Prior Leaves Good Impression on Peoria
The Peoria Journal Star's Ryan Ori reports on Mark Prior's good impression on the Peoria Chiefs' players and fans, during his two-game rehab stint there:
The players appreciated more than a pair of steak dinners compliments of Prior."Even before he got here, he had gone on the Internet and knew our record," Chiefs starter Scott Taylor said. "He knew we were battling for first place. For him to care about that rather than just getting his work in, it shows you what kind of guy he is."
The Chiefs front office appreciated Prior's glowing description of his time at O'Brien Field.
"Signing autographs (last Friday) was probably the best experience I've ever had, amateur or professional, at any level," Prior said. "Very nice, very polite. I've never seen people get in a single-file line. The people here are great. They're supportive.
"The organization does a great job. I think it's really good for the Cubs to have their A-ball team here. I think it's smart. Hopefully, they can build a relationship like they have in Des Moines (Triple-A Iowa) and keep it over a number of years."
Players were surprised to see Prior so visible a day before his Saturday start. He worked out at the ballpark, conducted a lengthy autograph-signing session down the right-field line and talked baseball on the bench during the front end of a doubleheader against Fort Wayne.
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I think it's really good for the Cubs to have their A-ball team here. I think it's smart. Hopefully, they can build a relationship like they have in Des Moines (Triple-A Iowa) and keep it over a number of years.
I would tend to agree. I've never been to Peoria, but it seems like an ideal situation for all involved parties.
Prior sure seems to know how to leave an impression. I went to a West Tenn game in 2003, a full year or so after Prior had been through there for six starts on his way to the majors. I sat next to a gentlemen who told me all about Prior's very short time with the team, and how impressed the community was with him. It was the same kind of thing; signed a lot of autographs, other players liked him, etc.