Category Archives: Mick's Posts

Tennessee Smokies pitcher Trey McNutt and Smokies radio broadcaster Mick Gillispie have teamed up to support and bring awareness to the Mark Forester Price of Freedom Scholarship. The scholarship will assist one high school student from Haleyville High School, who embodies great character, leadership and patriotism going to college. Forester and McNutt both are graduates of Haleyville High School.

On September 29, 2010, Senior Airman Mark A. Forester, beloved son, brother and friend was killed in Afghanistan while attempting to save a fallen comrade.  He was assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C.  The Haleyville, Ala., native is survived by his parents, Ray and Pat, one sister, three brothers and 13 nieces and nephews.

In Mark’s honor, family friend’s McNutt and Gillispie have decided to support the Mark Forester Foundation. They are hoping to raise funds for the “Mark Forester Price of Freedom Scholarship” and awareness of Mark’s sacrifice in defense of America.

“Being from my hometown, Mark was more than a man, he was a hero, even before he passed away in Afghanistan,” McNutt said.  “He represented our town heroically, with dignity and pride.  He really just represents everything that Haleyville is about.”

On March 27, 2011, Lifetime spotlighted the Forester family on an episode of “Coming Home.”  The reality-genre show highlights military families being reunited with loved ones returning from deployment. Mark Forester’s segment was the first, and only episode this season, to spotlight a fallen military service member.

“I’m friends with Mark’s brother Thad, and just felt like, after going to the funeral, and watching the television show [Coming Home],’ that it’s a responsibility of mine, as an American, and I’m in a spot where I can make a difference to not allow us to forget how important his sacrifice was not only to the Nation, but the world,” said Gillispie.  “Mark Forester is a hero and I am grateful that there are guys like Mark defending our freedom. His sacrifice is far greater than anything I will probably ever give in my life. Honoring his memory and contribution is our reasonability.  Trey and I salute him and his family.”

To raise money, McNutt and Gillispie have decided to hold an auction. The auction will consist of signed memorabilia from members of the Chicago Cubs organization, University of Alabama, and others. They will work throughout the season to raise funds kicking off the effort this Saturday, May 28th at Smokies Park as part of the team’s Salute to Heroes night. They will conclude the fundraiser on July 21st to coincide with the National 9/11 American Flag’s visit to Smokies Park. Items will be up for auction live at Smokies Park and at http://www.ebay.com.

For more information, please contact Mick Gillispie at smokiesonradio@yahoo.com or call (865)679-9182.

Hey Smokies fans!

Another great day here in Mesa. I got up early again at 6 a.m. to work on my scorebook and kept checking all the news in Major League Baseball. I arrived at the Cubs complex at 8 a.m. and once again saw a lot of players during the media availability. I caught up with some Smokies favorites John Gaub, Justin Berg, Sam Fuld, and Chris Robinson. All of these guys have had a terrific spring training and are making the front office happy.

Speaking of the front office, I spent some time with Cubs Vice President of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita. “Fleet” always comes on the air with me in Tennessee when he’s making the rounds checking the Cubs minor league system. We had a great time catching up and I can’t wait to see him in Dumplin Valley soon this season. I also saw Cubs GM Jim Hendry again and said hello.

I hit the road and made it to Surprise in plenty of time for the game against the Rangers. I was there early enough to catch Cubs manager Lou Piniella’s pregame press conference in the Cubs dugout. It was great getting to hear Lou give his thoughts on this Cubs team, and he spoke about how impressed he’s been by Tyler Colvin. Colvin’s played for parts of three seasons with Tennessee, and he’s worked hard for a spot on the Cubs opening day roster. Piniella says the decision will come on Friday, yet it looks like Colvin’s jersey will be wearing Cubby blue.

While I was in the dugout I had a chance to meet a writer I’ve read for years and I really respect. I met Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times and he was just as I’d expect after reading him for years. He’s very funny and has an objective view of Cubs baseball. You can read his work on the Sun-Times website here.

Once again the staff at Surprise Stadium made me feel welcome, and I was ready to go for the broadcast. The Cubs routed the Rangers 12-1. Chad Tracy had 5-RBIs in the rout, with a three-run double in the first and a two-run double in the sixth.

Former Smokies Darwin Barney, Robinson Chirinos, Chris Robinson, Tyler Colvin, Jim Adduci, and Sam Fuld all made appearances in the win. Brian Schlitter and Esmailin Caridad both pitched scoreless innings in relief.

Following the game, I had dinner again with former Smokies skipper Buddy Bailey and we were joined by Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A Giants) broadcaster Doug Greenwald. Doug is the son of former Giants broadcaster Hank Greenwald, and is a good friend of mine.

