Hartford Courant from Hartford, Connecticut • Page 35

THE HARTFORD COURANT: Wednesday, March 19, 1997 jC7 Saberhagen has a lot to offer Judge grants Mesa separate trials training notebook By PAUL DOYLE Courant Staff Writer FORT MYERS, Fla. To Mets fans, Bret Saberhagen is linked to a dark, surly era. Think Bobby Bonilla scuffling with the media. Think Vince Coleman tossing Indians closer Jos Mesa was granted separate trials on sex and weapons charges Tuesday in Cleveland, and he also will be tried separately from a co-defendant. Mesa will go on trial March 31 on charges of rape, two counts of gross sexual imposition and felonious assault.

No date was set for a trial on a rharriA nf rarrvinn a mm ri A concealed weapon. y-j The Indians start their season I 4-u Vj) April 2 at Oakland. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Thomas Curran granted the defense request for the separate trials "in the interest I i (I h. Think Saberhagen spraying bleach at reporters. That incident smeared Saberhagen's reputation.

Before arriving in New York, he was an affable pitcher with the Royals. After New York, he was considered a troublemaker. So how has he reinvented himself with the Red Sox? SABERHAGEN of justice." He expressed concern that testimony about the weapons allegedly found by police in Mesa's car could prejudice the jury on the other counts. Curran also agreed to split Mesa's case from co-defendant David Blanco. The charges are related to a complaint by two women that Mesa and Blanco improperly touched them Dec.

22 after meeting at a Cleveland nightclub. Mesa, 30, has pleaded not guilty and is free on $10,000 bond. Cox ejected from game with Mets Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox was ejected for arguing from the dugout in the first inning of a 1-1 tie with the Mets in West Palm Beach, Fla. Cox was ejected by plate umpire Gregg Gibson after a called third strike on Fred McGriff ended the inning. Umpires, still upset over the Roberto Alomar spitting incident in September, have said they will instantly eject players, managers and coaches for the slightest arguments.

Greg Maddux allowed one run and six hits in five innings and walked none. Mets starter Bobby Jones gave up one run and five hits in five innings. gen said. "A lot of the things I need to work on, I can do anywhere. I need to be arOund those guys." So rather than remain in Florida in extended spring training, Saberhagen will be with the team.

When they return to Boston April 10, Saberhagen will be in uniform. "I really want him around," Williams said. "He's good in the clubhouse. He's pitched for a long time and he knows his stuff." Saberhagen, who did not pitch last season, had shoulder surgery in May and is on schedule to return this season. He began throwing off a mound last week and will gradually increase his work while building arm strength.

If his progress continues, he will be activated early in the season. Saberhagen, who is 141-100, 3.19 ERA in 12 seasons, said he is looking forward to playing in Boston. "It's been a long way to come back, so I'm trying not to get too excited," Saberhagen said. "But I'm glad the Red Sox gave me this chance. I'm told everything is going the way the doctors expected.

We'll see. But believe me, if I get back and pitch at Fenway, I'll be pretty anxious." Bullpen allows no runs The Red Sox got lOVb scoreless innings from their bullpen as they finished 13 innings tied 2-2 with the White Sox Tuesday at Cite' of Palms Park. Starter John Wasdin allowed rwo runs in 2 innings, but Vaughn Eshelrnan, Mike Maddux, Joe Hudson, Heathcliff Slo-cumb and Johnny Ruffin shut out the Wrjite Sox. Frank Thomas and Albert Belle did not play for the White Sox. Tim Naehring hft a two-run homer in the fourth.

General manager Dan Duquette emerged from hiding to do an interview on NESN after the game. Duquette has been in his office for a week, watching games through his office window. Before and after games, the curtains are often drawn Donald Fehr met with the Red.Sx before the game. Minor leaguers Ranidy Brown and Walt McKeel, along with bullpen catcher Dana Levangie, were asked to leave the meeting. Each participated in spring training replacement games two years ago.

