Iowa Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija found a makeshift Number 83 jersey in his locker shortly after being promoted to Triple-A.

Samardzija had long traded in the navy and gold of Notre Dame football for blue pinstripes. But even he had to laugh.

Samardzija knows that until he proves otherwise, he'll always be that floppy-haired wide receiver who chose baseball over the NFL.

Samardzija signed a 5-year, $10-million contract with the Cubs in 2007. That's despite speculation that he could have been a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. The former Notre Dame football star made his debut for Iowa on June 24th.

Samardzija is 1-and-1 with an ERA of three in two Triple-A starts.