St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 72

5 JAN 2 8 20P1 VP postnetcomsports ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH SPORTS SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2001 Dll Pro Football NFL KALL OF FAME INSIDER Baseball Umpires promise a bigger strike zone and this time they mean it Slater's first for induction will be St. Louis Rams Tth- ii i if fan JAMES A. FINLEYTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS Because of an injury, Jackie Slater played in only one game as a St. Louis Ram against Carolina at the Trans World Dome in 1995.

i THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Major-league umpire Ted Barrett gets a look at what is supposed to be called a strike at a meeting last week in Arizona. "You would have thought that I had played there forever, instead of one year." Slater had several anxious moments Saturday morning. Hall of Fame executive director John Ban-kert announced that seven men had been selected but only revealed six names. Bankert had dropped the envelope containing Slater's name but retrieved it in time to add Slater to the list. "You scared the heck out of me," Slater told Bankert.

Slater became only the eighth offensive lineman to be voted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Youngblood has been eligible since 1989. Youngblood amassed 150 sacks as an undersized but tenacious 245-pound defensive end from 1970-84. Youngblood will always be remembered for his gallant effort in 1979. He fractured his left leg in the first round of the '79 NFC playoffs but was fitted with a brace and played in the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl.

"The only way I knew how to play the game was to give everything I had on every play," Youngblood said. "And football is a game of pain. You have to fight through it" Levy also has a St. Louis connection. His first football coaching job was at St.

Louis Country Day in 1951-52. In the 1990s, Levy's Bills became the first and only team to appear in four straight Super Bowls. The bad news: They lost all four Super Bowls. "It's great to have something to celebrate on a Super Bowl weekend," Levy joked. The most emotional honoree was Swann, who waited 14 years for this day.

Swann's career (1974-82) was cut short by concussions, and that limited his number of receptions (336). But Swann consistently delivered memorable, acrobatic catches during the Steelers run of four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s. "I cried all the way over here," Swann said. Buoniconti, the nominee of the Senior's Committee, was the leader of Miami's "No-Name Defense" of the 1970s. Munchak made the Pro Bowl nine times in his 12 seasons with the Oilers.

Yary was a six-time All-Pro selection for the Vikings during the 1970s. Three offensive lineman in the same Hall of Fame class? "If a proud day for big guys, everywhere," Slater said. New directive will adhere more closely to the rulebook Compiled By Mike Eisenbath Of the Post-Dispatch Major League Baseball officials have plenty of gripes and groans with the game. But they are seriously attacking one issue, and you can count on them to stick with it all season. Basically, they have decided it's high time the rules of the strike zone were strictly enforced.

"You see (the strike zone) in the rulebook," umpire Mark Hirsch-beck said recently. "If we're told to call it, I'll call it." Ah, but that's the point. Umpires haven't followed the rules by calling strikes correctly for years. The strike zone generally has been a relatively small area from the kneecaps to the waist The rule-book demands the strike zone reach as high as the chest Commissioner Bud Selig and executive vice president Sandy Alderson have ordered umpires to call strikes in an area that equals three baseballs above the waist in addition to the area below the waist To make the point more firmly, all 68 big-league umpires assembled in Chandler, last week for instruction and admonition. Pitching machines fired fastballs and breaking pitches to the plate, where batters stood with tape across the chest of their T-shirts to signify the strike zone.

"Now they have a sense of what we're talking about," Alderson said. "It's a different approach from sending out a memo and expecting it to happen, which is something even I've done before. One of the commitments we made after the commissioner's office took over the umpires is to devote necessary resources." Some umpires tried out masks similar to those worn by hockey goalies and some baseball catchers, masks that probably make for better sightlines and comfort. They lined up behind catchers to work on calling the higher strikes, and they expect to remain diligent throughout spring camp. They plan to watch videotape of their work.

