Tyrone Daily Herald from Tyrone, Pennsylvania • Page 5

Ohio High School Boasts Switch-Pitcher TALLMADGE, Ohio (UPI) You've seen switch-hitters in baseball. Mickey Mantle and Pete Rose arc the most famous of the breed who could hit from cither side of the plate. You've heard many Latin players switch languages, speaking Spanish and English fluently, sometimes in the same conversation. Let's hear it for Fernando Valenzucla. Now get ready for a switch-pitcher.

Jeff Schley of Tallmadgc High School near Akron is this ambidextrous rarity, who can switch arms from game to game, inning to inning and sometimes from batter to batter. Last week, the 6-fboi-3, 190-pound junior hurled a no-hilicr with his left arm in an Ohio high school state tournament game against Springfield Local. When his left arm felt tender a few days later, he made his next start against Akron Ellct as a right-hander and raised his record to 4-1. "I've never seen a kid like him," says Dave Young, who in 26 years as the Tallmadge coach has consistently turned out some of Ohio's best school- boy teams. Tallmadgc's record in this span is 437-185.

This season, the school is 19-1 and iwo victories away from the state semi-finals in Columbus. "Earlier this season he pitched four innings as a left-hander," Young says. "In the fifth inning the other team had Baseball Scores AMERICAN LEAGUE Oakland 4 New York 0 California 5 Boston 0 Toronto 11 Chicago 3 Baltimore 5 Cleveland 2 Texas ai late Seattle at late NATIONAL LEAGUE Houston 4 Pittsburgh 2 St. Louis 3 Atlanta 0 Cine. 10 Chicago 8 (12 inn.) N.Y.

at Los. late Mont, at San Diego, late Phila. at San late 'Ryan Express' Still Chugging By JOE ELLUZZI UPI Sports Writer NEW YORK (UPI) Just to give you an idea how long Nolan Ryan has been pitching, he's blowing the ball past sons of his contemporaries. Danny Tartabull of the Royals, son of Jose Tartabull, has already taken the collar against Ryan once this season. Sometime this season, Ken Griffey Jr.

of the Mariners will get a chance to face the Ryan Express. "My dad faced him many years ago," said Danny Tartabull, 26, whose father played from 1963-70. "To be able to hit off the same guy my dad hit off once, even though Ryan threw much harder then, is a remarkable experience. It was an experience I was very excited A lot of people are excited about Ryan this year. There's a buzz in the air wherever he pitches.

The days when Ryan was a threat to throw a no-hitter every time out are back. "The thing that's so exceptional about Nolan, is that I think people come out truly just to see him and the possibility of a no-hitter being thrown," Kansas City Manager John Wathan said. "Even at his age, he's still capable of throwing one any time he goes out there." Ryan has already taken two no-hit bids into the late innings this season. The remarkable thing about Ryan, however, is how, at age 42, he continues to overpower hitters. In fact, Ryan is better than ever.

He may not throw quite as hard as he did in the '70s as Royals' catcher Bob Boone says, "It's the difference between a 98 mph fastball and a 95 mph but he has come full circle as a pitcher. The classic thrower has become a complete pitcher. "He used to throw so hard, it's impossible to put into words," said Boone, who has caught more games than anyone in major-league history. "The hardest pitch I've ever seen was thrown by Nolan Ryan." Mike Marshall of the Dodgers says Ryan became more difficult to hit as the years went on because he developed more pitches. "He has really changed as a pitcher, Marshall said.

When I first broke in, '82-83, he threw a fastball about 94-95 (mph), but it came in straight. By the time '86-87 rolled around, he had come up with two or three different kinds of fastballs, one that cut in, one that sank and a four-seamer." Said Wathan: "The curve, that's what sets him apart from the other power pitchers." People thought the Texas Rangers may have been taking a chance signing Ryan as a free agent last winter, but what also sets Ryan apart from other pitchers is the soundness of his arm. There have been periods in his 22-year career when he's had elbow problems, including in 1975, when he had surgery to remove bone chips. Overall, he has been relatively free of arm trouble. Ranger pitching coach Tom House, who is three months younger than Ryan, says Ryan was clocked at 97 mph when he one-hit the Blue Jays April 23.