After the meeting Brown had a lengthy discussion with union leader Mark Belanger. The Red Sox are scouting the Indians, particularly pitching prospect Bartolo Colon. They are also looking at outfielder Brian Giles and lefthander Alan Embree. The Indians have inquired about John Valentin, but were reportedly told he is not available. That could change.

C1AC semifinal watch The semifinals of the 75th CIAC boys basketball tournament continue today with five games at four sites. Class No. 25 seed Bloomfield (13-10) vs. No. 4 Harding-Bridgeport (23-3) at Naugatuck High, 6 p.m.; defending champion and No.

2 St. Joseph-Trumbull (23-3) vs. No. 35 McMahon-Norwalk (12-1 2) at Jonathan Law High in Milford, 7 p.m. a Class No.

1 seed Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (22-1) vs. No 4 Aquinas-New Britain 1 7-6) at Plainville High, 7 p.m. Class Si No. 8 seed Rocky Hill (20-5) vs. No.

12 Immaculate-Danbury (20-5) at Naugatuck High, 7:45 p.m.; No. 7 Marianapolis Prep-Thompson (21-4) vs. No. 6 Putnam (22-3) at Killingly High, 7 p.m. Fast facts: St.

Joseph and Harding will need to go through two unlikely opponents if they are to meet as expected in the Class final. Bloomfield, under first-year coach Vernon Mitchell has rebounded from four consecutive losses at the end of the regular season. In the tournament, Jabari Gaines, a 5-foot-8 senior guard, is averaging 22 points, Lavoy Darden, a 6-1 junior, 19.3 and 6-4 senior Kieon Iverson 1 2. Harding, the FCIAC champion, has won its past seven games since a 67-59 loss at St. Joseph Feb.

1 8, its only loss to a state team. Senior forward Rashawn Counts (1 0.3 ppg), unior guard Travis Upchurch (1 0.3 ppg), senior guard Eric Marshall (12.3 ppg) and senior guard Anthony Williams (14.7 ppg) have led Harding in the playoffs. Robert Doss, a 6-7 junior, is averaging eight points St. Joseph is in the semifinals for the 1 3th consecutive season. The Cadets feature Providence-bound T.J.

McKenzie, a 6-1 1 forward averaging 20 points in the tournament. Senior guard Jim Driggs (6-2) is averaging 1 0.7 points and 6-3 senior guard Jon Paul Calandruccio 1 1 .3 for St. Joseph. Vernon Thompson, a 6-4 senior swingman, provides additional size along with 6-9 junior center Larry Jackson, 6-5 sophomore forward Tony Metz and 6-5 freshman forward Mike Vumankovich. McMahon, despite returning five starters, started the season 1 -6.

The Senators defeated Bassick-Bridgeport in their final regular season game to qualify for the tournament. Terrell Abraham, a 6-2 senior guard, has scored 86 points in four tournament games for McMahon. Joe Howell, a 6-4 junior swingman, is averaging 17.3 points, and 5-9 senior guard Derek Oliver (13 ppg) and 6-1 junior forward Anthony Patterson (10 ppg) also have contributed to McMahon's run. Shannon Jennings, a 6-6 senior, starts at center for McMahon, which lost 88-59 at St. Joseph Feb.

4. It will be the third meeting of the two Northwest Conference teams in the Class game. Northwest, which swept Aquinas 63-52 and 56-52 in the regular season en route to the conference title, has won 1 7 in a row. Brooks Sales, a 6-9 junior forward, is averaging 23.5 points in the playoffs. Kurt Reis, a 5-10 point guard, is averaging 17 points and 6-5 senior forward Everton Stewart 16.5 for the Indians, last year's Class runner-up.

Aquinas has averaged 92 points a game in the tournament. Caleb Vinson, a 6-4 junior transfer from Avon Old Farms, is averaging 22.5 points in the tournament. Sophomore 5-1 0 guard Antoine Harris (3 1 ppg), 6-4 senior swingman Oliver Kaljuvee (13 ppg) and 6-2 junior swingman Keeyon Pope (16 ppg) are the other key players for the Saints Class was expected to be unpredictable and it has been. Rocky Hill has come out on top in two close games in the second round and quarterfinals. The Terriers have 5-9 senior guard Ray Williams (18.7 ppg in tournament), a Vinal Tech-Middletown transfer.

