EVEN THE OPPOSING METS CHEERING FOR ADAM GREENBERG'S NEXT BIG MOMENT TUESDAY NIGHT

Adam Greenberg even has the opposition cheering for him for Tuesday night's second-in-a-lifetime major league plate appearance.

"What a story", National League Cy Young Award candidate R. A. Dickey told Newsday. Dickey will be the New York Mets' starting pitcher against the host Miami Marlins, although he will not necessarily face Greenberg since the Marlins have not said when Greenberg will step to the plate for the first time in a major league game since he was beaned in his very first contest in the National League in 2005.

"I know our guys will be on the top step clapping for him when he gets in the batter's box," Mets Manager Terry Collins told the newspaper's Marc Carig. Added Collins: "I'm anxious to certainly have the chance to wish him luck, tell him that we all support his charge back to try to become a major league player again...I tell you what, he obviously had some great skills because there's a lot of guys that didn't get one at-bat for lots of reasons."

Greenberg's last professional team, the Bridgeport Bluefish, located not far from the outfielder's home in Guilford, CT, also are keyed up for the game. The will have two flat-screen television sets carrying the SNY telecast of the game (7:10 start), and have invited all of their Atlantic League fans to join them in the Harbor Club at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport to watch Greenberg.

The Bluefish are providing appetizers and beverages and will have a cash bar, only requiring a $5 donation. Net proceeds will be donated to Sports Legacy Institute, an organization proving study, treatment and prevention of the effects of brain trauma. Fans should RSVP by noon EDT Tuesday if they plan to attend by calling 203 345-4800 or emailing info@bridgeportbluefish.com.

Good luck Adam!

A LONG 60 MINUTES

One would have to believe D. J. Ponder might have wished he was back in the Evansville, IN bullpen instead of getting his first collegiate start at quarterback for Tulane last Saturday.

Ponder managed a decent 21-for-44 passing day with one touchdown, but the 2012 Frontier League pitcher also was intercepted three times and the winless Green Wave took at 63-10 drubbing at the hands of Louisiana-Monroe.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE INDEPENDENT BASEBALL INSIDER FOR 2012. Subscriptions to the Insider reduced to only $35 from now through December, 2012.

REQUEST A FREE WEEK OF THE INDEPENDENT BASEBALL INSIDER

Get the independent minor league baseball trivia question of the day by clicking this link: Independent Minor League Baseball Trivia Questions