Q. You had a career batting average of .257 over 960 games that also included stints with the Padres, Blue Jays, Twins, Mets and Brewers. Can you describe the atmosphere when you played in one of those early Cubs-Sox regular-season games in 1999?
A. The biggest thing to me was the fans were so pumped up and so divided. That translated into how you felt and played on the field. It was high energy for three days and actually draining. You looked forward to it, and then you are glad it is done.
Q. I recall riding on the Cubs’ team bus in midseason of 1985 on the day you were called up for your first big-league game against the New York Mets in Shea Stadium. What do you remember from your first big-league series?
A. I remember facing Ron Darling of the Mets in my first big-league game. My second game was against Dwight Gooden and my third game was against Ed Lynch. I ended up getting my first big-league hit off the former general manager of the Cubs–a line drive over the second baseman. Every time Ed Lynch sees me, he says: “Yeah, yeah, I know.” That was my claim to fame in 1985.
Q. How frustrating has it been for Sox broadcasters this season with the team not performing up to expectations?
A. We’re here every day with the guys and we see what goes on. I have never seen so many talented players not fulfill their potential collectively at the same time.
Q. This is your fourth year in the Sox TV booth. What is your relationship with play-by-play man Hawk Harrelson?
A. Hawk has been a teacher and somebody who has helped me with the little things to improve. Hawk and I have always had a lot of fun away from the park. That is one of the things people don’t realize. Sometimes it seems like we butt heads on the air, but it has nothing to do with how we get along. In broadcasting, it’s just like when I played. Each day I want to go out and have the best game I can.
———-
Have a question or an idea for Fred Mitchell?
E-mail: AskFred@tribune.com
