Big leaguers have happy homecoming at UA

But you couldn't tell by their faces.

Gathered around the dugout towards the end of Sunday's 6-4 loss to the current Wildcat squad, major leaguers, even All-Stars, acted like they were still in college.

"It's always fun to come back and see old friends, all the guys," San Francisco Giants first baseman J.T. Snow said. "When I went here, I lived at Graham-Greenlee for a year. It was definitely a lot of fun. I came here to get better at baseball, but the coaches and people here were awesome."

Current San Diego Padres reliever Ed Vosberg, who was busy catching up on old times, was elated to be back in Tucson, this time in a major league uniform.

"It's always awesome to be back here," said Vosberg, who attended Salpointe Catholic High School and makes his home in Tucson during the offseason. "I've been to every one since I got to the bigs and I'll keep going until I can't throw any more."

Another Tucsonan and UA alum is All-Star pitcher Gil Heredia, who just re-signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics, where he figures to be the fourth starter in the rotation.

"I never left," Heredia said, "but coming back to the UA brings the old memories back in gear. I've been here the past 10 years, and it's great being able to come back and represent the Wildcats."

Heredia has made Tucson his permanent home despite spending baseball seasons in Montreal, San Francisco, Texas and most recently, Oakland.

"College for me was an outstanding experience," Heredia said. "Especially now, with the success of the football team and the basketball team, it has to be a great privilege to attend this school."

The happiest ex-Wildcat at Frank Sancet Field was 1998 Rolaids Fireman of the Year, Trevor Hoffman. Hoffman, who played shortstop as a Wildcat before being converted to pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization, was seen autographing balls and chatting with current UA players during the course of the game.

Hoffman, who emerged from virtual obscurity in 1998 to become one of the most intimidating closers in baseball, actually led the Wildcats in hitting in the 1988-89 season, batting .371. His cannon arm was what got him drafted, though, and after stints with Cincinnati and Florida, he made his home in San Diego. Hoffman converted 53 of 54 saves during the 1998 season, leading the Padres to the National League title and a trip to the World Series.

Hoffman's lethal cannon prompted former UA head coach Jerry Kindall to comment that "in 24 years of watching Wildcat shortstops, no one had a stronger arm than Trevor."

All in all, it was an excellent showing for former Wildcats now living out their childhood dreams in the major leagues. The biggest surprise alum was current Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Tony Bouie, who changed sports in order to compete with some current major leaguers. Donning his red Buccaneers football jersey and playing center field, the smile never left Bouie's face.

And that was the point of the whole game.