Besides giving headline writers nightmares with their lengthy last names, former Notre Dame All-Americans Jeff Samardzija and Tom Zbikowski have managed fairly encouraging pro debuts.
And they have maintained a friendship that was forged in college.
And they have maintained a friendship that was forged in college.Samardzija, who started Wednesday's Cactus League opener for the Cubs, is vying for a spot in the rotation after getting a taste of the big leagues last season.
Zbikowski, a third-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2008, saw action on special teams and at safety for the AFC runner-up during his rookie season.
Zbikowski was in Arizona last week and saw his college buddy's start.
"We're used to hanging out every day for four years straight," Zbikowski said. "In the off-season we only have maybe a month or two to hang out. Jeff came out to Baltimore a couple of times to see a game."
Samardzija, at 6 feet 5 inches and 225 pounds, was Irish quarterback Brady Quinn's favorite receiver.
"I think Jeff would have been a first-rounder as a wide receiver," Zbikowski said. "Just seeing the things he does with his height and size and athletic ability … he had highlight catches pretty much every week."
Samardzija says he is happy with his choice of baseball.
"I have a smile on my face all the time. I'll let those football guys bang around all they want," he said. "The average [NFL] career is three years. I'd like to stay here my whole career and play for a lot of years. I love doing what I'm doing."
The Bears travel to Baltimore next season, not exactly a homecoming for Zbikowski, who was born in Arlington Heights and attended Buffalo Grove High School.
"To line up and play against the Bears should be fun," he said. "I was hoping it was at Soldier Field."
Zbikowski and Samardzija watched the Fighting Irish struggle under coach Charlie Weis.
"Thank God they got a bowl win, finally," Zbikowski said. "That's going to help out with the heat that was on coach Weis. And I know they have a lot of young talent. Hopefully they will keep that rolling."
Sights seen: After Norm Van Lier's funeral, about 20 members of the Chicago media and other longtime friends joined Van Lier's widow, Susan, and daughters Hilary and Heidi for lunch.
Van Lier was found dead Thursday at 61. Fellow Bulls legend Johnny "Red" Kerr passed away later that night. Kerr's sister, Joan, attended Sunday's wake for Van Lier and disputed the notion that Kerr had not invited Van Lier to take part in the Bulls' tribute to Kerr on Feb. 10 at the United Center.
"Red loved Norm," she said. "He was on Johnny's list."
Word on the street: Zbikowski registered an easy knockout in his pro boxing debut against Robert Bell at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2006.
"Football is obviously top on the agenda now," he said. "If something happens that I can't play football, I will definitely turn to boxing."
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