A group of umps will demonstrate the new strike zone which really is the old strike zone to managers and coaches at spring training, and all umpires expect to work on becoming more comfortable with the zone by setting up for batting practices and intrasquad games during spring camp. "By doing this now, everything will be identified and spring training should run well," said Angel Hernandez, one of the crew chiefs. "I spent 12 years in the minors, and you get molded into not calling every pitch (a strike) because you're being yelled at. I'm all for implementing this strike zone." It remains to be seen whether big-league hitters are ready to see it implemented. "What you see right here now, thaf the way it's going to be," veteran ump Al Clark said.

"Make no mistake about it. You see 68 umpires here, and 68 umpires are on the same page. If they're going to fight us, they're fighting city hall." Hanging out the Sheets Mark McGwire was in demand the winter after he broke Roger Maris' single-season home run record. But the Cardinals veteran had the wisdom and fortitude to turn down almost every invitation because he knew he had to stay prepared for the next season. Ben Sheets doesn't have that kind of experience, so he said yes to almost every speaking engagement and awards ceremony this offseason.

And good for him. He's 22 and stands as a symbol of sports patriotism after he was the winning pitcher in Team USA's 3-0 victory over the vaunted Cubans in the gold-medal game of the Sydney Olympics. "It's been kind of non-stop," he said. "It seems like every weekend you've got something. I don't think I've slept in the same bed four nights in a row.

It's tough to get going again (with baseball). It's getting to the point where if I'm not ready for the season, it does me no good." The Brewers' top pitching prospect has been honored at the final game played at Milwaukee's County Stadium, his old high school in Louisiana, the World Series and the Rose Bowl. He got married that had been planned already and took his new wife to Disneyland. And more good times might Seven players are named in this year class ByBernieMiklasz Of the Post-Dispatch TAMPA, Fla. Offensive tackle Jackie Slater spent only one of his 20 NFL seasons in St.

Louis, but on I Saturday he technically became first St Louis Ram to be voted intn rtio Dm Cnntholl Hall nf Fama Also included in the seven-man Class of 2001 was Los Angeles Rams defensive end Jack Young-blood, a courageous competitor who once played 2.5 games on a fractured fibula. Slater and Youngblood were teammates for eight seasons (1976-84). Slater credited Youngblood for "beating my butt in practice every day, and making me a better player. He taught me how to be a pro." The other Hall of Famers chosen by a 36-person panel of selectors were Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann, Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Ron Yary, Houston Oilers guard Mike Mun--ichak, Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy and Miami Dolphins line-i backer Nick Buoniconti. The Hall of Fame ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, will be like a Rams festival.

Youngblood and Slater will i' be inducted Aug. 4, and the Rams will play Miami in the annual Hall tj of Fame preseason game Aug. 6. i' The incredibly durable Slater was a Ram for 20 seasons (1976--95) and 259 games. At the time of Slater's retirement, the 259 games were the most by an NFL offensive -lineman.

Slater was voted into sev-2'en Pro Bowls, and opened holes for seven different rushers. Slater spent 19 seasons with the Rams in Los Angeles but moved to t'St. Louis with the franchise in 35 1995. Slater only played in one game that year because of a torn triceps, but he said he enjoyed his a St. Louis experience.

"The St Louis fans couldn't have been nicer to me," said Slater, who "'lives in Southern California with 9 his wife, Annie, and their two sons. in NFL NOTEBOOK Picture this: By Elizabethe Holland Of the Post-Dispatch TAMPA, Fla. Camcorders (i have become similar to party fa-jjvors during Super Bowl week, jj with more and more players each palming the machines to capture as many moments of the 1 zany week as possible, jv, This year in Tampa, several I. Ravens and Giants did their part keep up with the trend, Giants defensive backs Dave Thomas and Emmanuel Mc-Daniel went shopping together before their big week in Florida to purchase pint-sized camcorders valued in the neighborhood of $1,500 each, i "I bought it for this momentous occasion right here," said Thomas, beaming at the silvery machine like a proud father. "It allows me to capture the moment for my kids.

