Tickets for Nature

Experience certainly hasn't changed Jack Wilson's love for the game. Each winter when PirateFest rolls around, the Bucs shortstop can barely contain his enthusiasm to get back on the field. Unfortunately for the hyper Silver Slugger winner, he'll have to restrain himself a little longer than normal this year. A month after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Wilson's weight is down, his stamina is low and he won't be able to run at full speed until the stitches in his stomach dissolve in another two or three weeks.

"Basically what we are looking at is slowly but surely getting into shape without overdoing it, having a relapse and getting sick again," said Wilson. "It's tough. I'm really itching to get going. The problem is, I'll take 15 or 20 ground balls and be gassed just because I'm not in shape." Although Wilson, because of his injury, will be permitted to report to Spring Training with the pitchers and catchers on Feb. 17, his workout regimen will be light early in camp. Wilson said that the team has marked March 15th as his target date to participate in Grapefruit League action. He has higher aspirations, but promises to follow the instructions of his training staff.