The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 27

MowcUtAPRIL 3. 19M THE TtWWESSgAti S'D Inkster wins Dinah Shore with 279 rV- -j. EH IB MTknesCOT EASTERN CONFERENCE Aaantic Ovmw Pet GB Streak Heme Any Cert 47 25 ta Lost I 32-4 15-21 31-15 Phila. 40 31 JU3 Won 3 27-10 t7l 25-20 Boston 37 34 .521 Lost I 29- 1-26 23-25 Wash. 34 37 479 I2vs Won I 26- 1-21 20-26 N.J.

24 49 3 23' Lost 3 15-71 -7l 15-33 Cnarfotttl? 54 239 Lost 5 12-25 $-2 t-M week's Masters at Augusta, Ga. "I've already thought of that," Sullivan said. "It's nice to be able to change plans to go to Augusta." When Sullivan started the day seven strokes off the pace, all he was thinking about was moving up in the standings. Then he got hot with five birdies over a six-hole span starting at No. 8.

After reaching the green on No. 1 3, he started thinking about winning. Craig Stadler, who led after 12 holes, shot a 70 to finish second at 281. Don Bies, who played near-perfect golf for two days, struggled to a 1-over par 73 on windy Sunday, but it was good enough to win the Senior Reunion Pro-Am title at Frisco, Texas, by a record six shots. Bies, the 1988 Seniors PGA Rookie of the Year, earned $45,000 for his first victory of the 1989 season.

He almost doubled his winnings for the year, boosting them to $89,611 Harold Henning made a mini-charge at Bies, shooting a two-under par 70 over the testy Stone-briar Country Club course. He earned $26,000 for second place with his 214 total. RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (AP) Juli Inkster, who completed a wire-to-wire victory yesterday in winning the $500,000 Dinah Shore tournament for the second time, said she was inspired by LPGA Hall of Famer JoAnne Camer. "JoAnne played very well for an older Inkster said with a laugh.

"Just kidding." Inkster carded a final-round 1-un-der-par 71 to win the Dinah Shore by five shots over Camer and Tammie Green, Camer, who turns 50 tomorrow, shot a closing 71 her fourth 71 of the tournament and Green had a 69. "Just playing with JoAnne kinda got me keyed up," Inkster said. "The way she plays the game is inspiring to me." Camer said she was delighted with her own play during the tournament "I feel great," she said. "I made enough money to go fishing." Inkstert Dinah Shore victory this year was considerably less suspense ful than her win in 1984, when as a tour rookie she beat Pat Bradley on the first hole of a playoff. Sixers blast Rockets PHILADELPHIA (AP) Charles Bark-ley scored 26 points and Hersey Hawkins had 23, leading Philadelphia to a 108-99 victory yesterday over Houston, which has not won in Philadelphia in 15 years.

HOUSTON () Berry 61 trl 11, Thorn 1S-JJ 37, Oaiuwon 4-1? 2-4 10, Floyd 2-5 0-0 Woodson 4-e 0-0 Chlevow t-4 0-0 B.Johmon 3-4 J-2 1, McCom 0- 0-0 0, Leaves 3- 0-1 1. Snort 2- 0-1 4. Tote 40-M 17-24 99. PHILADELPHIA (IN) Smith 4-1 3-4 II, Berkley 0-11 13-13 2, GmimW 1-13 e-e Choeks S-10 2-4 12, Hawklnt -l7 3-4 23, Welo 0-0 2-4 2, Anderjon 7-17 3-3 17, Brooks 2-5 0-0 Coleman 2-3 0-0 ITotak 36-12 32-31 100. Houston 24 23 12 2- PhtaottoNa 77 35 30 li-Mt 3-Poinl 9oaH-Hawln 2, Laavad, Floyd, Brooks, Bark ley.

Fouled out None. Rebounds Houston 54 (Thorpe 13), PhilaoXohia 49 (Barkley 10). Assists-Houskm 3) (Floyd II), Philadelohia 2i (Cheeks II). Total (outs Houston 25, Philadelohia 21. Technical Philadelphia illegal dehws.