Tomorrow brings my last day in Arizona with the Cubs before I head home to Alabama. The Cubs will be in Tucson to face the Diamondbacks. Listen online on cubs.com at 4 p.m. ET/3 CT.

Mick

Hey Smokies Fans!

I got up nice and early at 6 am to start getting ready for my second day in Arizona. I checked all the current baseball news then headed over to the Cubs locker room from 8 to 9 a.m.

I spoke with some great former Smokies including Darwin Barney, Jim Adduci, Chris Robinson and also ran into the bigger and stronger Tyler Colvin.

After seeing the clubhouse I met with good friend and Special Assistant to the GM Gary Hughes. Our fans know Gary as our main color analyst when he’s in Tennessee scouting the Cubs of tomorrow. We recorded a great pregame interview, and before I left Mesa I spoke with Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry and Assistant General Manager Randy Bush. Both guys have been on the Smokies broadcast before, and they run the Cubs front office the right way.

Finally it was time to hit the road and make the trip over to Surprise for the Cubs vs. the Kansas City Royals. Surprise Stadium is a great facility and I was welcomed warmly by the press box personnel. The Royals broadcaster was also great in getting me ready for the game, as well as making me feel welcome.

The Cubs and Royals played to a 5-5 tie in Surprise. It’s not often to see a tie, but with the teams seeing all the players they needed to see it was an easy decision to end it in a tie. Former Smoky Tyler Colvin went 2-5 and scored twice in the game. I also saw Darwin Barney, Robinson Chrininos, and Jim Adduci make appearances in the game.

Ryan Dempster was sharp on the mound for the Cubs, only allowing two runs on four hits as he pitched into the sixth inning. He also had six strikeouts in his strong outing. Dempster was opposed by former University of Tennessee standout Luke Hochevar, who pitched five innings giving up just one run on five innings. 2009 Smokies John Gaub and Marcos Mateo pitched for the Cubs in the 8th and 9th respectively and both did a fine job.

Following the game I battled the Phoenix traffic and made it back to Cubs camp. I had the perfect dinner guests in current Smokies manager Bill Dancy and former Smokies skipper and current Daytona Cubs manager Buddy Bailey. Dancy is really excited about this season, and ready to see the Smokies put a lot of runs on the scoreboard.

I’m still working on the Smokies media guide and getting ready for Wednesday’s game. We’ll be back in Surprise, this time taking on the Texas Rangers. It starts at 4:00 p.m. ET/ 3 central, and you can listen online on cubs.com.

Thanks for listening!

Mick

Hey Smokies Fans!

What a first day here in Mesa. I flew in here this morning after broadcasting Alabama baseball on Sunday night. I got into Arizona around 10:30 am and I was behind schedule thanks to waiting on a rental car. I literally had to change clothes in the car just to be ready for the game!

I didn’t have as much set-up time as usual thanks to the traffic, but I got to Hohokam Park and began my setup. Jason Carr of the Cubs media relations department was great in helping me get ready for the game, both with all the stats and in making sure we got online. It was rushed, but I’m glad we were ready to go.

Before the game, I looked out on the field and it all kind of hit me. Those were the real Cubs and the real Indians getting ready to play.

The game went really fast, with the Indians winning 9-2 over the Cubs. It was great to see former Smoky Jeff Samardzija get the start for the Cubs. I announced his games in 2007 and 2008. “Shark” went four innings, giving up two runs on four hits. Another former

Smoky did well at the plate, as Sam Fuld went 1-2 and last season’s Southern League All-Star Jim Adduci had a double.

Cleveland’s Fausto Carmona pitched a great game for the Indians, going six innings without allowing a run on two hits.

Another former Smoky made an appearance in the 9th as Jake Muyco came into pitch for the Cubs. Muyco retired the side in order, and his teammates followed with a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth.

Once the broadcast was over I went over to the Cubs Minor League complex and saw Muyco. We shook hands and I congratulated him on a job well done. It was pretty special moment, one that I’ll always remember.

While I was over there I ran into former Smokies managers and good friends Ryne Sandberg (now manager of AAA Iowa) and Buddy Bailey (manager of Single-A Daytona). It’s great reconnecting with so many friends in the organization here in Mesa.

I just had dinner with Buddy and I’m finally starting to catch my breath after a fun first day. The Cubs are putting the next three games free of charge on cubs.com. I’m glad a lot of our Cubs and Smokies fans will get a chance to listen in.

So that’s it for me on this first entry, but know that I’ll be at the Cubs clubhouse at 8 a.m. to get some interviews and then it’s on to Surprise for a game against the Royals. It starts at 4:00 p.m. ET/ 3 central, and you can listen online on cubs.com

Thanks for listening,

Mick