Saturday, February 19, 2000

First workout happy occasion

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BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Sean Casey caught the enthusiasm, arriving early for camp. (Michael E. Keating photos) | ZOOM |

        SARASOTA, Fla. — People in other sports rarely use the word “happy” to describe their work. But this was baseball, where joy seems to be an essential part of the game.

        So it was almost natural to hear Reds manager Jack McKeon, 69, sound like a kid Friday as he evaluated the club's first spring workout for pitchers and catchers at the Ed Smith Stadium complex.

        “It was a happy day, just to get back on the field and get started,” Mr.McKeon said.

Equipment man Rick Stowe prepares two locker spaces for Ken Griffey Jr. | ZOOM |

        A quiet but attentive crowd of about 50 spectators gathered to watch the Reds repeat fielding, bunting and hitting drills. Among the locals who attended the four-hour session was Dick Vitale, the noted basketball commentator for ESPN and ABC who maintains a love for baseball. It was a perfect day for a spring-training workout, as clouds parted enough to generate tans but not sunburns.

        The undercurrent of optimism was almost tangible.

        The Reds' Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers at sold-out Cinergy Field isn't until April 3, but players were eager to begin the regular season. They share the enthusiasm that has enveloped Cincinnati since the Feb.10 Ken Griffey Jr. trade.

        “This is going to be an absolutely incredible season, as far as the fans are concerned,” reliever Scott Sullivan said. “That's what gets me excited, hearing the news coming out of Cincinnati.”

        Spring training schedule

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