A 12,947. CAVS 117, CELTICS 100: Brad Daugherty overpowered a weakened Robert Parish to score 20 of Cleveland's first 33 points and the host Cavs went on to beat Boston. BOSTON (HO) Pinckney 3-1 0-0 0, Lewis Ml 3-4 20, Parish 4-9 J- 2 10, Shaw 2-11 0-0 4, Johnson 2-10 10-10 14, Klein 0-S 2-2 2, McHale 16-30 2-3 34, Upshaw 3-10 0-0 6. Birdsong 0-00-0 0, Grandison 0-10-0 0, Gamble 2-3 0-0 4 Totals 40-105 19-21 103. CLEVELAND (117) Nance 3-6 0-0 Sanders 2-4 1-7.

5, Daugherty 11-12 S-6 27, Price 7-12 6-1 21, Harper 10-16 1-9 28, Williams 3-7 7-1 13, ENo 0-2 0-0 0, Valentine J-5 3-4 Rollins 2-3 0-0 4, Keys 2-3 0-0 4, Hubbard l-l 0-0 2. Dudley 0-10-0 0. Totals 43-72 30-37 117. Boston 25 26 26 23-100 Cleveland 29 36 24-117 3-Point goats-Lewis, Price. Fouled out-None.

Rebounds-Boston 59 (Parish 11), Cleveland 44 (Nance, Ehk) 6). Assists-Boston 27 (Johnson I), Cleveland 33 (Price, Harper 10). Total fouls-Boston 26, Cleveland 18. HAWKS 132, PACERS 109: Dom-inque Wilkins scored 19 of his 23 points in the second half as visiting Atlanta beat Indiana, its fourth victory in five meetings with the Pacers this season. ATLANTA (132) Koncak 2-4 0-0 4, Wilkins 7-20 1- 23, Malone 9-17 7-1 25, Rivers 10-15 3-4 24, Theus 10-13 7-7 27, Lev-Ingslon 4-9 2-2 10, Battle 4-10 2-2 10, Tolbert 0-2 1-2 1, Webb 1-1 0-0 2, Carr 0-2 0-0 0, Bradley 2-2 0-0 4, Ferreli 0-0 2-2 2.

Totals 49-95 32-36 132. INDIANA (109) Person 0-15 7-1 24, Thompson t-11 1-2 14, Smits 4-7 0-0 8, Flemino, 1-3 2-2 4, Wiltmen 2-4 2-2 6, Miller 7-15 7-1 21, Skiles 3-5 4-4 10, Schrempf $-8 8-8 II, Grey 1-1 0-0 2. Dreilina 0-0 0-0 0. Frnterirk l.i D-D i Yankees' power silenced After moving out front with a first-round 66 last Thursday, Inkster had a 69 the second day to take charge, then a third-round 73 that left her five strokes ahead of the nearest challengers. Although she appeared in command throughout the tournament, Inkster finished just one stroke better than in 1984 a 9-under-par 279 this time.

Inkster, who at 28 has stamped herself as one of the tour's leading players, began the final round with a five-shot edge on Camer, Jody Rosenthal and Lynn Adams. The LPGA tour this week is in San Diego for the Red Robin Classic The tour stops in Nashville April 28-30 for the second Sara Lee Classic. Mike Sullivan had a sudden change of travel plans yesterday after shooting a final-round seven-under-par 65 for a one-shot victory in the $800,000 Independent Insurance Agent Open at The Woodlands, Texas. Sullivan's first PGA Tour victory since 1980 earned him a trip to next "Six months ago, my finger was dangling," said Ojeda, 0-1 this spring with a 4.13 ERA in 24 innings after rehabilitation. "I'm happy the Mets have confidence in my future, and also that they are rewarding me for the past." Oakland strike looms OAKLAND.