Mike Minukas, a 6-1 senior forward, is averaging 15.7 points and 6-1 senior forward Walter Shicko 1 1 .3. Immaculate, despite its low seed, was expected to be one of the favorites. The Mustangs, SWC tournament champions, benefitted from being only one of two schools in the 1 6-team SWC. Senior 6-0 guard Sean Lomas (22.3 ppg in tournament) leads a team that returned all five starters. Justin Verner, a 6-1 senior guard, is averaging 1 0 points and 6-6 senior center Jason Boudreau 1 0.3.

Brian Stewart, a 6-5 senior forward, and 5-1 0 senior guard are the other starters for Immaculate, which has won seven consecutive games The Putnam-Marianapolis Prep game will be the fourth for the QVC rivals. Putnam has won the previous three, including a 67-58 victory over the Golden Knights in the QVC tournament final March 8 at Killingly. All-State 6-2 senior guard Tom Espinosa (25 ppg in tournament) and 6-3 senior forward Eric Mauer (14.5 ppg) lead the Clippers, winners of 1 9 consecutive games. Marianapolis has rebounded from the academic loss of leading scorer Pedro Rodriguez (20 ppg) in midseason. Francisco Llovet, a 6-3 sophomore forward, has produced with 1 8.3 points a game in the playoffs.

Joe Rivera, a 5-10 senior guard, is averaging 13.7 points. Gary A. Bunko Morris wants 30, at least unofficially Officially, Hal Morris' hitting streak ended with last season. But in his mind, it's at 29 and counting. When he comes to the plate Opening Day, he says something "I never knew him before this camp, but he seems like he's mellowed an awful lot," manager Jimy Williams said.

"He's a great guy on the team." On a team lacking leadership, Saberhagen, 32, is filling a void while coming back from shoulder surgery. He will not pitch until at least the end of May, but his presence has been felt. When the Red Sox made position changes 10 days ago, Williams held a team meeting. Williams opened the floor to comments and questions. No one said a word.

Then Saberhagen spoke. He urged his teammates to remain focused and not let the changes alter team chemistry. Tom Gordon, a teammate in Kansas City, often talks to Saberhagen. Veteran pitchers, from Steve Avery to Butch Henry, ask Saberhagen about pitching. Young pitchers, such as Jeff Suppan, ask about baseball life.

"I tend to talk to guys a lot," Saberhagen said. "That's usually my role. I like it. I've been around so long, I guess I've got a lot to offer." His role as staff leader contributed to the Red Sox's decision to keep Saberhagen with the team when it breaks camp. He will travel to Las Vegas, where the team finishes its exhibition season.

When they open in Anaheim, Saberhagen will be with the team. From a practical standpoint, Saberhagen will be better served staying with the team. He has been working with physical therapist Rich Zawacki, who travels with the team, and pitching coach Joe Kerrigan. "My mechanics are really rusty," Saberha important will be on the line. "I would like to get a hit on Opening Day just so 20 years from now I can say i hit in 30 straight games," Morris saia.

i count it. Unfortunately for Morris, streaks don carry over from one season to the next. He ran out of time last season, extendinq the streak to 29 games by going 2- for-5 in the final game against St. Louis. Stottlemyre to start Opening Day The only thing curious about Tony La Russa's choice of Opening Day starter was the timing.

A day after allowing eight runs in three innings to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Todd stottlemyre was La Hussa cnoice to start April 1 at Montreal. It's the second Opening Day assignment for Stottlemyre. Hershiser leaves with strained groin Cleveland Indians righthander Orel Hershiser left a game against the Reds after the first inning because of a strained right groin. The Indians said the injury wasn't serious, and Hershiser, 38, was taken out as a precaution. It is not known whether he will miss a start.

