The Questions With Zach Duke
What was yourwelcome to the big leagues moment?
Pitching in Pittsburgh the first time [in '05]. I was coming off the field, andthe whole stadium started chanting, "Duuuuuuke!" [after he blanked thePhillies over seven innings]. It was unreal.
Your mostembarrassing moment?
Last year I was on second, and there was a line drive to shortstop. I went backto the bag and sprained my ankle. I was safe initially, but I stepped off--Iwas like, It hurts! Walk it off!--and I got tagged out.
One thing aboutbeing a ballplayer that fans don't think about?
When everybody in the stands wants a ball, they say, "Hey, it's mybirthday, can I have a ball?" I wish they knew we can't always give themaway. We don't really have that many, and we have to use them for BP.
If I werecommissioner for a day, I would ...
try not to screw things up.
LAST WEEK
The 23-year-old lefty improved to 7-8 on the year, beating the Rockies.
THIS WEEK
Duke is to start against the Giants, to whom he allowed three runs in sixinnings last month.
PHOTO
JASON BRIDGE/US PRESSWIRE (DUKE PITCHING)
PHOTO
GENE J, PUSKAR/AP (DUKE HEAD SHOT)