BREAKING: Goran Dragic to Start in Centerfield for the Arizona Diamondbacks

Some breaking news hot off the press this morning in the valley of the sun.  Current Phoenix Suns point guard, Goran Dragic, will shockingly be making an appearance in the Arizona Diamondbacks starting lineup later this evening at Chase Field. 

This story is just beginning to circulate after an early morning pick-up game of hoops at the Downtown Phoenix YMCA.  Surrounded by my usual comrades ranging anywhere from 45-80 years of age, I was stunned to see a smiling Dragic walk into the gym unannounced.  Very few recognized him, but after those that did, clamored to shake his hand, the jig was up.

It is not very often you get to play a pick-up game with a NBA athlete, let alone one at the top of his sport.  After a svelte crossover into a step-back jumpshot, I had Dragic on his heels and laughing.  At the conclusion of the game, we began to discuss.

I asked him what he was doing here and he responded that he had a surprise for everyone.  He talked about “being inspired by Russell Wilson” and what he did by going to the Texas Rangers Spring Training and showing he could be a two-sport athlete.  Puzzled, I asked Dragic if he had even ever played baseball.  He responded by saying, “Well, I guess we’ll find out tonight.”  Initially, I figured Dragic would be playing on a dirty sandlot somewhere, but he said he had received a call from skipper Kirk Gibson earlier this morning, asking if he wanted the opportunity after centerfielder A.J. Pollock went a miserable 0-for-6 at the plate last night. 

Putting two and two together, Dragic grinned as I realized that he was telling me he was going to play centerfield for the Diamondbacks tonight before the Suns leave for Los Angeles later on in the evening. 

So, later on tonight, keep your eyes open for the left-handed batting leadoff hitter, who just also happens to be the starting point guard of the Phoenix Suns.  This could end in joy, or absolute misery.

Of course, nothing at all about this story is even remotely true.  Although, I do wish Dragic would stop into the Y some time to shoot around—not like I’d cross him up anyway.  As entertaining as it would be to see him patrolling centerfield, it won’t be happening; just another feeble attempt at an APRIL FOOLS DAY joke!