Cincinnati's Pete Schourek had his best outing of the spring, going five innings for the first time, as the Reds won 9-5 in Plant City, Fla The Reds placed inf ielder Terry Pendleton on the 1 5-day disabled list. Pendleton, 36, had arthroscopic surgery March 12 to repair a cartilage tear in his right knee. He's expected to be out two to five weeks. Do Yanks really need Irabu? Padres give Bochy two-year extension Bruce Bochy, the 1996 National League Manager of the Year, received a two-year contract extension from the San Diego Padres, taking him through 1999 with a club option for 2000. The Padres won the NL West last vear with a 91-71 record.

west Catholic at Plainville, 7 p.m. Final Saturday! Sacred Heart vs. Aquinas-Northwest winner at Central Connecticut State University, 1 1 a.m. (ration is encouraged, walk-Ins and wrestlers of all ages are welcome. Call tournament director Tom FaJ-dglia at (203) 748-9694.

A current USAW wrestling card Is required. CMs Spring Ice Hockey! The Ice Bochy announced righthander Joey Hamilton will be the ODenina Dav starter April 1 against the Mets. The SACRED HEART 62, PRINCE TECH 49 Padres will be without utilityman Craig Shipley for two Cats, a local off-season girls Midget A Ice Hockey team It looking for experienced travel players 19 or tans' Hurt (12) Marvin Rountree 6 3 21. Tavares Campbell 0 7 7, Admission! $5 (child under 10 free when accompanied by an adult) 7 p.m. unless noted Class LL SemHlMli TuMday Fairfield Prep 59.

Hartford Public 53 Norwalk 65. Xavler-Middletown 43 Final Stnrtiyi Norwalk va. Fairfield Prep at Central Connecticut State University, 2 p.m. to three months because of a torn lett hamstring. gets on umpires Chria Ireland 30 6, Craig Dlnatale 3 0 6, Ronell Blizzard 5 4 14, Korey Barnes 0 11, Randy Brooks 2 1 5.

Paul Aravo 011, Chris Stasaltls 0 1 1. Totals: 21 18 62. under to compete in boys Bantam spring league at the Milford Ice Pavilion. Games will be played Saturday or Sunday mornings from early April through mid-June. (No check rules in effect versus boys teams).

Call David Cramoy (203) 226-7850. Opea Mea'i SnkftiwH LeafiM An open men's basketball league fea Mac (41) Marlon Scotch Rangers 3, Cardinals 1: Though it was only an exhibition game, Dennis Eckersley got into it with the umpires in St. Louis' loss to Texas in St. Petersburg. After walking Mark McLemore and Shawn Green in the fifth inning, Eckersley made a few comments to plate umpire Eric Gregg.

At one point, Eckersley came turing a 30-and-over division Is FMRFIfOOPREPSS, HARTFORD PUBLIC S3 man 000, Broderick Beckford 000, Charles Sprowl 1 0 2. Taleeb Cou-sar 1 3 5, Delshawn Jackson 5111, Tyshawn Welborn 5 112, Ruben Colon 0 0 0. Wllburn Mathls 0 0 0, Wllbert Perez 3 2 8, Paul Jonea 1 2 4, Kaharl Robinson 00 0. Totals: 19 scheduled to start in April. All He (S3) Corey Jernioan games will be played at Canterbury School in New Milford on Sunday evenings.

There are no residency restrictions and algn-up Is limited. Call Howard Sherman (203) on the mound ana Gregg removea nis masK. Eckersley said he wasn't angry at Gregg. "I was just mad I wasn't throwing strikes," he said. Eckersley retired the 7-8-9 hitters in the fourth, 10 49.

6 5 18, Darryl Oliver 0 0 0, Ken Jernlgan 4110, Tylee Flowers 000. Jason Engram 4 1 9, Jeff Coleman 6 016, Pedro Franco 0 0 0. Totals: 20 7 53. Sacred Heart 11 It II 12 It After the walks in the fifth, he needed about a dozen PrlaeeTtca Ditches to retire Dean Palmer for the second out. BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT American School let the Deaf 3-ee Dodgers 5, Orioles 4 (10): Righthander Scott Three-point goals: Rountree (2); Welborn.

