Garth Brooks' Day at Spring Training - March 25, 1999
Thursday, March 25, 1999. Associated Press

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

COUNTRY CAMPER: Brooks didn't take batting practice or play against the Seattle Mariners. Brooks was a little tired, and manager Bruce Bochy told him that sometimes it's good to pass up BP for a day.

HIGH NOTE: Fans are starting to recognize situations in which Bochy might use Brooks as a pinch-hitter, such as with the bases loaded and none out in the eighth. Alas, the singing cowboy sat.

ON THE RECORD: ``Did you hear the people chanting for him?'' Bochy said. ``It's unbelievable. I told Garth, mabye he could do a celebrity jog around the field so people could see him.''