George Bell will return to Toronto as a member of the National League All-Star team. He received the word Thursday after swatting his 16th homer, second highest NL total.
Bell said he`s looking forward to seeing several former Blue Jay teammates. ”I`ve been in touch with a lot of those guys. They know how I feel. They miss me, and I miss them.”
Bell`s Cub teammates knew he`d love the chance to go back to the city he called home for eight sometimes stormy years.
”I think he definitely wanted to go and show everybody up there that he`s having a good year,” said Ryne Sandberg, an All-Star starter.
”It`ll be great for George and great for the fans there to see him again,” manager Jim Essian said. ”He`s one of my favorite players. He takes it hard when we lose, and he rejoices when we win. I`ve been very impressed by him.”
Bell also impressed NL manager Lou Piniella with his .298 average, 16 homers and 50 RBIs.
Ryno watch: Sandberg said he`ll test his bruised right hand in batting practice Friday in St. Louis. He`s aiming to return Saturday and said he`s certain he`ll play in the All-Star Game.
Powerful act: Actor Tom Selleck, preparing for a movie about an American who plays baseball in Japan, showed up for batting practice and swatted a shot five rows into the right-field bleachers.
Ex marks spot: The Cubs gladly waved goodbye to former teammate Gary Varsho, who mauled them for seven hits in 11 at-bats, four for extra bases, including two homers, and eight RBIs.
Medical stars: Essian half-jokingly nominated Cub trainers John Fierro and Dave Cilladi for the All-Star team because of all their work with the injury- riddled pitching staff. ”Maybe I`ll call Lou (Piniella) and see if I can convince him our trainers deserve it.”