Records: 20-3; 18-4. FaVftaM fm (51) Dan Pangrazlo 5 4 17, Dan Flaherty 7 3 19, Nick Bilotta 1 2 4, Bob Mpuku 3 2 9. Ian Walsh 4 0 8, Todd Maloney 0 2 2. and October, when it broke down during the stretch run and postseason. Boggs credited biweekly visits to his Tampa-based chiropractor, Craig Newman, for renewed strength in his lower back and legs.

"This is probably the best I've felt in 10 years," Boggs said. "Chiropractic medicine rejuvenated something that was dying in September. He got me back to where I'm 100 percent healthy." Through Newman, Boggs will regularly visit chiropractors in every city during the season. "It's a maintenance program I'll do over the course of the season," Boggs said. "It's like a car with a warranty.

If you don't change the oil for 60,000 miles, I don't think the car's going to run very well." Asked how many miles he has, he said, "I've been to Pluto and back." Strawberry also had to prove he has the stamina to handle regular duty in the field. Despite a bruised left knee, Strawberry has been impressive. He is the team RBI leader with 13 in 38 at-bats. He drove in three runs Tuesday with his third home run of the spring. "I feel capable of 35 to 40 home runs if I get 500 at-bats," Strawberry said.

"I'm not trying to make headlines. I feel confident." Said Torre of Strawberry: "He'll play reguJ larly, although not every day. All the outfielders will get plenty of playing time." Except for Whiten at the start. His condition has given Kelly a chance to stick despite his .150 spring. Kelly, who lost his job last year to shoulder surgery and Mariano Duncan, has shown he has lost none of his defensive skills and could be useful off the bench, though he is a single-position player.

Fielder's wife to sue Fielder's wife, Stacey, plans to sue the Melbourne, police department for $25 million, claiming illegal arrest, unlawful detainment and battery. Fielder claims she was unlawfully arrested when she stopped to inquire about her child, who was involved in an automobile accident. Police have said Fielder ignored orders to stay away from the scene. Cecil Fielder said race was a factor in how police treated his wife, who is black. Continued from Page CI owns his major league signing rights in a deal with the Chiba Lotte Marines.

Irabu is said to want to pitch only for the Yankees, but principal owner George Stein-brenner has been unable to strike a deal. The Padres are adamant about not letting Irabu go to the Yankees, especially since minor league outfield prospect Ricky Ledee was removed from the package of players and cash Stein-brenner was ready to offer. "I'm happy with who I have right now," Torre said. "Right now" is the telling phrase. Starters David Cone, Andy Pettitte, Wells, Dwight Gooden and Kenny Rogers have all pitched well this spring.

Pettitte had seven shutout innings in the game. The ERA of the rotation in 81 innings is 1.56. Torre has set up his rotation so that Cone will start Opening Day April 1 in Seattle, but Torre said, "They're all pitching so well that I could reach into a bag and pick anybody out to start the opener." Irabu, 28, a righthander said to possess a fastball clocked as high as 100 mph, is a starting pitcher, and Torre does not want to upset his rotation to accommodate a player he has not observed firsthand. "You can't turn your back on a signing, but when I say don't mess with things it's because I don't know this person," Torre said. Even if the Yankees trade for Irabu, he could fall lower on the depth chart.

Ramiro Mendoza, who pitched five scoreless innings in the Yankees' 3-1 victory over the Blue Jays, is 2-0, 1.29 ERA this spring and could be part of many major league rotations. Mendoza will start the season at Triple A Columbus to get ready to aid the Yankees should a starter get injured. The choice of Boggs, 38, over Charlie Hayes at third base, which Torre has not made official, seems a no-brainer based on their respective springs. Boggs is batting .417 with two home runs and seven RBI. Hayes, 3-for-3 Tuesday, is hitting .261 with two RBI.

But Torre had said stats wouldn't figure into the equation. He needed to be convinced Boggs' body improved since last September 3 Basketball Teamameati Tha Totals: 20 13 59. American School for the Deaf 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Is April 26 at ASD in Weat Hartford for boys and girls ages 1 2 and up. Entry tee: 4 10 23 51 iiii i a si Class SsmHInals Today Rocky Hill vs. Immaculate at Naugatuck, 7:45 p.m.