Calif. (AP) Contract negotiations resumed late yesterday between Oakland Coliseum vendors and the company that runs the ballpark concession stands, raising hopes that the only strikes on opening day will be at the plate. Members of Local 28 Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union had threatened to walk off the Job today, when the Oakland Athletics play the Seattle Mariners, unless there was progress in their talks with Canteen-Volume Service. But talks resumed with a federal mediator after San Francisco East Bay public officials stepped in, the union said. Rose still popular COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Cincinnati Manager Pete Rose, under investigation by the commissioner of baseball, continues to be an attraction wherever he goes.

Columbus Clipper officials said 132 requests were granted for media credentials for yesterday's first annual Ohio Cup exhibition game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians. "We've got people here from Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, the Boston Globe and every corner of Ohio," said Jeff Buettner, Clippers director of media relations. Elsewhere in baseball Right-handed reliever Randy St Claire, who spent time at the Reds' Triple-A club in Nashville last year, has signed with the Minnesota Twins. Chicago Cubs pitcher Scott Sanderson, the former Vanderbilt standout, continued his comeback from back surgery by finishing the spring with a 3-0 record. Toronto finished spring training with a 21-10 record, the best in the majors.

The Giants' oldest player, 39-year-old Rick Retnchel, is also their opening night pitcher at San Diego tonight. 'hj AP Mike Sullivan blasts from sand enroute to victory in the Independent Insurance Agent Open. Chicago Cubs, Tim Belcher of the Los Angeles Dodgers or Ron Gant of the Atlanta Braves. However, Sabo says he's "never thought about" a sophomore slump. "I probably had mine in the second half of last season and got it over with," he noted.

In the first half of last year, Sabo batted .312. had 32 doubles, 10 home runs and 35 RBI strong enough to be named the only N.L rookie on the All-Star team. The second-half tailspin (.216. eight doubles, one Ha nine RBI) was as dramatic as his sudden surge to stardom. "There could be a sophomore jinx, but I don't think it will be involved with Chris Sabo," Manager Pete Rose said.

"Usually, very young guys win Rookie of the Year and they have career-type years. He did not have a career-type year and he's 26 (now 27). Sounds here "That won't be necessary now," Reds farm director Chief Bender said. "Rijo pitched four good innings against St Louis at Louisville. Murray (Reds general manager Murray Cook) told me Rijo's shoulder didn't give him a bit of trouble, he's ready to take his turn for the Reds when it comes up.

So Nashville's all set now." Scudder is the 21-year-old righthander out of Blossom, Texas, who had a combined record of 14-3 last season at Cedar Rapids (7-3) and Chattanooga (7-0), then this spring was an early standout with Cincinnati before experiencing control problems in his last two starts. "By having him pitch here Mon day, Scudder will be ready to pitch for AD 1 v-Detroit S3 17 .757 Won I v-CMd 52 20 .722 1 Won Mlwke. 44 26 tl 9 Lost 1 Chcago 44 27 j620 9V Won I Atlanta 43 21 .406 10' Won Indiana 22 49 31vi Lost 2 30- 4 33-1 29-7 27- 27-1 23-0 31-M 19-17 39-13 15-19 25-20 17-H 26-20 H-20 30-16 5-30 11-39 17-19 WESTERN CONFERENCE IWdwtil OMilaai Pet CB Slraak Any Cent 14-21 30-17 1- 27 21-20 10- 24 29-21 11- 26 24-25 3-35 13-35 2- 32 1-40 v-utan 44 27 JtlQ Denver 39 32 .549 Houston 39 32 .549 Dallas 33 39 .451 Losl i 30- 6 31- 29-1 72-13 14-17 11-26 Won I Lost 2 II' Won 2 Anlnio 19 52 2t 25 Losl 2 Miami 13 51 .183 31 LOSI 1 Pad DMiiM y-Lkrt 49 22 .690 y-Phnix 46 26 .639 Goktn St. 40 32 .556 30- 5 32- 5 26- 1 27- 1 22-11 17-20 14-20 19-17 35-12 14-21 32-16 14-24 27-23 12-24 29-11 11-27 26-23 5-29 II-29 3-3113-35 3' Won I 9 Losl I 10 Losl 11 Won 1 Seallle 39 32 49 Portlnd 33 31 .465 Scrmnto 22 49 10 27 Dippers 17 54 .239 32 Won! Losl I v-dinched playoff berth Saturday's Games Portland 125, Charlotte 121, OT Denver 114, LA. Lakers lot, OT Sacramento 117 Utah 97 Sunday's GatnM Philadelphia 101, Houston 99 Cleveland 117, Boston 100 Chicago 105, New Jersey 95 Atlanta 132, Indiana 109 Washington 120, Golden State 103 Dallas 90, Miami 96 Detroit 117, LA Clippers 101 LA Lakers 111, Milwaukee 117 Monday's Camel No games scheduled MAVERICKS 98, HEAT 96: Adrian Dantley's 20-foot bank shot as time expired lifted Dallas over Miami.

