Garth Brooks' Day at Spring Training - March 18, 1999
Thursday, March 18, 1999. The Associated Press

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) - How it went for Garth Brooks on Wednesday at spring training for the San Diego Padres:

COUNTRY CAMPER: Manager Bruce Bochy gave Brooks, the country singer turned baseball player, his first spring start, against the Chicago White Sox in Tucson. With several Padres outfielders nursing injuries and unavailable, Brooks played all nine innings in a 7-6 win. Playing with a bandage on his left hand to protect a blister, Brooks went 0-for-4, with two groundouts, a fly ball with two on and two out in the sixth, and a popup.

HIGH NOTE: In the field, a towering drive by Frank Thomas in the first inning sent Brooks back to the fence in left-center, but he handled it like a veteran. Brooks had three other chances and handled them all.

ON THE RECORD: ``The ball was out of the ballpark,'' Brooks said. ``I just ran to the wall to look good. But the wind kept it in. When I made the catch, I thought, `Man, I wish my dad could see this.' I had more fun today than in the other 14 days I've been in camp.''

Thomas was impressed with what he saw. ``He looked like an athlete. I think what he's doing is awesome.''