This is no ordinary exhibition game being played at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, April 4. Even the participants realize that.
"It's fun," said outfielder Drew Stubbs, a former Dayton Dragon who will be playing for the Cincinnati Reds' Futures team vs. the Reds' majorleague team. "With all the guys who played for the Dragons on the major-league team, it's going to be a neat thing. "It will be neat being in that ballpark again. I think I can speak for all of us. We're excited."
For the game, the Reds have designated 22 of 29 players who used to play for the Dragons. They'll also have seven to nine Dragons' graduates on the big-league roster.
Stubbs, a first-round draft choice in 2006, spent the 2007 season here, hitting .270 with 12 homers, 43 RBIs and 23 stolen bases, all accomplished while nursing a sore big toe that needed surgery after the season.
"It still bothers me a little," Stubbs said, "but I can play."
He said he had a great time playing in Dayton.
"Of my (three) years playing, the one in Dayton was my most enjoyable," Stubbs said. "You feed off the energy of the crowd. I gave everything I had when I was there."
Stubbs has since moved up the organization, and expects to begin this season where he finished last season, at Class AAA Louisville, a step from the majors.
Most of the Futures players in this game will begin the season either at Louisville or Class AA Carolina, although at least one - pitcher Curtis Partch - is expected to stay here and play for the Dragons.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com
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