Garth Brooks going to spring training with Padres
Friday, February 12, 1999. Associated Press
Story by Story by Bernie Wilson

SAN DIEGO - Garth Brooks may be in the same league with Elvis and the Beatles when it comes to album sales, but can he hit for average or turn the double play?

He'll find out as soon as he trades in his cowboy hat for a San Diego Padres cap. The team and Brooks scheduled a conference call today to announce the country music superstar will go to spring training with the Padres, team sources told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity late Thursday.

Padres 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 underway. 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.

With the controversial trade of slugger Greg Vaughn still fresh in the minds of fans, the Padres likely will make it clear Brooks isn't going to be paid. In lieu of salary, the Padres are expected to make a donation to his foundation, with assurances that some will be spent in San Diego. A fling in camp might allow Brooks the chance to develop relationships with ballplayers so his foundation will flourish.

``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,'' Moores joked. ``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. Brooks, who sings of Friends in Low Places, was almost picked off twice, diving back into the bag once. He hugged the umpire after he was called safe on what appeared to be a generous call. Finally, he was forced out in a double play.

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

As long as he's with the big-league club, he'll merely be the third musician in camp, albeit the most-recognized. Third base coach Tim Flannery recently released his third CD, and pitcher Mark Langston, who's friends with Bruce Hornsby, plays guitar in his own band.