Augie still gets the job done
EX-CUB FACTOR | Wrigley favorite hitting .571 in series for D-backs
Maybe only one thing could supplant the best memories Augie Ojeda has of Wrigley Field, the place he broke into the majors and won the hearts of Cubs fans.
And that one thing would haunt those same fans forever.
Ojeda might find himself celebrating a National League Division Series win today on a field he loves, but in a uniform Cubs fans will villify.
Not only is Ojeda on the Arizona Diamondbacks, he has become a key member since a torn hand ligament ended the season of star infielder Orlando Hudson in early September.
''[D-backs manager] Bob Melvin threw me out there to see what I could do,'' Ojeda said. ''Orlando was a big part of this team, but injuries happen. I've tried to do what I could to help the team.''
He did plenty during the last weeks of the regular season, and even more so far in this series. Ojeda is 4-for-7 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in his first career postseason action. This from a 5-8 utility infielder known for his defense.
''Augie has come up big for us,'' Melvin said. ''He's really rising to the occasion.''
Those who have been around his career don't doubt Ojeda, 33, could have been a solid every-day player. But even as a backup, his value is high enough that his old team still keeps him in mind.
''All he did was come to the park early every day, one of the first ones there and one of the last to leave, and do his work,'' coach Pat Listach said, having managed Ojeda in the minors. ''Very seldom did you know he was in the clubhouse, but he had a big presence. He got it.''
Cubs fans rooted heartily for Ojeda in 2001-02, with the chant of ''AU-GEE, AU-GEE'' loud and clear when he would step up to the plate or make a defensive play.
''They're tremendous fans, and they treated me so great,'' he said. ''Without a doubt, my fondest memories are [at Wrigley]. I made my major-league debut there. You never forget it. I treasure that memory. You don't see that in the big leagues unless you're a big star, but you get that kind of treatment there.''
Things were bittersweet for him in July when he returned for the first time with the Diamondbacks, who signed him to a minor-league contract in the offseason. But he knows the reception today will be very different than the old days:
''They're going to support their team, and I know how they are. They're some of the best fans in baseball. They want their team to win so badly because they've waited so long for a winner. I understand.''