Into mid-May, his average fastball was 93 mph. House also attributes physical fitness to Ryan's success. He says you'll often find Ryan in the weight room or running. "Genetically, he's been dealt a great hand," House said. "He has nurtured himself and takes care of himself as good as anybody in the game." House says the Rangers have 110 major league pitchers on film and when you break down various aspects of their game, such as velocity and mechanics, he says Ryan rates the most efficient, with Roger Clemens of the Red Sox second.

In addition to Ryan's physical abilities, House says another edge Ryan holds over hitters is his reputation. 'No matter what league he's in, he's got a mental edge," House said. "He's a living legend." His return to the American League after 10 years in the NL gives him another edge over the hitters because very few have faced him. Hitters readily agree a pitcher has the edge when they are meeting for the first time. their big right-handed hitlers coming up so I had him switch to the right hand and he struck out the side." "I have thrown left and right in the same inning," says the 16-year-old phenom, who simply changes his floppy old glove from one hand to the other.

Schley says he has had this ability for as long as he can remember. He can cat with either hand. He'll never get writer's cramp because he can even write with either hand. "The first time I ever pitched with both arms was in Little League when 1 was 12 years old," Schley says. "I had been a right-hander until then but one day I forgot my glove.

The only glove 1 could borrow was a left-hander's. I told them not to worry about it. So I pilchcd with my left arm and I've been switching ever since." "Actually.hc's a little better with his 1 left," Young says. When he's not pitching, he's the team's regular left fielder and was hit- ling .302 through 20 games with four home runs and 18 RBI. No doubt he's a switch-hitter, right coach? "No," Young says.

Irvin's Grabs Share of Lead in Tyrone L.L. Irvin's Trucking overcame an early 4-0 deficit to grab a share of the lead in the Tyrone L.L. last night, punctuating their comeback with a four-run J.P. Kimmel's. 10-5.

Ian Moore cracked two singles and Brad Maule a triple to spark Irvin 's at the plate in their fourth win without a loss, while Shawn Wilson, Chris McClellan, Jeremy Hunter and Brandon Kane all slammed two hits for JPK. Miller's Roofing scored six runs in the first inning and five in the third, and tallied at least once in every other inning 10 clip Nelson's 16-12 in the Minor League game. -UTTLE LEAGUE- Lvui't 002 224 10-7-1 Kimmel'j 400 100 5-11-6 2B: B. Himpton, J. Seiner, B.

B. Naylor, T. 3B'. B. C.

L.L. STANDINGS 4-0; 4-0; Elks. 2-4; J.P. 2-4; Ray's, 1-5. TODAY: vi 3:30 p.m.

-MINOR LEAGUE- Miller's 625 111 16-11-5 Nelson's 102 522 12-6-1 ML. STANDINGS 5-0; 4-2; 3-3; UPIU. 2-2; 2-3; 0-6. TODAY: Ncls. vs UPIU, 1 p.m.; Hook, vs 1 p.m.

Shultz Tosses 4-lnning No-No In Bellwood LL Ron Shultz spun a no-hit shutout in an abbreviated Little League game at Bellwood-Antis last night as Martin Oil slammed Steve-O's, 11-0. The game was halted after four innings by the "10-run Shuliz recorded 11 of the 12 outs via strikeouts and walked only three. "The first time I faced Nolan, my 0 Steve Knig Andy DeArmitt, Chris lino a Pulcmello, Chris Maxwell, Gary Forshey and Shane Miller collected a hit apiece for the winners. swing was raggedy," said Yankees outfielder Jesse Barficld, who was with Toronto when Ryan one-hit the Blue Jays. "Until you go and see him and experience him, you don't know.