"I had an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl in '93 with the Dallas Cowboys, and I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted to, so now I have an opportunity to basically take pictures." For those curious about the sort of shots he took, Thomas was eager to demonstrate his finds. "I'm on a yacht right here," he said, calling up the image on the camcorder's tiny screen. "And I've got some of my teammates and myself driving the yacht right here. This is a picture of the city. This is a photo shoot.

So you might want to invest in it. I think it's a good investment." As does Ravens defensive tackle Sam Adams, who said he taped his entire media interview session Thursday. "Yes I did," he gloated, the camera still taping away. "I'm capturing you interviewing right now." Adams said he was doing so to record this "experience of a lifetime" and to "remember what you all said and the things you all have done." Emmanuel had similar plans. But that was before he acciden- tally zapped the memory on his high-tech camcorder, erasing the many moments he had recorded.

Thursday, he was trying to re- record what he could. "I'm trying to catch up on some players doing the taping optimistic. "He's just a one-year guy, and we're more interested in doing things for the long-term," Gillick said. Pirates ready for battles Lloyd McClendon, the new manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, knows that complacency could set in on his club because just a few changes were made in this offseason. So he's hinting that no job is assured.

Left fielder Brian Giles and catcher Jason Kendall might be the only regulars who could bomb in spring camp and not lose playing time. "Guys are going to have to go out and compete for jobs," McClendon said. "Guys who play for the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to have the opportunity to earn jobs this spring. But they're going to have to come to spring training and win jobs. We're not going to hand jobs out." The biggest battles might involve second baseman Warren Morris, shortstop Pat Meares and utility middle infielders Enrique Wilson, Mike Benjamin and rookie Jack Wilson.

Cardinals fans might remember Wilson, the organization's former shortstop prospect who was traded for Jason Christiansen. Rumor mill Anaheim outfielder Darin Erstad probably won't play left field this season. He's moving to center, with Garret Anderson sliding over to left. Anaheim tried to lure Will Clark out of retirement to play first base. Clark turned the Angels down.

The Rangers still are on the prowl for starting pitching. With extra outfielders on hand, they will use Gabe Kapler and Ricky Ledee as trade bait Hit and run Look for the Colorado Rockies to keep 11 pitchers rather than 12 when putting together their roster. They won't need a fifth starter in April because they have five off-days. The flip side of the schedule is that the Rockies have 33 games in the final 34 days of the season. Royals first baseman Mike Sweeney signed a two-year deal rather than something of much greater length because both he and the ballclub want to see what kind of new collective-bargaining agreement the owners and players association hammer out.

He wants to stay in Kansas City and hopes that a new agreement will help a small-market club such as the Royals, who then would be able to sign Sweeney for five years or so. Injuries: Padres hurler Carlton Loewer, sidelined for all of last season with a broken leg and a shoulder problem, plans to be ready to pitch again in May. Marlins starter Alex Fernandez still is trying to come back from shoulder surgery in July and won't be at spring training Two-time All-Star pitcher Jose Rosado has started throwing off a mound in his comeback from shoulder surgery. He should contend for a spot in the Royals' starting rotation. Writers in other cities contributed information for thismtebook.

BY THERMS 365 Batting average for Anthony Lewis of the Duluth-Superior Dukes last year. It was the top average in the Northern League, and he completed a triple crown with 33 home runs and 89 runs batted in over 86 games. Lewis, a 30-year-old first baseman, has been signed by the Chicago White Sox. He was drafted by the Cardinals in 1989 and spent seven years in their minor- league system. L30 Earned-run average for Atlanta Braves closer John Rocker in the second half of last season as he converted 12 of 14 save chances.

14 Pounds lost by Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Ron Beliard in the offseason. He played last year at 206 pounds, which the team believed was 16 pounds too heavy and contributed to his drop of 32 points in batting average. SW THXT AGAIN Chicago White Sox pitcher David Wells, on his physique: "I always look at it this way: I'm fat, and you're ugly, but I can diet. You don't run the ball to the plate. I've always been a big guy.

