March 9, 2013
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Diamondbacks rookies put on quite
a spirited performance for teammates Saturday morning — with an assist
from some local high schoolers.
In an initiation
routine orchestrated by veteran closer J.J. Putz, the rookies — Nick
Ahmed, Chris Owings, David Holmberg, Zeke Spruill, Chase Anderson, Tuffy
Gosewisch, Ed Easley and Matt Davidson along with first-year assistant
trainer Ryan DiPanfilo — showed off a pair of cheerleading routines
learned Thursday at Chaparral High School, about 10 minutes from Salt
River Fields.
The Chaparral cheerleading squad taught
the rookies the routines for almost two hours Thursday, and the group
performed in front of clearly amused teammates before stretching for
workouts on a chilly, rainy Saturday
morning.
Reliever Josh Collmenter last weekend led
another group of rookies in full costume to the Arizona Renaissance
Festival, where they participated in a handful of activities and
contests.
-- Tyler Lockman