Putnam vs. Marianapolis Prep at Killingly, 7 p.m. Erickson allowed three runs and eight hits in tour innings as Los Angeles beat Baltimore in Fort Lauderdale. Dodgers righthander Ramon Martinez gave up one run and five hits in four innings. Astros 4, Expos 2: Mike Hampton struck out nine in five innings, leading Houston past Montreal in Kissim-mee.

Hampton allowed two hits in his best performance this SDrina. Three-point goals: HPHS Cole man (4), C. Jernlgan, K. Jernlgan; FP Panorazk) (3), Flaherty (2), $50 per team. There will be three age groups.

Admission for spectators Is $1. Call Neil Robinson (860) 570-2330. BASEBALL Northeast Baseball AssadatJeat looking for new players and teams for the 1997 season. Call Jim Tatar- Mpuku. Records: HPHS 18-6: FP Final leuraayi at central conn.

State University. 8 p.m. 21-4. Phillies 6, Royals Mike Lieberthal was 3-for-4 and drove in four runs as Philadelphia extended its NORWAUt S3, XAVKR 43 cue Namst (IS) Paco Fabian 4 311 home winning streak to nine In Clearwater. zycki at (203) 792-9588 Of Jim Smith at (860) 354-4607.

CHanBtonMo finals 6:30 p.rn. Winston Qrey 204, Tyjuan Hubbard 1 0 2, Brandon Mllea 4 0 8. Charles BASKETBALL TRYOUTSSKSNUPS Arizona: Buhner leads Mariners Today Class LL at Southern Conn. State University, New Haven; Class at Wesleyan University, Miller 5 0 10, Keith Sellers 5 5 15. orthwest Travelers! Tryouts for Totals: 27 9 63.

AAU 12 and Under boys team will Mlddletown Mariners 10, Cubs 6: Jay Buhner hit a three-run homer in a seven-run seventh inning as Seattle beat tori (41) Mike Boccalatte 1 2 4, Mark Clvitello 3 1 7. Ed Cole 3 1 7, be March 1 9. Call Thomas Welcome State Open Saturday At Yale, diving finals at 1 :30 p.m.; (860) 379-6343. Con. Select Beyti Will hold try Chicago in Mesa.

Chicago led 5-3 in the seventh, but Mike LaBella 6 221, Chris Serra 1 0 2, Adam Warren 1 0 2. Totals: 16 8 swimming finals at 6:30 p.m. rookie lefthander Ramon Tatis allowed six runs on live 43. hits in 1 inninas. II IS 21 outs for 10-to-1 7-year-olds March 29-30 at Cheshire Academy.

CaH Wayne Simone at (600)-231-3306, pin No. 7670. Conn. Starters Boys! Entering Its I 11 12 12 41 Three-point goals: Miles, Trim- 10th springsummer season, the Athletics 5, Angels 4: Pinch hitter Damon Mashore had a two-run double and Ariel Prieto pitched six strong innings as Oakland beat Anaheim in Phoenix. Mark McGwire, who missed five games because of back stiffness, was the DH for the A's.

He grounded out, then boll: Labeiia (J. Hecoros: 22-4; 25-2. Starters boys basketball teams will feature two travel teams per age group, 11-and-under through 15-and-under, and one team for 1 6 and Class lemHInala Today walked and scored in the fourth. Giants 12, Padres 3: Jeff Kent went 3-for-4 with a Bloomfield vs. Harding at Nauga tuck.

6 p.m. homer, leading San Francisco to victory in Peoria, Ariz St. Joseph vs. McMahon at Law. Milford Wire reports SOFTBALL CUNrCSSWNUPS New England SportP1e Softball Spring and summer registration for Softball deadline with full payment of $200 team deposit Is March 28.

Leagues for men, women, and coed are offered. Call (860) 872-1 1 37. USSSA 'D' Division Tournament! The U.S. Slowpitch Softball Association Is offering I'D' Division Qualifying Double Elimination May 3-4 In Torrington. Call Robert A.

