The thrill of the grass, the crack of a bat, the popping of a mitt and the smell of hot dogs wafting through the park – another summer of dreams. For many, the start of the baseball season is about hope and renewal. Hope springs eternal when Iowa Cubs fans pass through gates at Sec Taylor Stadium with wide-eyed enthusiasm for the home opener Friday. After opening the season on the road, the team will unveil a new $960,000 playing field, new manager Mike Quade and a roster that includes top prospects such as Bobby Hill, Francis Beltran, David Kelton and Nic Jackson, as well as major-league veteran Rod Beck, to the home crowd. Iowa Cubs President and General Manager Sam Bernabe, recent winner of the prestigious John H. Johnson President’s Trophy saluting minor-league baseball’s top executive, spoke with the Business Record about the 2003 season.

Q: How excited are you about the new season?

A: Our last game last year was Sept. 3, and I was ready for another season to begin Sept. 4. Opening day is a holiday.

Q: What are your thoughts about the team?

A: We have a good mix of free agents, rookies and veterans, and we’re pleased to have them here in Des Moines. Our collection of prospects is as good as we’ve ever had in one year. Hill is our top prospect and Kelton is a big home-run hitter. We also have several pitching prospects that throw 96-mph-plus. Our organization is coming together. If you want to see some of these guys, you better come quick.

Q: How important is the new field to the organization?

A: We were in need of renovations to correct problems with the field. The reason it was so extensive and expensive is because the field was sinking and we had deep depressions in the outfield and on the sidelines, making it unplayable and dangerous for players. We replaced everything, including the outfield warning track, the grass and the mounds. We also replaced the top four feet of gray dirt in the infield with a mix of clays. Now we’ve gone from having one of the worst playing surfaces to one of the best. The Chicago Cubs are also ecstatic that their players will be playing on it.

Q: What is the organization‚s goal for attendance this year?

A: Last year, we had about 509,000 paid. Our goal this year is to maintain that pace. If we succeed, we’ll be doing well.

Q: How long have the Iowa Cubs been the AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs?

A: Since 1982. I think it’s among the top three longest-running affiliations in minor-league baseball out of 167 teams.

Q: How many years have you been with the organization?

A: It’s a milestone year because this is my 20th season. I find myself hanging around longer than I thought. But baseball in Des Moines is special. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m honored and pleased to be with this organization and to be around this town and its fans.