For Cubs manager Lou Piniella, the gruesome mass murder on theVirginia Tech campus Monday was more than just a distant news storyin a faraway place.
The scene of the shootings was personal enough to Piniella toinvoke thoughts of his son Derek and friend Frank Beamer, theVirginia Tech football coach.
"I have walked that campus many times," Piniella said. "That'sjust a tragedy."
Derek Piniella played football for Beamer for three seasons (1998-2000) as a linebacker and special-teams player before finishing hisdegree at the University of Florida. He played on the 1999 Hokiesteam that lost to Florida State for the national title in the 2000Sugar Bowl.
Lou Piniella managed the Seattle Mariners then, and Beameroccasionally attended games in Seattle as a guest of the elderPiniella.
"Beamer is a good man, good coach," Piniella said. "Derek reallyenjoyed the experience and the school. That tragedy [Monday], itbreaks your heart. It's a wonderful campus, and they've got a greatadministration over there.
"Boy, that's something that tears you apart when you hear aboutthat situation."
Piniella, who was tied up with media obligations much of the day,said about 1 hours before game time that he hadn't had a chance totalk to his son since learning of the shootings on the Blacksburg,Va., campus.
Thirty-three people were killed, including the gunman, accordingto reports Monday evening. At least 15 others were injured, someseriously.
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