The Courier News from Blytheville, Arkansas • Page 8

But, Things Have Changed! Mel Hein Is Back in Football By SANDY PADWE NEW YORK Less tlian Iwo weeks after Al Davis contacted him, Mel Hein found himself sitting in a brown-paneled Park Ave. office, a bit bewildered and a little awed at the fre- netic activity in the Ameri- i can Football headquarters. It's a different a different the one Mel Hein knew 25 years ago when he was premier center in professional football with the New York Giants. Those were the days before television and the forward pass revolutionized the style of pro football. It also was a time when attendance at the Giant games had not become the status symbol that it is today.

Instead of the Harris Tweed and Johnny Walker Black crowd, the old Giants depended on the ed, White Mule group which because it enjoyed watching men like Mel Hein go 60 minutes. Hein made the all-league team eight times and subsequently has been elected to the Professional Football Hall of Fame. He met Al Davis, the AFL's new commissioner, when Davis was an assistant at the University of Southern California. Hein had a similar job there for the last 15 years. But when Davis called and offered him the job as supervisor of officials, there wasn't much hesitation.

"It took me a day," Hein said. "This man is a great organizer and he's very ambitious. Under his rule, this league will progress and that's why The rest of the staff at 280 Park Ave. talks about Davis the same way, as if he's the original combination of the Pied Piper, Horatio Alger and Sammy Click. Davis has promised his staff action and before Mel Hein could sharpen his pencils, there was the commissioner at the bridge leading the battle of invective the National League.

The Giants had just signed Buffalo's Pete Gogolak, who had played out his option with the Bills. It was, some said, a decleration of "war." "We didn't even have options," Hein said, smiling. "Very few players even got a bonus when I was play- Ing and the contracts were MEL HEIN only for one year." At that moment, Davis literally burst into Hein's office, carrying on a running interrogation with a reporter and his new supervisor of officials. "Well," hs said, "what you think this will do to the structure? "What do you think the AFL will do?" Mel Hein looked confused and his boss, Al Davis, with a broad smile, was shining his shoes on an electric machine in the corner of the room. "The Hart bill comes up next week he was saying, and again bewilderment crossed Mel Hein's face.

Two weeks ago Hein was out in the southern California sun. Now he could look out the window, and, if he was lucky, see streaks of sun in the cracks between the buildings. Mel Hein was back, but it all had changed. and NFL Are Married Era of 'Instant Rich Kid' Ends By MKE RATHET NEW YORK (AP) The National and American Football leagues have linked hands in a merger plan that will produce a gigantic 26-team league and end an era that turned college glamor boys into instant millionaires. The marriage between the 15-team NFL and the nine-team AFL took place at a hastily called ceremony Wednesday that ended their bitter six-year battle and at the same time left this year's college crop standing at the altar.

"It look like I graduated just in time," said Joe Namath, the New York Jets' $400,000 quarterback and the original instant millionaire. "I think large contracts will be harder to come by for everybody without the competition between the leagues." "I guess you'd have to say I just got in under fiie wire," said Mike Garrett, the Heisman Trophy winner from Southern California who signed for a reported $300,000 with the Kansas City Chiefs. "I'm sure lucky." "I'll ten you one thing," added Namath. really look- Ing forward to that title game between the two leagues." The title game will take place at the end of the 1966 season and will mark the first time teams from the two leagues will meet on the playing field. The NFL and AFL will hold their separate title games before meeting in the world game.

