Shark gets the call for 'The Show'
Shark gets the call for 'The Show' Save Email Print
Posted: 12:54 AM Jul 25, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:53 PM Jul 25, 2008
 Reporter: Jeff Jeffers
Email Address: jeff.jeffers@wndu.com
27 comments
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A source within the Cubs organization told NewsCenter 16 just after midnight on Friday morning that former Irish All-America Jeff Samardzija would join the club later in the day. Shark will take the spot vacated by Kerry Wood who was placed on the 15-day disabled list before Chicago's win over Florida on Thursday.

Now the Cubs have made it official. Shark is expected to be in uniform with the North Siders face the Marlins at 2:20 Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Samardzija, who is from Valparaiso, was 4-1 since being called up to Class AAA Iowa. He made the jump from college to the major leagues in just over one year. He decided to opt out of the 2007 NFL draft and signed with the Cubs. Shark played in the minors but was invited to spring training earlier this year where he pitched well. He began the season at AA Tennessee before moving up to Iowa.

Samardzija was a two-time consensus All-America for the Irish football team and also was a mainstay of the Irish baseball squad. When Samardzija pitched at Frank Eck Stadium there would be standing room only crowds.
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Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Me thinks Karen didn't wait long enough for her hater comment to post. I guess it's all about Karen.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jul 29, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Oh anon, stop it. You probably could not place a pitch anywhere near the zone and over 70 MPH if your life depended on it. You must not have seen him pitch yet. Hater.
Posted by: To Karen Location: Plymouth on Jul 27, 2008 at 09:41 AM
That really IS a shame, Karen. I'm sure it would have been really well thought out and continuing to tell all of us how wrong we are for being happy for Jeff. Maybe you should reword the comment and try again.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 26, 2008 at 11:59 AM
The kid is nothing but a wild ball pitcher! He won't last.
Posted by: Karen on Jul 25, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I guess if you don't agree with WNDU they don't use your comment
Posted by: to Karen Location: Plymouth on Jul 25, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Isn't it nice to see some good news for a change rather than dwelling on the bad? Maybe this is more important to some folks that are tired of reading about all the crime and killings....
Posted by: Die Hard Cubs Fan Location: Maricopa, AZ on Jul 25, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Go Cubs, go Jeff! I hope you have a long career with the Cubs. I wish you much success.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: Huntsville, AL on Jul 25, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Karen, how horrible of us for wanting a little bit of good news for a change! You may be right the bank robbery is more important, but this put a smile on our faces and made at least 18 other people happy.
Posted by: happy Location: joy joy on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:31 PM
way to go now if we can just get him to play for the bears too....
Posted by: Susan on Jul 25, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Way to go Jeff!!! I've been following you thru the minors, waiting for this day to come. Congrats and enjoy yourself!! You've earned it!! Now, go make some Cubby history!! YEAH!!
Posted by: Karen Location: South Bend on Jul 25, 2008 at 04:24 PM
look I'm glad Jeff is pitching.....but what is nore important the bankrobbery/shooting or this???
Posted by: dmac Location: las vegas on Jul 25, 2008 at 03:45 PM
He also stopped to get a pastrami sandwich, took a bathroom break shortly thereafter. Stopped briefly to tie his shoes, got his luggage and then hopped into a large American made sedan, a Whit Marquis I beleive. He sped off to meet the team sometimes topping the spped limit of 65, but usually below. I'll report more later.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 25, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Geez Dmac,,,,stalking him?
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Jul 25, 2008 at 02:00 PM
When a talented two-sport athlete chooses baseball over football, more than half the time it doesn't work out as well as planned. I hope this works out for Jeff. He has made progress in the minors and deserves this chance. If the Cubs use him in the right situations at first, he can prove himself. Good luck and congratulations Jeff!!
Posted by: kelley Location: south bend on Jul 25, 2008 at 01:23 PM
we're so proud of him! :)
Posted by: John Location: Fort Wayne on Jul 25, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Another kid from "Da Region" done Good!!!
Posted by: Linda Location: Goshen on Jul 25, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Congrats to Jeff!! All your former Notre Dame fans have been waiting for this. Now, show them what you can do!!
Posted by: pam Location: saint joseph, mi. on Jul 25, 2008 at 11:43 AM
GO SHARK!!! GO CUBS!!! HOW AWESOME!!
Posted by: raggedy Location: south bend on Jul 25, 2008 at 11:11 AM
yes! yes ! yes! way to go jeff and welcome to the biggest fan club not only are with the best baseball team but i know ou will show them how ell you can pitch
Posted by: Fan Location: South Bend on Jul 25, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I'm so excited! i've been waiting for this!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jul 25, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Great news!!! The kid has some good stuff and I hope he does well. He has an advantage over other players coming up in the pros. He has been in front of huge crowds at ND and other schools. Lets hope this is just his first step to becoming a starter for the Cubbies.
Posted by: Lindy Location: South Bend on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Yes!! Go Jeff!
Posted by: kathy Location: elkhart on Jul 25, 2008 at 07:58 AM
YES!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see the Shark in the big leagues!
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Jul 25, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Congratulations, Jeff! Way to work hard towards your goal.
Posted by: Dan Location: Toronto on Jul 25, 2008 at 07:10 AM
What a great thing to happen to Jeff. It's very nice to see someone who has given us so much excitement and thrills on the grid iron, from 'the catch' against Purdue in his Junior year to the game saving play in his Senior year vs UCLA, have success in other areas of life. Well done, Jeff.
Posted by: dmac Location: las vegas on Jul 25, 2008 at 06:12 AM
its a done deal. he was on flight 228 us air out of las vegas thur night. loaded his bag on plane and sitting in seat 1c. good luck to him

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