People keep pondering: "You're too fat You're too But I get the job done. It goes in one ear and out the other. You can't do certain things, but I try to keep myself in the best shape possible. I field my position very well, better than some people with 1 percent body fat. I shut them up with what I do on the mound.

be ahead. He could well make the Brewers' starting rotation. "He has tremendous ability and the right makeup to be an outstanding pitcher," said Tommy La-sorda, the Team USA coach. "I think he's capable of pitching in the big leagues right now. It's not just his pitching ability.

It's his attitude. He's going to make one hell of a pitcher." The Sosa saga The Cubs made a new offer of a contract extension to Sammy Sosa, whose deal ends after this season. It wasn't enough for Sosa, so there is talk now of a possible Sosa-to-Se-attle deal. The Cubs need pitching, and the Mariners have a surplus. The Cubs signed Jeff Fassero this winter, and the Mariners could send them Jamie Moyer, one of Fassero's best friends, among others.

What's more, the Mariners seem poised to sign free-agent in-fielder Manny Alexander, one of Sosa's best buddies. Still, realizing Sosa wants to pursue free agency, Seattle general manager Pat Gillick1 didn't sound pictures now," he said. "The media day, the field, everything since I've been here. I lost it all." Maybe not, though. With so many other players' cameras quietly whirring all week, chances are someone else captured much of what Emmanuel lost.

RAWiAM! DOLPHINS Wannstedt isn't interested in Green You can scratch Miami from the list of potential suitors for Rams quarterback Trent Green. Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt told reporters Friday in Tampa that he has no interest in trading for Green. "He had a chance to play this year, and I don't think he helped his stock much," Wannstedt said. Wannstedt pointed out that the Rams were 2-3 with Green as a starter, and Wannstedt said Miami QB Jay Fiedler is more mobile than Green. DETROIT LIONS Former MU coaches thrive in NFL Few could have predicted that former Missouri Tigers head coach Bob Stull's coaching staff of the late 1980s and early '90s would churn out one college and two NFL head coaches.

But sure enough, that's what has happened. Last week, the Detroit Lions hired former 49ers offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg an assistant under Stull at Mizzou as their head coach. Mornhinweg joins the ranks of former Stull assistant Andy Reid, the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, former Stull assistant Dirk Koetter recently left Boise State for an upgrade to head coach at Arizona State. While at Mizzou, Mornhinweg, Reid and Koetter were members of a staff that never posted more than four wins in a season.

But the past clearly has been forgotten. "You know one thing," Lions general manager Matt Millen said in a news conference Thursday announci Mornhinweg's hiring, "when you have something, you know you have it, you take it. Mar ty Mornhinweg is that guy. I really don't have much to say other than he comes with a great pedigree The man is all set. He has been waiting for this.

He has been preparing for this for a long time RAVENSGIANTS Common opponents favor Baltimore NFLCoaches.com, the official Web site of the NFL Coaches As sociation, says the Ravens have a stronger rating than the Giants heading into the Super Bowl. That assessment was deter mined in a survey of coaches whose teams played against both teams this season. The Web site asked the coaches from the seven teams that had played both Super Bowl contenders to rate, from 0 (weak) to 10 (perfect), a number of components regarding each team, The Giants edged the Ravens in offense, particularly in regard to New York running game. Defen sively, though, Baltimore won out, particularly against the rush The Ravens also dominated in special teams. Overall, the Ravens' rating was an 8.3; the Giants tabbed a 7.3.

TENNESSEE WANS Matthews is honored Titans offensive lineman Bruce Matthews received the Bart Starr award Friday in Tampa. The award is given annually to the NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, in the com munity and on the playing field Hall-of-Famer Starr presented the award to Matthews, who has been invited to 13 consecutive Pro Bowls and holds a league record for regular-season starts (213). Matthews has worked with the Leukemia and Lymphoma So ciety, the American Red Cross the Salvation Army and Athletes in Action, among others. Jim Thomas of the Post-Dis patch contributed to this report.