The hitter has the advantage the more you sec a pitcher, but right now it's in his Normally, when a hitter sees a pitcher often enough, he learns his patterns and how his ball moves. With Ryan, as is the case with most elite pitchers, it's not that simple. You know what's coming, but you still have to hit it. "You can't let him gel you in a hole," said Yankee second baseman Steve Sax, a Dodger for seven seasons. "Everybody knows what he throws.

He's got a great fastball, a curve and an excellent change. There's no mystery to Nolan. He comes right at you." Indy Favorite Rick Mears Seeks 4th '500' Victory By JIM SLATER UPI Sports Writer INDIANAPOLIS (UPI) Rick Mcars, the fastest driver in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history, doesn't care about speed, as long as he is the fastest man on race day. The defending champion starts from the pole position Sunday for an unprecedented fifth time. He is a favorite to match Al Unscr and AJ.

Foyl as the only four-time Indy winners. Indy's speed records belong to Mears. He shattered his own one- and four-lap marks to earn this year's pole, averaging 223.885 mph, with a top lap of 224.254 mph, Mcars was timed at 226.231 mph in practice, the fastest speed recorded at the 2 oval. He also established a closed-course speed record of 233.934 mph at Michigan International Speedway in 1986. Mcars lakes pride in his speed records, but prefers racing rivals instead of timepieces.

"The number docsn'i mean a Joi," Mcars said. "You're comparing yourself to other drivers, noi to speed. just want lo improve every lime 1 go oui. Basically, I just want lo be faster than the other guy." Mcars, 37, Bakcrsficld, often praises his crew and teammates on the Roger Pcnskc race team. He emphasizes the unseen efforts that create a fast vehicle, but never places a limit upon the speeds that may be reached.

"There's no such thing as a perfect race car," Mcars said. "If it's feeling perfect, you aren't leaning on it hard enough. If it's fast, it's not comfortable. If it's comfortable, it could go fasler. I don't know how to explain ii.

There's better and worse, but never perfect." The determination of Mcars made a strong first impression on Pcnskc, who was looking for a relief driver For Mario Andrctti when Mcars visited. "I remember when I put out the word I was looking for a driver to use in a few races to replace Mario while he was running some Formula One races," Pcnskc said. "Rick was at the farmhouse in Michigan the next morning saying he would run one or two races. He's the same way today." Pcnskc calls him the driver most respected by other Indy-car racers. Danny Sullivan, a Pcnskc teammate, calls him the grcalcsi oval-course driver he has ever seen.

"I don't know where he gets that extra speed. In that respect he's the yardstick of us all," Sullivan said. Mcars will make his ninth front-row start in 12 Indy appearances, matching Bobby Unscr's Indy record, and his third pole start in four years. Mcars won in 1979,1984 and last year and also lost to Gordon Johncock in 1982 by. 16 of a second.

Mcars won the pole in 1979, 1982, 1986 and last year. A victory Sunday would give Mcars more space in Indy's record book. Mcars would become the first man to win from the pole three times and the first man to win from the pole in consecutive years. A triumph would also make Mcars the leading money winner in Indy history, passing Unscr, although he has started only half as many races as Unscr. Mcars won the Indy-car scries title in 1979, 1981 and 1982.

He suffered severe fool injuries in a crash in Montreal in 1984. Mcars qualified 10th and placed 21 si at Indy despite being unable lo walk more than a few feet unaided. THF DAILY HERALD. Tyrone Don King Expresses Interest In Mandarich Tyson Fight Engelmans Florist Greenhouse 801 Engelman Drive (Next to Tyrone Hospital) Hours: 9-5 p.m. daily, Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Geraniums pot 25 Tomatoes Market Packs $1 25 Already low price Coleus Miller (Please Brine Own Container) By DAN COUGHLIN UPI Sports Writer CLEVELAND (UPI) An agcni for tackle Tony Mandarich, the second player taken in the NFL draft said Thursday boxing promoter Don King has expressed interest in arranging a fight with heavyweight champion Mike Tyson for 55 million. Mandarich, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound left tackle from Michigan Stale, was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the April draft. His agent, Vem Sharbaugh of McDonald a Cleveland investment brokerage, insisted Mandarich will refuse to report to the Packers unless he gels a better contract than Troy Aikman, the quarterback drafted first by the Dallas Cowboys. Aikman signed a six-year contract worth Sll million. "We're looking for a precedent- setting contract for an offensive lineman," said Sharbaugh.

