LIVE: Will Ferrell spring training tour (for real)

Later today, actor Will Ferrell will play 10 positions — the nine positons plus DH — with 10 different MLB teams in five spring training games across Arizona. It’s not just a publicity stunt, it’s for a good cause. Nick Eaton of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer has the details:

The stunt — if you want to call it that — is part of Ferrell’s new project with Funny Or Die, HBO and the MLB to honor baseball legend Bert “Campy” Campaneris and raise funds for organizations fighting cancer. Campaneris, who famously played all nine positions for the Kansas City Athletics on Sept. 8, 1965, will join Ferrell on his Thursday spring training tour.

Cactus League ballparks are relatively close together, but Phoenix traffic can be nuts, so Ferrell will shuttle between ballparks in a helicopter. Here is his schedule for the afternoon:

3:05pm ET: Mariners at Athletics
4:10pm ET: Cubs at Angels
5:10pm ET: Reds at Diamondbacks
7:05pm ET: Giants at White Sox
9:15pm ET: Dodgers at Padres

So far we know Ferrell will play shortstop for the A’s, third base for the Reds, catcher for the Giants, pitcher for the Dodgers and DH for the White Sox. He will also reportedly umpire part of the Dodgers-Padres game as well.

We’re going to keep track of Ferrell’s on-field exploits right here throughout the day. We’re also going to post any fun photos, video, tweets … basically anything interesting about his day, so make sure you check back often. All time stamps are ET.

CLICK HERE TO REFRESH THE LIVEBLOG

>> Live Feed!

Here’s live-feed of Ferrell’s day. It’s operational, at least for now! All other updates will appear below this one.

>> 4:46pm:

How big of a deal is Ferrell’s tour of spring training? His cleats are going to the Hall of Fame!

>> 4:21pm:

Speaking of Ferrell and the Cubs …

>> 4:17pm:

Now that his work with the A’s and Mariners is complete, Ferrell is currently en route to the Cubs-Angels game, which has already begun. You can watch it live on MLB Network. He’ll be manning first base for the Cubbies.

>> 3:35pm:

Turns out Ferrell’s stint behind the plate with the Giants won’t be all that dangerous:

Lame! But, understandable, I guess.

>> 3:34pm:

After his half-inning with the A’s, Ferrell walked over to the other side of the field to suit up with the Mariners.

Of course Billy Beane traded him already!

>> 3:16pm:

The first half inning of Ferrell’s first game is complete.

>> 3:12pm:

Here is Ferrell taking the field with the Athletics:

And here is manning shortstop:

>> 2:41pm:

Here is the custom bat Ferrell will be using today:

>> 2:31pm:

Ferrell is in the A’s starting lineup, batting fifth. Fifth!

>> 2:00pm:

Does Will Ferrell at least vaguely resemble former major-league reliever Don Stanhouse?

Yes, Will Ferrell at least vaguely resembles former major-league reliever Don Stanhouse.

>> 1:54:

Not bad, not bad …

>> 1:31pm:

Here’s the man of the hour taking some hacks in the cage …

>> 1:25pm:

Bob Melvin has some advice for his new charge …

>> 1:18pm:

Ferrell’s locker is set up in the Angels’ clubhouse:

>> 1:01pm:

Here comes Mike Olt to rain on the parade:

Mike Olt: the guy no one wants to talk to at parties.

>> 12:34pm:

This live blog needs more cowbell.

>> 12:26pm:

Ferrell is already in Athletics camp and is stretching with the team:

He is also listed on the D-Backs’ lineup card:

>> 12:21pm:

In case you’re wondering, this will not be Ferrell’s first time playing in a professional baseball game. Five years ago he suited up as “Rojo Johnson” and pitched for the Round Rock Express, which was the Astros Triple-A affiliate at the time. Ferrell/Johnson was ejected after throwing behind a batter:

“Mentally, I feel like I have the strength of 10 men, after that,” said Ferrell/Johnson to MLB.com after the game. “Nashville showed a lot of stuff tonight. They’ve got a lot of moxie.”

Will Ferrell will suit up for 10 MLB teams on Thursday. (USATSI)

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