March 12--GLENDALE, Ariz. -- White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton and pitcher John Danks grew up being entertained by comedian and actor Will Ferrell.
They expect the entertainment to continue on the baseball field Thursday when Ferrell will play all nine positions in five spring training games across the Phoenix area, including the Sox and Cubs games.
Ferrell, who reportedly will be shuttled to the games by helicopter, is doing the stunt for an HBO special that will be aired later this year. He will join the Cubs in their game against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium at 3:10 p.m. Central Time. He will head to Camelback Ranch for the Sox game against the Giants at 6:05 p.m.
"He's awesome," Eaton said. "We're excited to meet him, and hopefully he does something special on the diamond."
Ferrell is honoring the Athletics' Bert Campaneris, who 50 years ago became the first player to play every position in a major league game. Ferrell is also dedicating the event to cancer awareness, and his game-used gear from the day will be auctioned off at MLB.com.
Eaton and Danks, who both named "Step Brothers" as a Ferrell movie they enjoyed, aren't expecting much more than humor from Ferrell when he takes the field.
"I don't expect a homer," Danks said. "I'm sure he's just trying to make contact. I imagine it won't be a quick at-bat. He probably has some sort of antics."
"I think he's going to find out how difficult baseball is extremely quick," Eaton said. "It's difficult to jump right in there and expect to show somebody something. It's a lot of pressure for him, so it should be interesting."
It won't be the first time a celebrity has suited up for spring training. Country singer Garth Brooks has played in the spring with the Padres, Mets and Royals.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a release that spring training is an appropriate setting for the event.
"Will is a big fan of our game, and many of us in baseball -- among our clubs, players and our millions of fans -- are big fans of his," Manfred said. "Major League Baseball is happy to take part in what will surely be a fun and memorable day for a great cause."
Here's Ferrell's complete schedule, subject to change. (All times are Central.)
2:05 p.m.: Mariners at Athletics (HoHoKam Stadium)
3:10 p.m.: Cubs at Angels (Tempe Diablo Stadium)
4:10 p.m.: Reds at Diamondbacks (Salt River Fields at Talking Stick)
6:05 p.m.: Giants at White Sox (Camelback Ranch)
8:15 p.m.: Dodgers at Padres (Peoria Stadium)