Robert-eon. Jr. (860) 489-6238 after 4 p.m. Neufatuefc Softball Totmanwnti Applications are being accepted for the Naugatuck Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament April 5 and 6 at Cotton Hollow and Breen Fields; slngle-elimatlon tournament; fee: $70. Call Leonard Peruglnl (203) 729-5003.

Final tatardtyt at Central Con necticut State University. 5 m. Monday imkM came BLOOMFIELD 13, NORTH HAVEN S3 Bridgeport stadium planned for minor league team Nero) Dana (si) Josh Onofrio 2 0 4, Manny Boles 9 5 23, Christian 7 216, Flynn pagnam too Manny Medina 0 0 0, Joe Hows .1 2. Totals: 24 13 63. ItoasAoM 111) Kevin Adoer 30 7.

Rock Cats broadcast team moves on 17 year olda. Two clinics for all ages. April 5-6 and April 12-13 at Albertua Magnus College In New Haven. Deadline tor registration: March 22. CaH Ernest Dlstasl (203) 734-1 852 or (203) 736-841 1 (fax) or Gervais Barger (203) 949-9384 or (203)265-1762 (fax).

Ha Jay Sheeting CHnkCamai At St. Joseph College in West Hartford April 12-13 for boys and girls ages 8-16. Call Debbie Baer (860) 232-3777. Nae Jay 3 en 3 Taesnamsnti Saturday, April 26, 3-on-3 at St. Joseph College In Weat Hartford.

Divisions lor all agea, male and female. Call Debbie Baer (860) 232-3777. a Rising Stars Beys atatatbaRi Tha Connectict Rising Stars boys basketball is holding tryouts for Its travel teams, ages 11-and-under through 1 5-and-undar. Tryouts for 11-and-under and 12-and-under teams will be March 25 from 6-8 p.m. at the New Britain Boys and Girls dub.

Tha 15-and-under team will have tryouts on March 26 from 6-8 p.m. at tha same aits. For 13-and-under and 14-and-under fax name, date of birth, and phone number to (860) 293-1100 or (860) 295-0578 and you will be called. CaH Mac Buckley at (860) 293-1 161. Ick Chaney 3410, Lavoy Darden 8 5 22, Dwlght Freeney 1 0 2, Kleon Iverson 5 5 1 5.

Jabari Gaines 6419, MISCELLANEOUS Connecticut Cnfehu The Connecticut Chiefs minor league football team Is seeking new players for the upcoming season. Call (203) 467-0743 or (203) 756-6613. Havlar Montana 2 0 4, Richard 2 0 4. Totals: 30 18 63. a River Rata Youth Hockey! Tryouts 15 1511 26 63 for four teams at the Ingalls Rink in New Haven.

Teams are for youths II 22 22 -1 born between 1985 and 1988. April Three-point goals: Gaines (3), Darden, Adger. Records: 12 1 and 3: 88 at 6 p.m.; 67 at 7 p.m.; '86 at 8:15 p.m.; '85 at 9:15 p.m.; April 8: 88 at 4:45 p.m.; 87 at 5:45 p.m.; '86 at 7 p.m.: '85 at 8 p.m. Call Scott Jacobson 203) zbi-35U3. Class fanrfftaats Taoodsy New FalrfMd 3-Styte Wrestling! Sacred Heart-Waterbury 62 Prince Tech-Hartford 49 Today The New Fairfield Wrestling Tour, nament will be Saturday, March 22, at New Fairfield High School.

Weigh-ins begin at 7:45, pre-regls- median Bill Murray and first hired Lucas and Wardlow in 1991 to broadcast Fort Myers Miracle games in Florida. Lucas and Wardlow started broadcasting New Britain games in 1993. Another reason for their departure was WNEZ (910 AM), which was the flagship station for the Rock Cats, had turned to an all-Spanish format. WMRD (1 150 AM), which also carried all the Rock Cats games last season, decided to broaden its market and, along with sister station WLIS (1420 AM) in Old Saybrook, will carry more than 50 games from each of the three state Eastern League teams. Roberto Gonzalez New Britain Rock Cats radio broadcasters Don Wardlow and Jim Lucas couldn't resist the lure of a bigger market, working with their old boss and just plain looking for a new adventure.

