PLATTEVILLE, Wis. Because the Bears have not played inPittsburgh since 1980, this is a homecoming for more than Mike Ditka.
Tomorrow's game against the Steelers marks the first timeoffensive tackle Jim Covert will play at home as a pro, the firsttime linebacker Dan Rains will play at home since high school and thesecond time receiver Brian Baschnagel will play at home in an 11-yearpro career. Game is special
"This is a special game, no doubt," said Rains, who passed out50 tickets to friends and relatives. "Everyone was calling my wifeasking for tickets, people from the store, the gas station."
Rains is the only member of the Bears who still spendsconsiderable time in the Pittsburgh area. He and his wife, Debbie,who also is from the region, maintain homes in the Chicago andPittsburgh areas.
"I've always wanted to play a game there," said Rains, who hasbeen with the Bears since 1982. "I really want to play well for myfriends who haven't seen me play since high school. And having agreat game will help my chances to make this team."
Rains and Covert attended an Aliquippa, Pa., testimonial forDitka in the off-season. They grew up near where Ditka did inAliquippa.
Covert, who like Ditka starred at the University of Pittsburgh,said he wishes the Bears could play the Steelers more often.
"But when I came out of college I wanted to be drafted by anyonebut Pittsburgh," he said. "I grew up seeing and hearing about theSteelers, and it was time to go out in the world somewhere else." Old times recalled
Baschnagel said he and Covert talked about the times their highschools scrimmaged against each other, although Baschnagel and Covertweren't in high school at the same time.
The former Pennsylvanians won't have much time to appreciatetheir roots, as the Bears are not staying overnight.
"It would be nice to stay there for at least a night," saidBaschnagel, who hasn't been back in more than two years.
"I'm not sure I'd be much fun right now anyway," Rains said."I'm pretty caught up in football."
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