Grudzielanek brings rugged work ethic to Cougars

What I remember most about Mark Grudzielanek during his two years with the Cubs were his grand entrances into the clubhouse.

He'd give it a limp and a gimp, all with a pained expression on his face before going in for treatment on his ankle or whatever else ailed him.

But when it came to be game time, particularly in the star-crossed 2003 season, Grudzielanek ended up taking the field more often than not and playing a solid second base.

Grudzielanek is 44 now and looking much more relaxed after a few years away from the game.

He will make his return to baseball this season as the new manager of the Kane County Cougars.

And as a manager, he says he will expect the same of his players as he did of himself during his major-league career.

Grudzielanek was front and center Friday night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark as the Cougars and their new parent organization, the Arizona Diamondbacks, met the media.

"I played the way I played; that was just me," Grudzielanek said. "I just played hard, did my thing, and it kind of worked. When you leave the game, you want to be remembered as, 'This guy played the game hard. He played it right. He knew what he was doing. He did what it took to help his team win.'

"If I want the kids to leave with something, it's effort and attitude and going about their business the right way, understanding that jersey, that uniform, can be taken off at any given time. So enjoy each and every day."

Grudzielanek played parts of 15 seasons in the big leagues - 2003 and 2004 with the Cubs - finishing in 2010 with Cleveland.

He's just now returning to the game, even though he said the managerial bug bit a few years back.

"Probably in the middle of my career, because as a player, obviously, we know best," he said. " 'What is he thinking, what is he doing?' All the managers that I played for. That thought (managing) has always crossed my mind, but thanks to the Diamondbacks for that and for believing and giving me the opportunity.

"Basically, I've been off for a few years, getting reacquainted with my family, hanging out with my boys I took some time off after my last season, going kind of crazy to get back in the game.

"With the passion and love I had, it was time to get back in."

Grudzielanek was a key member of the 2003 Cubs, who came within five outs of the World Series before losing the infamous Game 6 of the championship series against the Marlins and then falling in Game 7.

"I don't think there's a day where somebody doesn't say something about that year to me at a certain time and moment, with the Bartman incident," he said. "It's what could have been. What do you do?"

Before that, though, the 2003 season was a magical ride for the Cubs.

"Incredible," Grudzielanek said. "At some point, I just wish that every player could experience what we did that year, because that's how special it was."

Good first impression:

The Diamondbacks moved into Kane County when the Cubs left after two years as the Cougars' parent organization and moved their Class A Midwest affiliate to South Bend.

Arizona's introduction to fans and media at Friday night's "Meet the Diamondbacks" event was just as impressive as that of the Cubs two winters ago.

In addition to Grudzielanek and his coaching staff, also present was Mike Bell, director of player development, and Bob Gebhard, vice president and special assistant to the general manager.

Bell is a member of the famous Bell family. He's the son of former big-league third baseman Buddy Bell and the grandson of former big-leaguer Gus Bell.

Gebhard is an old-school type who was the first GM of the Colorado Rockies. He talked of good things for the Diamondbacks and the Cougars.

"I say this after we lost 98 games last year," he said of the big-league club. "I really believe that this is an organization, and I've been with a lot of them, that puts the emphasis on signing the right players, on developing, and part of developing is winning.

"There are organizations that in the minor leagues, the only thing that is important is developing. We feel very strongly that winning helps developing."

The Cougars won the Midwest League title last year as a Cubs farm club. This coming season will mark the franchise's 25th year.

Team owners Dr. Bob Froehlich and his wife, Cheryl, were on hand Friday.

"Obviously, everyone wants to have a winning team, that's a given," Bob Froehlich said. "It's about the people. It's about the process. It's about the product. That's what we're most excited about.

"You'll be blown away by these (Diamondbacks) people … They do things the right way, and they're so great communicating the process with everyone.

"We need a competitive product. They're doing things the right way, so we're very comfortable with this relationship."