Mark Grace Loves Chicago

By Kim Katz
feedback@buzznews.net

Former Cubs first baseman, Mark Grace always loves coming back to Chicago. It was his favorite city when he played here and remains so today. Always the fan favorite, Grace, currently a color analyst for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has never been one to shun his adoring public and actually goes out of his way to talk to his many fans – something all ballplayers are not known to do. Part of it may have been because of his loyalty to Chicago’s fans and part of it was because he’s always been a regular guy – the guy you could have a beer with after a game.

Perhaps it was Grace’s dream to win a World Series with the Cubs because, let’s face it; there would be no greater celebration in all of sports, not to mention he was a homegrown Cub, but really what ballplayer wouldn’t want to win it all here, in the best city with the best baseball fans. But, as we all know, despite making the playoffs in ’89 and ’98, a World Series never happened. Grace, even though willing to play for less money to stay in Chicago, finally departed Chicago after the 2000 season when the Cubs management decided Matt Stairs was the answer at first base, so off to the Bob Brenley managed Diamondbacks he went – and lucky for them and himself he did. In 2001, thanks to MVP co-recipients Randy Johnson and Curt Shilling, Grace’s dreams came true when the Diamondbacks overtook the Yankees in seven games to win the World Series. It was one of the most exciting Series’ in recent memory. Remember? The Diamondbacks lost three in a row in New York after winning the first two. Arizona came home to win Game Six spanking the Yanks 15-2, and Luis Gonzalez’s ninth inning RBI single in Game Seven won the Series for them. Grace also had a key hit in that inning. Now, Grace has found a new home in the broadcast booth with buddy Thom Brenemen and seems to be as comfortable as he was on the field.

After a hot and sweaty but fun and exciting 70’s night celebration at Wrigley Field Mark was kind enough to give me this interview:

Buzz – You and your broadcasting partner, Thom [Breneman], have a great chemistry. Is it like that off the air?

Mark Grace – Oh yeah, he’s a dear friend and we carry that into the booth. We have a friendship in the booth, we have a friendship out of the booth, and I think it shows in our game. He’s gotten used to me, he’s comfortable with me and vice versa. I think we’re a great pairing.

Buzz – What’s your favorite thing, the thing you look forward to most, when you come back to Chicago?

Mark – I love this city. It’s the greatest city in the world. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world and Chicago’s the greatest city in the world. Great people, great restaurants. This city is alive. It loves its’ sports, it loves its’ teams. I was lucky to be here for thirteen years.

Buzz – Do you think you would ever live here again?

Mark – Hmmmm…not unless I worked here. If I worked here, obviously, but I don’t like the winters here.

Buzz – Yeah, they suck. I’m from Miami, Florida and I’m kind of a summer girl…

Mark – Exactly.

Buzz – What are your thoughts on the recent departure of Greg Maddux?

Mark Grace – Well it was something that didn’t surprise me too much. You know, I think his time was probably up here. I think Greg wanted the chance to win and I think the Cubs wanted to give him that opportunity. I also think the Cubs got a good player in return, so I’m not really surprised at all that it [the trade] happened.

Buzz – As for another former teammate - What do you think about Joe Girardi’s early success as manager for the Florida Marlins?

Mark – I think it’s great. Good for him. I think he’s doing a hell of a job. I haven’t seen Florida yet, but I’m going to make sure I go down there and tell him so. He deserves it.

Buzz – Have you ever thought about managing?

Mark – Sure. I interviewed for the Diamondbacks managing job two years ago. I obviously didn’t get it, but certainly that interests me.

Buzz – I was not interested in baseball much at all until I saw you play for the first time. As the Cubs first baseman, you were a real role model and were a pleasure to watch play. Not just because you are so good, but because you were genuinely graceful. You are like the Kevin Costner of baseball!

Mark – (laughs) Thanks. I’m flattered.

Buzz – You certainly have the leadership, experience and presence to manage in this league and I’d like to see it happen.

Mark – I appreciate that.

Buzz - Lastly, do you think Arizona can win their division?

Mark – Yeah, I think they can. I think they can. Will they? I don’t know. It’s such an even division. I mean, anyone can win it – just pull it out of the hat. They’ve got as good a chance as anybody.

I was as disappointed as anyone in Chicago to have lost Mark Grace to Arizona, but obviously his departure was truly a mixed blessing as it allowed him to win a World Series before retiring. Let’s hope some smart company in Chicago has their eye on Mark and will be able to offer him a job here in Chicago that will allow us to enjoy his funny and intelligent views on baseball for many years to come.