That was one of the key items iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiinniiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiniinnnii COURIER NEWS SP6R1S THURSDAY, JUNE 9. FAQS EIGHT listed in the plans announced Wednesday that eventually will expand the new league 26 teams in 25 cities by 1970, under the supervision of Pete Rbzelle, now the NFL commissioner. The major points, besides the champion game, on which the two leagues reached agreement were: existing franchises will be retained and no franchises will be transferred from their present locations. 1970 when all existing contracts expire and a single schedule is drawn up, the two leagues will continue to operate separately. the leagues still are operating individually, they will not be permitted to engage in inter-league trading of players.

new franchises for a total of 26 will be added no later than 1968, one in each league, and two more teams will be added as soon as practical after that. two leagues will conduct a common draft following Cagers Want 'Clause 7 Cut But Bosses Dont Cringe By GORDN BEARD BALTIMORE (AP) Officials of the National Basketball Association seem somewhat less than shaken by a players' suggestion that the reserve clause be eliminated from NBA contracts. The NBA players association made the proposal Wednesday as the league's board of governors wound up a two-day meeting. Walter Kennedy, NBA president, said the matter would be referred to a standing committee and reviewed at a special meeting to be called sometime late In July. But Kennedy said the primary purpose of the July meeting would be to discuss officiating A-State Gives 3 Track Grants JONESBORO, Ark.

(AP) Arkansas State College announced Wednesday the signing of three athletes to track and field grants in aid. Coach Jolm Rose said Cleve Warrick of Little Rock Central, Patric OToole of Hialeah, and Dale Harrison of Daytona Beach, signed with the Indians. Wantefc hw run the 440-yard dash in 49.4. O'Toole Ms a 1:354 to the mile run and Har- tfson ii toss of 174 feet in the in the NBA and the possibility of a merchandizing program to promote the league through the sale of various articles. Oscar Robertson, of the Cincinnati Royals and president of the players' group, and attorney Larry Fleisher outlined the suggestions of the association.

'We discussed the items briefly and then referred them to a standing committee including Ned Irish of New York, Earl Foreman of Baltimore and Fred Zollner of Detroit," Kennedy said. Fleisher told newsmen the NBA would be wise to ease contract restrictions before either the courts or Congress moved against the reserve clause which binds a player to a particular club. But Kennedy Indicated the current trend of Congress was toward giving basketball, football and ice hockey the same antitrust protections as baseball, with the reserve clause regarded as a necessary evil. "In effect," Kennedy said, "the players want to be free to deal with any team. Their suggestion would eliminate the present contractunl arrangement which prevents them from negotiating with any other team in the league." PETE ROZELLE the 1966 season.

leagues will begin playing inter-league exhibition games before the 1967 season. There will be continued two network television coverage. In addition, the plan calls for the AFL to pay the NFL 518 million over a 20-year period, plus the money received from the addition of the two new franchises holders. The peace plan was seen as a victory for both leagues. The NFL will be paid a total that will reach in the neighborhood of $25 million when the money from the new franchises is added.

The six-year-old AFL ends its long search for recognition and a claim to parity with the 44-year-old NFL. And both leagues cut off the multi-million dollar war for player talent, ended the escalating raiding battle and insured themselves of additional revenue through the championship game meeting. While solving most problems the plan did, however, leave two big questions unanswered which would be the next franchises and what would be the position of Al Davis, AFL commissioner, in the merger set-up. There were no concrete answers but it appeared that the leading franchise contenders were New Orleans, Seattle, and Cincinnati. Davis was not available for comment but it was considered doubtful that he would take a position in the new alignment.

Friends predicted that he would return to coaching. Also up in the air was the question of whether merger might bring antitrust action from the Justice Department, which said in Washington that it would take a "close look" at the plan. Rozelle said he did not SAN JOSE, Calif. Alex Benitez, 1J5V6, San Jose, outpoint- ed Manuel Oci.oa, 127, Los Angeles, 10. think there would be any problems.

"We have talked with Senator Hart, and Rep. Celler who are chairman of the judiciary committees in their particular houses," Rozelle pointed out. "I feel tnis realignment certainly isn't a risk and isn't unwarranted. Football is a spori with certain business aspecs. don' see where nlrgmnoites makes it more of a business." Rozelle also established firm ly that although the two leagues will not formally merge unti 1970, he is the top man starting immediately.

