Teams interested in Bucky

As has been talked about on JapaneseBaseball.com, Bucky has been interested in playing in Japan. He had mentioned this possibility in an interview with Jim Street in 2004 as well.

Also as mentioned in the posts at JapaneseBaseball.com, Bucky did have a workout where teams were invited to see Bucky's progress. According to his agent, Bucky was back to his old self and in great shape. There were no issues with his knees.

We'll let you know as soon as we hear from Bucky and his agent as to Bucky's team in 2006.

Recap of What's Going On

In September, the Mariners called up Bucky from the minors and was told not to report. The club then outrighted him to Tacoma, which means he was removed from the 40 man roster.

Bucky finished the season with Tacoma and was not offered another contract by the Mariners. This action made Bucky a free agent, free to negotiate with whomever he chooses.

As of this time, Bucky is continuing to work out and talk with teams about possibilities for next season. His agent is hopeful to have some news by year's end.

Welcome to our new format!

In an effort to make things easier to get posts up, etc., I have decided to use Blogger.com as a way to keep the content on BuckyBackers.com fresh.

Bucky's Call Up!

After parts of eight years in the minor leagues, Bucky Jacobsen's dream has come true - he's been called up to the major leagues. Bucky's first game will be Friday, July 16th.

Talking with a number of sportscasters and reporters from Seattle, it seems as if Bucky's call up, along with the other players from AAA Tacoma, has energized the fans at Safeco Field. Two to three times as many fans showed up for batting practice as usual. The Fox Sports broadcast of Thursday's game mentioned Bucky and other callups a number of times. Dave Henderson, Mariners' broadcaster, was particularly hopeful of the new youth movement that has come to the Mariners.

To make room for Bucky, the Mariners had to make a number of roster moves. First baseman Jon Olerud and catcher Pat Borders were both designated for assignment. The Mariners have ten days to trade them, release them, or send them to the minors. Reports say that the Mariners have been trying to trade Olerud for about a month now. Olerud, who had a no-trade clause in his contract, vetoed a trade to San Fransisco earlier this month.

Here's the coverage on Bucky's call-up.
Seattle P-I: Bucky Jacobsen too big to ignore
Mariners' Official Press Release
MLB.com: Olerud designated; Jacobsen up (includes comments from Bucky)
Seattle P-I: Olerud out, Bucky in
Seattle Times: Olerud let go today, Bucky Jacobsen brought up
The Spokesman-Review: Mariners dump Olerud, Borders
AP Newswire: Mariners Moving Olerud Off Roster

The 2001 Bucky Backers™ Trip to Indianapolis

The Bucky Backers™ headed to Indianapolis the morning of August 31 for the last home game for Bucky in the 2001 season. Dan, Nate, Ron and Aaron, all in various Bucky Backers™ t-shirts, left Illinois ready to cheer Bucky on in the land of corn. We figured we could pick up a 5th person to help with the B-U-C-K-Y sign in Indy.

We got into Indy about two hours before game time. As we were crossing the street to the park (which is a great park to watch a game - it's only about 4 years old), we ran into Paul on the median. Paul is a fellow Bucky Backer who attends the University of Illinois. Aaron had tried to contact him about the game but wasn't sucessful. Paul saw the Instant Message on his screen that morning and decided to do the roadtrip. His roommate, who is from Indianapolis, decided to join him.

We picked up the tickets that Bucky was nice enough to leave for us. Our seats were behind home plate with the rest of the players' families. It was rather fun. Signs were made, cheers discussed, and supper was consumed.

The game started and the Bucky Backers™ were their normal selves - always boarding on obnoxious but never pushing over the line. Bucky had a decent game, going one-for-four with a single. It was good to see him in action again.

After the game, we met up with Bucky outside the Players' Enterance. As usual, Bucky signed cards, balls and bats for anyone who asked. After the crowd had disapated, the group chatted with him for about 45 minutes. Bucky shared about his mother's battle with cancer. He also talked of his struggles this season. It was good to catch up with him.

When players leave tickets for people, they sign up the people and the number needed on a clipboard in the clubhouse. Bucky's teammates who signed up people after him quizzed him - "Who are these Bucky Backers™?" Bucky laughed and shared the story. The reaction? "You don't deserve a fan club!" they ribbed. Bucky responded, "You're right, I don't!"

Bucky also talked of next season. His goal? He wants to be in Milwaukee by All-Star break. We joked that that would be a shorter commute for us.

As things were winding down, Bucky handed out some hats for the guys in addition to a couple of broken bats he was able to save. He said it was the least he could do for us. Bucky signed the signs and the bat. We started to pack up and get ready for the four-hour trip home.

As the fireworks started, Bucky left with his roommate to pack up their apartment. After their last series in Louisville, Bucky was going to drive down to Huntsville for the playoffs. He had helped the Huntsville Stars win the first-half title and wanted to support his teammates there. Again, nothing short of a class act. From there, Bucky would head home for a break before heading to Venezeula.