The San Francisco Giants will have a different face running the show at spring training Sunday.
Chris Berman, the iconic ESPN broadcaster and lifelong fan of the Giants, is serving as guest manager for the team's Cactus League contest against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday afternoon.
Like any good baseball skipper, Berman was in his team's dugout bright and early, dressed in full uniform with the lineup card in hand.
The Giants have countered the Russell Wilson-to-the-Yankees move by bring Chris Berman to camp as guest manager. pic.twitter.com/aR4Iw1bnK0
— Mike Oz (@mikeoz) March 4, 2018
Berman will wear No. 83 on his back for the day. He said he chose the number to honor his wife, Kathy, who died in a car accident last year.
Chris Berman is wearing No. 83. It’s the year he married his wife, Kathy, who died in May in a car accident. “That’s the right number,” he said. pic.twitter.com/vHZfxYpAkd
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) March 4, 2018
He also held court before the game, and went back back back back back to his childhood while telling a group of Giants legends about the first game he attended.
Manager for the day Chris Berman telling the story of the first Giants game he attended. pic.twitter.com/kTCWxjmpi7
— Jimmy Durkin (@Jimmy_Durkin) March 4, 2018
As for his tactical style as a rookie skipper, it sounds like the 62-year-old will be taking a more hands-off approach with his new team - so don't expect Boomer to signal for a hit-and-run.
"I think (strategy) will be understated today, because to be honest with you, there are a lot of names later on (down) on this card that you guys might know, but I'm just getting to know. So I think my style will be, (Bruce Bochy) to my left, Bam (bench coach Hensley Meulens) and (third base coach Ron) Wotus to my right," he joked to reporters, according to Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News.
Berman may be best known for his NFL coverage on ESPN, but he's got plenty of baseball ties as well. Berman was the voice of MLB's Home Run Derby for many years, and has also called some playoff games on radio.