1 am commissioner of botl leagues as of right now," he said. Asked why the AFL had to pay the NFL, Rozelle said 'A portion of it must go to the New York Giants and San Fran Cisco 49ers for encorachment on their territorial agreements. We did the same for Washington when we moved a franchise inti Baltimore." Rozelle was making reference to the fact that the Giants and AFL's New ork Jets and th 49ers. and the AFL's Oakland Raiders share the same market In addition, Rozelle said "Our owners felt that in reeog nizing and joining with AFL teams, we were adding value their franchises." Rozelle also left no doubt tha any player contracts signei with a rival league for 196 would be voided under the terms of the agreement which stipulates that there can be no inter-league trades before 1970 Rozelle also made a distinc tion between the cases involving soccer-style kicker Pete Gogo lak and quarterback Roman Gabriel. Gogolak played out his option with the AFL's Buffalo Bills and signed with the NFL's New York Giants.

Gabriel, a mem ber of the Los Angeles Rams, is reported to have signed a con tract with the AFL's Oakland Raiders to begin play in 1967. Rozelle said, "the Gogolak contract has been duly ap proved. It will not be affected by the merger." As for the Ga briel ease, Rozelle said: 'Since this would involve a future date, it would be a case that would have to be Open 24 Hours A Day BRACKIN CAFE 3RD RAILROAD PO J-9929 Fonutlj OceapM by BOOM Clwun Tfn Wow om Here ED HAYES Clutter-Up Week FURNITURE FROM THE COACHES' OFFICES, PAINT buckls and earps had the lobby in a clutter. The smell of paint, acrid and progressive, rushed up to greet the visitor like an old friend. It's clean-up and paint-up week at tbe Blytbeville High gym.

Bob Williams, shirts and shorts, Us hand out, came barreling through the disorder like a broken-field runner. Inside the play area of the gym, where the Chickasaws try to outshoot the enemy and the physical education boys and girls perspire for credits, there was no clutter. Only dirt. And heelmarks. It looked like the hardwood had just been used for the senior prom and an assembly of gay-spirited Shriners.

Which it had, of course. In the smaller lobby at the other end of the building there was more fresh paint and more paint-speckled tarps. Some Order Finally There was order, finally, in the football equipment room. What new equipment that has been ordered isn't all in yet but if the practice season were to open tomorrow, they'd be prepared. Bob Williams, BHS head football coach, believes in being ready.

He knows the football season has a way of sneaking up on you. They keep the equipment vault locked. It's a valuable room. To give some idea, the football budget this year is $4,300. Seems like a lot of money, right? It is, but football is a way of life and Hs requirements aren't cheap.

Bob said: "The superintendent (J.K. Williams) made point with me. He wants the best equipment possible on these boys." Still, the budget is about $1,000 less than it was last year. No, no corners were cut. Wise spending.

"Some things we'd rather pay a dollar more for and have it last us two years." Among the new items are tough-skinned practice jerseys. They come in three colors, scarlet, navy and gold. As much as possible, the coach said he wanted to use the various colors to distinguish the so-called first-stringers from the second and third units. Psychologically, perhaps, the third unit must dress out in the traditional color of the Golden Hurricane, the archenemy from Jonesboro. If the Chickasaws dislike the color, they must fight their way out.

Where the Buck Goes Taxpayers might be interested in just how each dollar is spent in equipping a young man who appears and says he wants to play. Bob, approaching his second year on the Blytheville scene, has it worked out to the penny, right down to jocks and socks. According to his figures, it costs $129.87 per player. This tallysheet, however, includes an 18-dollar football. "Of course, I'm not going to give every boy a ball," he said.

On the other hand, the tally does not include such items that are used for the off-season weight and agility programs. These figures are based strictly on the essentials for each individual: Head gear, chin strap, shoulder pads, hip pads, thigh pads, knee pads, shoes, belt, jersey, pants, shorts, shirt, socks, supporter, mouthpiece and practice jersey and pants. The $129.87, multiplied by 50, comes to $6,493.50. "There are a lot of other costly items, too," the coach pointed out. In this list are two-man and seven-man sleds, dummies, scrimmage vests, kicking tees, warm sideline coats, field markers, flags, medical supplies, maintenance of facilities, travel, officials, game guarantees, insurance, awards, sweat- suits and the equipment for the off-season business.