MIAMI (96) Long 3-7 4-4 10, Thompson 3-7 1-3 7, Seikaty 2-1 1-? Enw 3-3 27, Gray 1-3 0-2 J. Shasky 7- 2- Washington 2-6 2-J Hastings 3-4 2-2 Totals 40-76 15-24 96. DALLAS (98) n- Perinl '-'5 Williams "fK Blackman 9-20 2-2 20, Wennington 1-2 0-0 2, Wiley 1-6 0-0 2, Blab 0-00-0 0. Tyier3-5 0-0 6, Davis 1-1 2-2 41-89 15-11 98. 22 20 25 29-91 Dales 23 II 30 27 3-Potnt goals-Hastings.

Harper. Fouled o-None? a 12), Omas 44 (ertUnsT 'U- I-Wimi 26 (ThonToson, Sparrow 6), DaNas 27 (Harper 9). Total fouls-Miami 17. Dallas a Techr-Thwnpson. Danlley.

A-W446, LAKERS 118, 8UCKS 117: Byron Scott scored 32 points, including five three-point shots, In leading the Lakers to a victory over visiting Milwaukee. MILWAUKEE (117) Cummings 6-15 7-11 19. Krystkowlak 2-5 0-0 4, Sikma 7-12 l-l 27, Humphries 1-4 0-0 2, Moncrlef 7-9 1- 3 16, Mokeski 0-3 0-0 0, Pierce 13-19 1-1 29. Roberts 2- 3 1-2 5, Pressev 4-1 3-5 11. R.Green 2-3 0-0 4.

Totals 44-11 21-30 117. LA, LAKERS (111) A.C Green 6-11 6-9 II. Worthy 1-15 3-5 19. Abdut-Jabbar 4-8 2-4 10, Johnson 1-11 9-9 26, Scott 11-11 5-5 32, McNamara 1-1 5-5 7. Cooper 1-2 0-0 2.

Campbel 1-4 0-0 2, Woolrldge 1-5 0-0 2.TolaH 41-82 30-37 111. Milwaukee 24 29 30 34-117 LA. Lakers 25 29 36 21-111 3-Point goels-Sikma 5, Scott 5, Pierce 2, Moncrlef. Johnson. Fouled out Scott.

Rebounds Milwaukee 47 (Cummings I), Los Angeles 47 (A.C Green 10). Assists Milwaukee 26 (Pressev 7), Los Angeles 27 (Johnson II). Total fouls-Milwaukee 31, Los Angeles 25 Technicals Abdul-Jabber, Milwaukee assistant coach Hanblak. BULLETS 120, WARRIORS 103: Dar-rell Walker had 16 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in less than three quarters, leading host Washington to its 13th consecutive home victory. WflflfiT LAS VEGAS $179' acuonwuvMi 4DOM PC KKCH DO.

