They all looked very young. One lefty gave Arcia a good workout in right field. I wondered if he might

be the new catcher.

When they were done I got Arcia to sign a ball; told him he was my son's favorite player. He asked,

"Is he here?" I said not today and he said tell him hello from me. Seems like a real nice guy.

Then I got Walker to sign another ball. After he walked away from me Pat Reusse started talking to him

about getting together for an interview. When they finished Reusse started toward a clubhouse guy;

I said hello, Mr. Reusse, and he nodded toward me. When he left that guy he hollered at me,"What's

your name; where you from?" I told him my name and from Cape Coral. Then he asked about the

tornado and we walked together to our cars. He had the top down on his Solara. He said the club-

house guy said there should be more guys coming in starting tomorrow. I plan to go over Thursday;

got a coupla hot bridge games the next 2 days.

The highlight of my day; I've always wanted to meet him down here. Later, guys!