{image1}Milwaukee baseball fans have always liked blue collar players who work hard. Scott Podsednik, a 27-year-old product of West, Texas, has fit that description all season and has become a National League Rookie of the Year candidate because of it.

"I've just come to the ballpark every day ready to play the game hard," said Podsednik in a recent interview. "My dad (Duane) taught me to take that approach. I learned coming up through the minors how to play hard and smart. I'm still learning how to play this game every day."

In addition to a good attitude, Podsednik brings tools to the game. He has sprinter's speed. In fact, in high school at West, he excelled in the 300-intermediate hurdles and also lettered in basketball.

"I've had to learn how to use my speed," he said. "Flat out speed won't steal a base or get to a fly ball. You have to incorporate it with intelligent play."

The highlight of Podsednik's season has to be a 47-game on-base streak. For more than a month, you couldn't keep him off the bases. Whether it was a base hit, walk, error, or via taking one for the team, Podsednik got on base.

Even a nasty cut near his eye, suffered when he slid into a tag by Marlins' catcher Ivan Rodriguez, couldn't stop the streak. Podsednik got stitched up and was back in the lineup the next game. "It was an incredible run," Podsednik said. "It was a lot of fun. First of all, it's my job. Hitting second, my job is to get on base."

Manager Ned Yost is one of Podsednik's biggest fans. "He forced his way into the lineup by playing hard and producing," Yost said. "He comes to the ballpark every day ready to give you everything he has."

Success didn't come immediately this season to Podsednik, who was claimed on waivers last fall after toiling primarily in the minors for the Mariners and Rangers. He made the Brewers as a fifth outfielder after a solid spring, but Alex Sanchez still was patrolling center field.

When Podsednik got a chance to play, he produced. He eventually beat out Sanchez for the starting spot. The Brewers eventually felt so comfortable with Podsednik in center that they traded the erratic Sanchez.

Now Podsednik is being mentioned along with Florida pitcher Dontrelle Willis as the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year. "Something like that would be nice, but I'm not thinking about it," Podsednik said.

"When I was claimed by the Brewers last fall, I was excited because I thought it might mean a chance to play. I just kept working hard and tried to be ready for an opportunity. I appreciate the fact the Brewers gave it to me."

Podsednik has continued to improve his chances during the Brewers' recent hot streak. He went 6 for 10 during a six-game homestand — all Brewers' victories. He hit two homers in one game and has shown more power in recent weeks.

Most pre-season polls have the UW football team ranked in the top 25 of the nation. Bucky opens this weekend at West Virginia, which should prove a worthy opponent on its home turf.

The keys to the Badgers' season are how Jim Sorgi performs at quarterback, whether Lee Evans can regain his form at wide receiver and how both the offensive and defensive lines meld as units.

Look for Barry Alvarez's team to earn a bowl bid and provide some real entertainment at Camp Randall this season.

Wauwatosa West football and track star Antonio Freeman has expressed his intent to attend Wisconsin next fall. Freeman is the state champ in the 100 and 200 meters ... Gary Menzel won the WSGA Senior Amateur Championship at Chenequa in Hartland this week with a two-day total of 143 ... Michael Welch homered in extra innings to give Coach's an 18-17 win over Funjet in the Miller Genuine Draft Softball Tournament championship game at Wilson Park this week. Dave Sieloff of Coach's had doubled in the tying run to send the game into extra innings.

Sun Prairie's Mike Wherley is on the U.S. Men's 8 rowing team which recently competed in the World Rowing Championships in Milan, Italy ... Jason Eichhorn of Wisconsin Rapids won the National Championship Musky Open with four muskies totaling a record 147 _ inches ... The U.S. gymnastics team will make an exhibition stop at the Resch Center in Green Bay on Oct. 10. Chelsie Memmel of West Allis and Paul and Morgan Hamm of Waukesha are on the team.

The Packers wrap up their pre-season Thursday night against the Titans at Lambeau Field. Look for a regular season preview and NFL predictions in this column next Thursday and for the first On The Pack of the season on Sept. 8

The Brewers are at Wrigley Field this weekend and return to Miller Park on Labor Day to start a series against the Reds. Then, they host the Cubs on Sept. 5-7.

Wave United ends its regular season with games at Cincinnati on Friday and Indianapolis on Sunday. WU hosts Minnesota in a playoff game on Sept. 5.

The Milwaukee Bombers host the Chicago Sharks in Aussie Rules Football at noon Saturday at Kletzsch Park.

Most area prep football teams are in action this weekend.