OCOFWCY, ATCUMIMI loYS mourn tMMoeu Riviera HotalS Casino Las Vagas Bernle Gflman, Representative nu KciaAMfu4 BUS INFO OPSIf 7 DATV A I93SEX 1(800)426-3741 Southwestern Bell Freedom Phone 6 16 Business System PJL -tax COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON 'Where Better Matters 105 Kingston 228-3987 Sptclal-Roeal Transmhsloii Sew fm GmUi Claa Liahagt. Inriuete Front Raw Stat Ubw Special Transmission Exchange Jmu Stephens 0-0 0-0 a Totals 31-72 32-34 109. AHantt 3625 37 34-132 kioiana 30 26 26 17-109 3-Pomt ooais-Wilkins, Rivers, Person. Fouled out-Smits. Miller.

Rebounds-Atlanta 46 (Malone 13), Indiana 40 (Thompson 11). Assists-Atlanta 25 (Rivers 9), Indiana 20 (Flemino 9). Total (outs-Atlanta 26, Indiana 28. Technicals-Indiana Illegal defense, Atlanta illegal defense, Koncak, Thompson, Indiana coach Versace, Person, Miller. PISTONS 117, CLIPPERS 101: Joe Dumars scored 23 points and Bill Laimbeer added 22 points and 18 rebounds as Detroit stretched their winning streak to eight games with a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

DETROIT (117) Manorn 4-6 1-2 9, Aouirre 4-1 2-2 10, Laimbeer 10- 14 2-2 22, Dumars 10-15 3-3 23, Thomas 4-11 1-2 9, Johnson 10-21 2-3 22, Rodman 2-5 1-1 5, Sallev 2-4 0-0 4, Williams 2-3 0-0 4, Edwards 3-4 3-4 9, Long 0-0 0-0 0, Demtoo 0-1 0-0 a Totals 51-92 15-19 1 17. LA. CUPPERS (101) Smith 3-11 3-4 9, Norman 11-M 1-5 24, Benlamln 6- 15 8-8 20, Dallev 1-15 1-1 17, Grant 7-17 3-3 17, White 2-2 0-0 4, Garrlctt 2-2 0-0 4, Whatley 3-5 04 6, Lock 0-1 0-0 0, Rose 0-0 0-0 0, Sumpter 0-1 0-0 (Hoists 42-85 16-21 101. Detroit 34 21 21 27-117 LA. Clippers 21 24 24 25-101 3-Poinl goal Norman.

Fouled out None. ReboundsDetroit 62 (Laimbeer 18), Los Angeles 31 (Beniamin 9). Assists-Detroit 79 (Dumars, Thomas 7), Los Angeles 31 (Grant 17). Total fouls- Detroit 22, Los angeies a. i ecnnicai uram.

A I4uy, BULLS 108, NETS 95: Michael Jordan, playing point guard for the 13th straight game, had his fifth consecutive triple-double and 10th of the season as host Chicago defeated hapless New Jersey. NEW JERSEY (95) Williams 5-10 0-1 10, Morris 9-19 0-2 18, Carroll I-14 1-1 17. McGee 7-12 1-2 16, Conner 0-3 0-0 0, Hlnson 5-10 4-4 14, Bagley 2-11 0-0 4, Lee 3-8 0-1 6, Gaines 2-4 0-04, Shackletord 2-3 0-0 4, Jones 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 44-95 6-11 95. CHICAGO (106) Pippen 9-15 5-5 23, Grant 6-7 4-4 16, Cartwright 0-6 4-4 4, Paxson 4-10 0-0 1, Jordan 11-23 S-S 28, Corzine 4-7 3-4 II, Vincenl 1-8 4-4 6, Sellers 4-1 0-0 8, Davis 1-4 0-0 2.

Totals 40-M 25-26 106. New Jersey 29 25 19 22- 95 Chicago 31 26 27 22-106 3-Poinl goals McGee, Jordan. Fouled out None. Rebounds-New Jersey 53 (Morris ID, Chicago 52 (Jordan 14). Assists New Jersey 25 (Conner, Baglev 7), Chicago 29 (Jordan 12).

