"Nine," was Arizona Diamondbacks ace Curt Schilling's quick and half-joking response. "Of course, I've never done nine in 75 pitches before."

This was in response to my question of whether or not he had a number of innings in mind he had planned to pitch that evening for the Tucson Sidewinders, our town's very own Triple-A affiliate for the 2001 World Series champions.

Schilling was a little disappointed that he had only gone four innings last Wednesday against the Sacramento River Cats. Nonetheless, he was pleased with his performance and the way his arm felt on the mound that night.

Shane Dale

The point? Well, not only did I get to ask a question of one of my two favorite athletes on the planet (the other being Mark Grace), but this as well: The man most instrumental in getting Arizona its first ever professional sports championship was in our humble southern Arizona town last week, pitching in front of over 10,000 Tucsonans. Missing such an opportunity would be considered a travesty by most sports fans, but at the very least, a regrettable non-experience for anyone who passed it up.

The additional point is this: In a time when most UA students, stuck in Tucson for the summer for one reason or another, are looking for something to do in a less-than-interesting town, a cheap Triple-A baseball ticket is worth much more than the mere eight bucks for general admission.

In addition to having the occasional opportunity to see current stars rehabilitate injuries before they make it back up to the BOB, the chance to see Triple-A players before they "make it big" is invaluable.

If you're a Diamondbacks fan (or a local baseball fan in general), chances are you recognize these names: Alex Cintron, Matt Kata, Robby Hammock, Jose Valverde, Andrew Good, John Patterson, and the man who rightfully deserves (but did not receive) an invitation to next week's All-Star Game, Brandon Webb.

At one point or another during the season, Sidewinders fans could have seen any number of these men play in a given game. And with so many players waiting to return from Tucson and the disabled list, such as Schilling, Randy Johnson, Danny Bautista and Junior Spivey, there will be plenty of opportunities to see many of them again within the next month.

Diamondback's all-purpose infielder Craig Counsell, who was in the Sidewinders clubhouse this past Thursday completing a rehab stint (and has since rejoined the D-Backs), gave a couple reasons why UA students should come out to Tucson Electric Park and check out some Triple-A baseball ÷ in particular, the fact that baseball has a very pleasant and casual atmosphere.

"The best part about baseball is it's a sport where, you know, you can watch but you still have a conversation with your friends," he said. "I think that's why people are attracted to it."

"I think they got dollar beers once a week too," he joked, referring to the Sidewinders "Thirsty Thursdays" promotion.

D-Backs relief pitcher Bret Prinz, who continues to recuperate from a groin pull and expects to return to Phoenix following the All-Star break, suggested that Sidewinders games make for great dating atmosphere.

"You figure, what's wrong with taking a date to a baseball game?" he rhetorically asked. " You know, you always hear about going to a movie or going out to dinner ÷ Come out here and have a good time, you know?"

Prinz added that a Sidewinders ticket is cheaper than an evening flick these days.

"It's a great place for a first date if the girl's a little nervous ÷ there's a bunch of people around," he said.

Pitcher Chris Capuano, who has already made a brief appearance with the D-Backs this season and is likely to be called back to Phoenix in September once major league rosters are expanded from 25 to 40 players for the rest of the regular season, gave a more succinct answer as to why college students should come out to TEP.

"For the guys, they can come out and watch some baseball ÷ these guys are only a step away from the big leagues," he said.

"And for the girls, (they get to) see lots of tight butts in uniforms."

Even without the fanfare and luxury of a major league game, the Tucson Sidewinders are a cheap ticket in a town that lacks summer thrills. Add to that the guarantee that on any given night, a Sidewinders ticket ensures you the chance to see some great ballplayers in the making, not to mention the likelihood of seeing some familiar faces, and you have yourself an enjoyable evening.

Diamondbacks manager Bob Brenly will have some tough decisions to make in the next month. Whom does he keep, and whom does he send back to Triple-A?

Brenly's quagmire will turn into the city of Tucson's advantage.

So do yourself a favor: Instead of complaining about how there is absolutely nothing to do in Tucson, give the Sidewinders a chance. You just might surprise yourself and find some decent entertainment without having to head out of town.

"Tell you what: It's a fun place to come, it's about 7 o'clock, and the bar scene doesn't start until 10:30, 11 at least," added Sidewinders and former D-Backs pitcher Erik Sabel.

Erik's right. Use the game as a precursor to going out to 4th Avenue. Use it as a first date. Or if nothing else, use it as an opportunity to one day tell your kids that you remember that superstar from way back when.

Shane Dale is a political science senior. He can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.