CINCINNATI — Brownsburg's Tucker Barnhart is back in the ballpark where workouts have some of the sights and some of the sounds of baseball.
It's getting used to the lack of fans, beginning on Opening Day on Friday, which will take some time to get used to.
"It's going to be odd, first and foremost, I think any opening day in any city will be different, but being Cincinnati where it's so special, the city kind of shuts down," Barnhart said. "There's fans everywhere. There's block parties outside the stadium. For that to not be able to happen it's sad really."
But at least baseball's happening for Tuck and the Reds.
Before there were home runs in practice, he spent the shutdown wait back in central Indiana. From hosting "Takeout Thursdays" where he left gift cards at various restaurants, for those who could use it, to spending precious time with his family.
Westfield Mayor Andy Cook welcomed Tuck as he hosted a spontaneous workout at Grand Park. Yes, physical distancing was a must.
But finally word that baseball was back. And so was Tuck with a negative COVID-19 test. Play ball!
It's an attitude that's been contagious for manager David Bell.
"The attitude of the people in our clubhouse has been remarkable," Bell said. "As much as we've talked about it, I was prepared to do my part, but they've taken it upon themselves to have a great attitude. There's not complaining. There's not negativity and that's been the key."
So, the grass is mowed. The mound's groomed. The chalk is down. And Tucker, set to bat from his preferred left side of the plate.
"For me personally I feel very good, very comfortable at the plate," Barnhart said. "And just looking to get the real thing going real soon."
It begins tomorrow. The fan noise might be pumped in but not a push for a championship.
"I think we're all looking forward to it," Barnhart said. "Playing someone in a different jersey. It's definitely going to be weird. The piped-in crowd noise, but we're all looking forward to another team beside ourselves."
Sixty games and for many, not a moment too soon.
