Garth Brooks hopes for more hits in tryout with Padres
Friday, February 12, 1999. Associated Press

SAN DIEGO -- Garth Brooks is trading his cowboy hat for a baseball cap and subbing Grammy hopes for World Series dreams.

The San Diego Padres and Brooks have scheduled a conference call Friday to announce that the country music superstar will go to spring training with the big-league club, sources told The Associated Press late Thursday.

Padres spokesmen refused comment, but owner John Moores said it was no secret that Brooks longed to play professional baseball.

"He had indicated through channels that he was interested in going to spring training," Moores said. "I know there have been some discussions under way. If he shows up, that would be dynamite. I think that would add a dimension to the game."

Where the spring training invitation leads is anyone's guess. If Brooks is a bust, he certainly won't have to go hunting for another job. He's sold almost as many albums as Elvis and the Beatles, and makes millions selling out concert dates across the globe.

But he has taken the year off from touring. If he shows he can play, he likely would be sent to a minor-league club to live out his dream.

Several recent developments pointed to Brooks' involvement in baseball. He and several baseball stars, including some Padres players, recently announced formation of a foundation tied to baseball that would benefit children's charities.

There was talk that Brooks would make a cameo appearance with the Padres at spring training like he did last year, and one of the Padres' vice presidents is now head of the foundation.

"All I ever heard was that he wanted to play baseball," Moores said. "I understand he routinely takes batting practice at home. He's got an athletic build and a big pair of wheels."

"Maybe he can make it work -- he obviously knows the Michael Jordan story. Obviously, it would be very hard. If Garth makes it, I'll try to do it myself. I'm sure he knows this is a tough row to hoe. Everybody's got to follow their dreams."

Jordan tried baseball after his first retirement from the Chicago Bulls, but struggled as a member of the Birmingham Barons and went back to basketball.

Brooks spent two days working out with the Padres last spring, and even got into a game as a pinch runner. He was almost picked off twice, diving back into the bag once. He even hugged the umpire after he was called safe. Finally, he was thrown out in a double play.

"He was nicely received by the ballclub," Moores said. "The players liked the hell out of him."