Bobby Darula Update

I've tried to follow the careers of all the people I interviewed for The Funniest Thing I've Ever Seen: More than 100 crazy stories from minor league baseball. One of those stories finally has a happy ending.

Those who've read The Funniest Thing I've Ever Seen probably remember Bobby Darula's stories. His unforgettable utterance to an umpire is the book's second story and his stalker story are truly unforgettable.

I interviewed Darula in early May of 2004. At the time Darula was a little preoccupied. His brother, Joseph, was a marine serving in Fallujah during one of the most violent battles of the Iraq war. It seemed newscasts led with rising body counts from that region every day. Darula hadn't heard from his brother in three weeks.

The good news is that Joseph Darula made it home safely and is working in the stock market.

As for Bobby, he will start the season in the Atlantic League playing for the Bluefish; Bridgeport, Connecticut's minor league baseball club. The outfielder had a strong 2005 season with Triple-A Ottawa, hitting .311 and stealing 17 bases in 109 games. He waited too long to sign with an affiliated club – trying to play one team's offer against another, eventually losing all offers.

The Greenwich, Ct. native seemed content to be starting the season near his hometown. Those of you who know him should plan on seeing him early in the season. If he puts up numbers similar to last season, he won’t be there very long.

Read more about minor league baseball at minorleaguedugout.com