Total fouls-New Jersey 18, Chicago 14. A 17,547. NEW YORK (AP) Don Mattingly will miss the New York Yankees' opening series at Minnesota because of back spasms, which have bothered him for the past week. Mattingly will undergo therapy in New York and is expected to return for the Yankees' home opener against Cleveland on Friday. "We're going to reevaluate him on Tuesday," said Yankees manager Dallas Green, who Saturday said he expected Mattingly would be available as a designated hitter.

"If his improvement continues the way it has, it's very encouraging." Mattingly was examined by team physician Stuart Hershon yesterday. A Yankees spokesman said the first baseman was "markedly improved." Without Mattingly and Dave Winfield, who is out for three months following back surgery, New York's lineup will lack power threats. "It's going to be pretty terrible starting without Donnie," Yankees third baseman Mike Pagliarulo said. "It takes a big chunk out of our team, but it also tests the team. Good teams have good depth, and it'll give us a chance to show our depth." Abbott leads Trappers ANAHEIM, Calif.

(AP) California left-hander Jim Abbott changed uniforms for an afternoon and threw six innings of shutout ball to lead the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers to a 13-1 victory over their parent club yesterday. Abbott, in his sharpest outing of the spring, needed only 66 pitches to work through six innings, facing only 22 batters and holding his new teammates to three hits. It was the first time this spring that the one-handed rookie didn't allow a run. Abbott is scheduled to make his major-league debut against the Seattle Mariners Saturday night. Ojeda, Mets agree NEW YORK (AP) Bob Ojeda, whose career nearly ended last September in a gardening accident, agreed yesterday to a S3 million contract extension with the New York Mets through the 1991 season.

The Mets, who have an option for 1991 at $1.6 million, will pay Ojeda $1.5 million in each of the next two seasons. The 31-year-old left-hander will make $925,000 this season. In September, Ojeda nearly severed a finger on his pitching hand and it had to be reattached by microsurgery. READY TO PLAY Philadelphia manager Nick Leyva watches as the Phillies play their last spring game against Toronto. Reds' Sabo faces sophomore season Free Installation! fi 'A -m -ael I mj SX ymkiwrnmam CALL 831-1200 Eager fans say 'play ball' COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON WE ARE ALWAYS YOUR TRANSMISSION CENTER 9 Special Transmission Tuneip taatM4 JAwi4W PLANT CITY, Fla.

Chris Sabo doesn't believe in black cats, broken mirrors, Friday the 13th or the sophomore jinx. Last season, Sabo became the first Cincinnati Reds player to win the Rookie of the Year award since 1976 co-winner Pat Zachry. But Sabo wasn't that impressed with his performance last season. And maybe that's why he's not concerned about the sophomore jinx, the legendary second-season slump that seems to hit players with impact rookie years. "I don't think I accomplished anything," Sabo said in his matter-of-fact approach to the game and life in general.

"It was nice getting the award and everything, but it does not mean a whole lot. It does not make you play any better or any worse." It does, however, focus the magnifying glass on his second season more closely than say, runner-up Mark Grace of the Scur.ds rcstcr The Sounds are one player over the league's 23-man limit and must cut a player before the season starts Wednesday at Indianapolis. The rostor as it now stands: Catcher: Joe Oliver, Doug Gwosdz. Pitchers: Jack Armstrong, Keith Brown. Scott Scudder.

Jeff Sellers. Hugh Kemp, Roesler, Griffin, Gray, Lute Vasquez, Rob Lopez, Charlie Mitchell. nratbase: Marty Brown. Second Date: Keith Lockhart. Third base: Luis QUnones.

Shortstop; Jeff Richardson. OuMWc Chris Jones, Van Snider, Rolando Roomes. RetervM: Eddie Tanner, Skoeter Barnes, Scott) Madison, Mark Gar-mann, Disabled list: Pitchers Chris Ham-momd, Jim Jefferson, Candy Sierra and outfielder Brian Lee Rniey. Menage: frank Luccfiesi. Pitching coach: Ray Rlppelmeyer Trainer: John Young.