Plus, as Bob put it: "Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera." Helmets Costly Biggest cost for personal equipment is the 22-dollar helmet. This is understandable. Bob believes in protecting the head first of all. He prefers the suspension-type helmet. There are 11 new helmets.

The rest have been reconditioned and you can hardly tell the difference unless you look closely to see the scuff marks. Incidentally, in the budget this year is included for the reconditioning of the helmets. Some shoes have been reconditioned also. Shoulder pads cost $18. They are the second most costly item.

This, too, is understandable. We must protect those big broad shoulders. Right, girls? Bob locked the equipment room and sauntered back to tbe front of the gym. The building was quiet now. There was only the soft whirring of the big ventilator.

It was noon and the painters had scattered for lunch. The coach would also like to have gone home for a tasty repast but had to pass up the luxury. "I just took a diet pill," he explained. Today's football coach finds that nothing conies cheap, least of all a streamlined waistline. AMARILLO, Tex.

(AP)-The Arkansas Travelers broke loose for four hits in the 17th inning Wednesday night ot score four times and defeat the Amarillo Sonics 6-2 in a battle that was played in a 40-miles-per-hoia wind from the sixth inning on. The game required four hours and 12 minutes. A collision between shortstop Ed Pacheco and center fielder Ron Davis on a pop-up behind second base by Roy Majty opened the flood gates for the Travelers. The hit went for a double, which was followed by another two-bagger by Steve Hunts. After one batter was retired, Floyd Wicher and Danny Breeden smashed singles which, along with a throwing error, produced the four runs.

Loser Tow Fuller had relieved nine-game winner Don Wilson, who hurled the first 13 innings. Amarillo scored in the second on Elijah Johnson's seventh homer, which came across starter Dick Hughes, and Leo Posada drove in another for 2-0 Sonice lead in the third. After that through 14 chapters, the Sonics managed nothing against Hughes, Chuck Taylor and LOB' Newton, who got his fourth victory against one loss. In other Texas League action Wednesdy Dallas-Fort Worth blanked Albuquerque 3 0 and El Paso tripped Austin 1-0. At Arlington, southpaw Jim Ellis hurled a four-hitter, fanned eight and walked two in gaining his fourth victory for the Spurs in six decisions.

Dallas-Fort Worth scored BIS WIH, BIO WIND Travs Win in 17th twice in the second inning and once in the third. Jim Sencer's sixth-Inning home run was all El Paso needed in backing George Slier- rod's four-hit pitching in the victory at Austin. Sherrod had a no hitter until the sixth when Rafael Gomel singled. Ark. 000 002 000 000 000 46-15 Al'bU Oil 000 000 000 000 0615 1 Hughes, Taylor (7), NewtoS (12) and Breeden; Wilson, Fullen (14) and Hoffman.

W-Newton (4-1). L-Fullen (1-2). Johnson (7). IN CONTROL LOS ANGELES (NBA) One of the reasons Don Sutton is such a success as a rookie pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers is control. In his first year of organized ball in 1965 he pitched 249 innings at Santa Barbara and Albuquerque and walked only 45 batters.

Win and Loss at KC KANSAS CITY (AP) One John Brown University tennis player was victorious and another was defeated Wednesday in the first round of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics tennis tournament. JBU's Norman Tyser heat John Underwood of St. Ambrose 6-4, 6-2 while Drew Shields of Rockhurst defeated Ken Emanuelson of JBU 6-3, 6-0. You'll Enjoy "It's Highly Contagious" But you will lovt every minutt ot it. See one of our Salesmen tor your Swing Fever Deal! They're Great.

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