When I was called up for the first time to the Chicago Cubs on June 9, 1996, it would be the second time I would see Wrigley Field. The first was when I hurt my shoulder in 1991 and came up for some medical tests. But this was different.
Today is the Cubs home opener and I only had one home opener at Wrigley Field. We played the Florida Marlins on a frigid April day and I recall their veteran infielder Jeff Conine wearing so many layers that he looked like a teal snowman. I dreamed of laying down a bunt so I could see the eight layers of clothing explode like a blowfish from too much pressure.