Second Thoughts

Ferrell's stunt gets Hall call, film on HBO

Actor Will Ferrell, left, plays to the crowd during his Hall of Fame presentation Saturday at Petco Park in San Diego before a screening of the new HBO documentary, Ferrell Takes the Field. Jeff Idelson, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is shown at right.
Actor Will Ferrell, left, plays to the crowd during his Hall of Fame presentation Saturday at Petco Park in San Diego before a screening of the new HBO documentary, Ferrell Takes the Field. Jeff Idelson, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is shown at right.

Will Ferrell is many things: actor, comedian, baseball fan, Hall of Famer.

That's right. Ferrell is now a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Kind of.

In a Cactus League spring training stunt for charity, Ferrell, 47, played all 10 positions for 10 teams in one day and had his exploits chronicled in an HBO documentary entitled Ferrell Takes the Field.

In recognition of the achievement and the more than $1 million he raised for various cancer charities, Farrell received a commemorative plaque and jersey from Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson following the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2-0 victory over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

"With all due respect to Cal Ripken Jr., tonight's inductee is an Iron Man of sorts," Idelson said to the crowd. "Even though his career only lasted 12 hours."

Farrell's Hall of Fame plaque reads in part, "John William 'Will' Ferrell, 'The Cactus Rose', 'Mr. Clutch' " and goes on to list all 10 teams he played for during his 12-hour major league career.

As for career highlights, it calls him a "dominant, fearless and reckless utility player" and relates how he was "beloved by his teammates" but "no friend to managers (he was traded nine times in one day)."

After the presentation, Ferrell screened his upcoming film for fans. Ferrell Takes the Field will air on HBO at 9 p.m. Central on Saturday.

Bus bashed

High school athletes hear it often. Never leave anything on the bus. Apparently, New Mexico State's football staff either never has or forgot.

According to police in Gainesville, Fla., electronics, computers and other items were stolen from a New Mexico State team personnel bus during Saturday's game.

University of Florida police department spokesman Brad Barber said Sunday that the bus, which carried football staff members, was parked outside the stadium in a secure area during the game.

"Dozens of police cars were parked near the bus, so it seemingly took some gall to enter the bus where it was parked," Barber told The Associated Press by phone.

A second bus, which carried New Mexico State players, wasn't targeted.

Florida beat New Mexico State 61-13 in their season-opening game.

New Mexico State Athletic Director Mario Moccia tweeted his frustration over the matter. "Well it's a first. Our bus was broken into all athletic dept staff and guest bags stolen inside! Not a joke," he wrote.

Barber said a witness told police two people were involved in the theft. As of Sunday afternoon, police said they had not identified any suspects.

Ready for some football

Word to the wise: Don't tell Zach Johnson the Iowa football score.

The Iowa native and PGA Tour professional shot a 6-under-par 65 in Saturday's second round at the Deutsche Bank Championship at the same time as the Iowa Hawkeyes were playing their season opener against Illinois State.

When ESPN's Jason Sobel caught up to Johnson, Johnson was quite clear about the limits of the interview.

"Talked to Zach Johnson after his round of 65," Sobel said via Twitter. "First thing he said: 'Don't tell me the Iowa score or I'll punch you in the face.' Tempting..."

Sobel apparently resisted the temptation, since Johnson responded to the tweet later, saying, "Thanks for understanding JS!"

Iowa defeated Illinois State 31-14.

Football, Part 2

Zach Johnson isn't the only football fan on the PGA Tour. Count Texas native and former Texas Longhorn Jordan Speith among the gridiron faithful.

Unlike Johnson, Spieth, winner of both the British Open and the Masters this season, actually got to watch his team play after missing his second consecutive cut.

The Longhorns lost 38-3 to Notre Dame.

Speith tweeted, "Texas' offense looking about as useful as my last 4 rounds."

Sports quiz

Bert Campaneris played nine positions in a 1965 game for which team?

Answer

The Kansas City Athletics.

Sports on 09/07/2015

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