These and other factors drew Wardlow, a blind color commentator, and Lucas, who calls play by play, to Minnesota, where they will broadcast St. Paul Saints games in the independent Northern League. "It was a long time coming," Wardlow said. "Mike Veeck had been courting us since 1995. He was telling us how great this area is.

It's more exposure for us. It's a huge radio market." Veeck is a principal owner of the Saints along with actorco Aquinas-New Britain vs. North- Frank Boulton. A former co-owner of the Norwich Navigators, a Dote ble A affiliate of the Yankees, Boulton said the caliber of play would be similar to the Double A level. Local skeptics who have seen similar proposals wonder whether the stadium will come to pass.

Even if it is built, there are questions about the level of play and whether Bridgeport will support baseball. The principals of Bridgeport Baseball, Jack McGregor and Mi chael Herbert, say yes. "I think it would be a major uplift in this city's psyche," said McGre gor, who founded the Pittsburgh Penguins inl967andhas worked iri Bridgeport for 12 years. "I think it will result in families in the region feeling comfortable about going to events in Bridgeport." McGregor says his new team will play a 71 -game schedule and, after start-up costs, require an annual operating budget of $2.5 million. 1 Herbert is the founder and CEO of Physician Health Services.

"If didn't think it would work, why-would I get involved?" he said. City officials are working with the' Mashantucket Pequot Indians in1 making a bid for the Halper collect tion, which has been appraised at $42 million. Bids are due Friday. By GREG GARBER Courant Staff Writer BRIDGEPORT The Jenkins Valve building is a hulking, hollow brick presence on South Main Street. Next year, a baseball stadium is expected to replace the vacant building as part of a broad plan to redevelop the city's waterfront.

Civic leaders say the new stadium on the 25-acre site will seat between 5,000 and 6,000. It will be the home of a team that will begin play in April 1998 in the Atlantic League, a new six-team minor league not affiliated with the majors. There also is a possibility of bringing the Barry Halper baseball memorabilia collection to the city, in the form of a museum. "That would be huge for the state, not just Bridgeport," Mayor Joseph P. Ganim said Tuesday.

"There's a lot of excitement down here." Ganim and a nine-member legislative delegation met with Gov. John G. Rowland on Monday and unveiled a $300 million, five-part proposal that also includes a basketball and hockey arena, a revamped transportation center and a restaurant owned by Mets manager Bobby Valentine. The baseball component seems Around the state Unified tournament: Fox Middle School-Hartford won gold medals In the A and Divisions at the 18-team Unified Sports Middle School Basketball Tournament Monday in Cheshire. Henry James Middle School-Simsbury won the Division.

The tournament was coordinated by Connecticut Special Olympics and the Connecticut Association of Schools. Midnight Basketball League: The New Haven Midnight Basketball League is accepting registration from girls 11-14 years old. The program is also looking for qualified coaches for girls and men leagues. For more Information contact director Bill Dixon at 946-7905. Lacrosse college doubleheader: The Connecticut chapter of the Lacrosse Foundation will sponsor a college doubleheader March 29 at 1 p.m.

at Sacred Heart University In Fairfield. The first game features two Division I schools No. 8 Duke vs. No. 12 Harvard.

The second game features two Division II schools, No. 2 Adelphi vs. No. 4 Sacred Heart. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for students and free to children under 12.

the most likely. In December, the Bridgeport City Council approved a $7 million appropriation for a baseball stadium in the hope that the state would match it. "The governor was very clear about his support," Ganim said. "I told him that we were basically going to go ahead and demolish the building and make a commitment to the new league. Unless I'm reading him wrong, we got a commitment." Atlantic League franchises are planned for Bridgeport, Atlantic City, N.J., Newark, N.J., Somerset County, N.J., Suffolk County, N.Y., and Lehigh Valley, Pa.

The league would employ some players with previous major league experience, said league founder.