BUD BURNS Sounds notes Four Sounds, pitchers Jeff Gray, Mike Griffin and Mike Roesler and catcher Doug Gwosdz, were with the Reds when they played exhibition games at Louisville and Columbus, Ohio over the weekend. if rain should force postponement ol today's scheduled workout, will be held tomorrow, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The Sounds are scheduled to play Middle Tennessee State University tn an exhibition tomorrow at 6:30 p.m then depart tor Indianapolis to open play Wednesday against the Triple-A Alliance champion Indians. BUD BURNS Towing available Customer lounge Modern facility Security ijttem for overnights We repair clutches, loo! hate the tltmil reputation in Nethtilli" tnrtudn: Chuff noil Fihci. Adjim land Me I MILK.

1 Specials above apply to most cars trucks Limited Time Only-Call For Free Estimates COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON Owners, wallowing in record earnings and a new four-year TV deal for $1.5 billion with CBS and ESPN, are throwing their weight around, too. No one missed the lesson demonstrated by the Chicago White Sox, who backed the State of Illinois into a sweet new stadium deal last year by threatening to move the team to Florida. Then there's the dismal prospect of an April without baseball in 1990. A crippling, fan-enraging strike looms if these two zillionaire clubs, the players and the owners, can't hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement Does all this put the humbug curse on the summer game? Nahhhh. "This game is so big and so great it can survive all those hazards," says Detroit Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell, who has watched the evolution of baseball from radio booths for 48 years.

"In one sense, these things the big money, the celebrity, even the scandal just embellish the image of baseball. People hear about these players, all the money they make, and they come to get a glimpse." True enough. Despite the hand-wringing in spring training sports columns, fans turned out in record numbers for exhibition games. In fact, baseball has never been more of a hit In the five-year reign of Peter Ueberroth, who just stepped down as baseball cornrnlssloner, the game developed a marketing sensibility to match its mythic image. And at- tendance and television revenue soared.

After the potential strike threat the biggest worry facing owners is the clamor for expansion. And the baseball rage extends beyond the pros. With the game becoming an Olympic medal sport in 1992, the world is adopting it. The first-ever Soviet national baseball team arrives Saturday for a month of learning and playing exhibition games. Baseball films are hot The script for an '88 baseball movie, Bull Durham, was nominated for an Academy Award.

Eight Men Out, a handsomely shot drama about the men caught up in the 1919 Black Sox gambling scandal, scored big with critics last year. And Major League, 1989's first baseball entry, premieres in movie houses Friday. Theater made use of baseball dreams in Fences, which won both the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award in 1 987. And Cobb, a new play which uses the life of legendary Detroit Tiger Ty Cobb as a kind of ironic metaphor for U.S. power in the 20th century, just began a run in New Haven, Conn.

Look, too, for an affable mix of politics and baseball in the administration of President George Bush. He was the captain of Yale's baseball squad, and his son heads up the new partnership of owners of the Texas Rangers. Bush, who makes no secret of his baseball enthusiasm, is bringing Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to the first baseball opening day of his term. He'll throw out the first ball in Baltimore today. TEF3HE8SEE Nashville Saturday at Buffalo," Bender comtinued by telephone from Plant City.

Three prospective Sounds pitchers Chris Hammond, Jim Jefferson and Candy Sierra are on the disabled list and were left in Florida for extended training. And a fourth, outfielder Brian Lee Flnley, reportedly has gone home to recuperate from a broken wrist received while sliding in a game against Los Angeles. The left-handed throwing Hammond has a stiff shoulder and Jefferson, a righty, a broken wrist but reports are that nothing is physically wrong with Sierra, that the Cincinnati organization is merely trying to move him. It has not been determined when Jefferson will be able to join the Sounds. A NASHVILLE CONVENTION CENTER APRIL 4, 5 Thousands of Industrial and business product lines on with live demonstrations! SHOW HOURS: April 4 April 5 12 Noon 9 PJVL (NO ONE UNDER 18 ADMITTED).