At the same time, Sharbaugh also is negotiating to make Mandarich a millionaire in another sport. Faced with a dearth of qualified opponents, King and Tyson have made overtures to Mandarich. An initial figure of $5 million was mentioned, but Sharbaugh and Mandarich demand $10 million. Two other pro football players Lyle Alzado and Ed "Too Tall" Jones fought heavyweight champions in exhibitions and did not distinguish themselves. However, not since Pete Rademacher went directly from the amateur ranks to a title fight wiih world champion Floyd Patterson in 1958 has anyone made his pro debut in a heavyweight title fight.

Bui there is a difference. Rademacher was schooled in the sport of boxing. He won Ihe heavyweight gold medal in the 1956 Olympics at Melbourne. Mandarich has been in a ring only once. That was earlier this month at a secret workout in Los Angeles with prominent fight trainer Lou Duva.

"They closed down the gym and there were just the three of us in said Sharbaugh. "Duva held the heavy bag and Mandarich hit it. The force knocked Duva against the wall. 1 held Ihe heavy bag. Mandarich hit it and lifted me off the floor.

"After two hours in the gym Duva said, 'Give me six months with this kid and he won'i embarrass himself against Duva will get those six months if King raises the money. New York real estate tycoon Donald Trump wants the fight in his Atlantic City casino while Las Vegas interests also have been heard from. Sharbaugh said that if the fight is made, Mandarich will sit out his rookie season of pro football and concentrate on boxing. "He might sit out his first season anyway if the Packers don't pay him what he wants," Sharbaugh said. "Every team in the league knows that Mandarich is a better player than Aikman.

Dallas just needed a 'No team in the NFL is going to pay an offensive lineman like a Green Bay vice-president Tom Braatz said. "Quarterbacks get the most. Running backs are next, then wide receivers. Players who score points are the highest paid." Braatz would not speculate 'about career interfering with his football career. "It's not a boxing It's a one- fight thing.

We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Braatz said. Mandarich is in Whittier, pursuing a third career. He is lifting weights in the Uptown Gym with' 'Mr. America," Roy Lcidclmeyer. Mandarich aspires to be "Mr.

Universe." Leidclmcyer's title of "Mr. America" is safe because Mandarich is not an American, but Canadian. He said he intends to apply for U.S. citizenship after the mandatory seven- year residency in this country. WORKING HIS MOUND MAGIC Bcllwood-Aniis High School pitching ace Randy Gcis flashes the form that's produced one of (he district's most glittering scholastic pitching records and helped carry B-A's Blue Devils baseball learn into ihc District 6, Class AA championship game next Wednesday, May the Altcona Vcicrans Field.

Gamctimc for the title shooiout wiih Pcnns Valley is 5 p.m. Gcis, 8-0, fired a one-hit masterpiece and struck out 15 in his mosi rcscni outing, pitching B-A to a 6-2 win over county-rival Claysburg-Kimmcl in the semi final-round of the Dist. 6-AA playoffs ihis week. Pcnns Valley advanced to the finals in the opposite bracket by beating Richland, 8-6, Thursday. With Gcis and icammaic Ron delivering an overpowering 1-2 pitching punch, Bcllwood-Antis has posted an impressive 18-2 mark on the way to the Disl.6-AA finals.

Past, Present Steelers Stage Fund-Raiser To Aide Courson Today By SHEILA MULLAN PITTSBURGH (UPI) Pasi and present Pittsburgh Stcclcrs will cat, drink and try to be merry Saturday at a fund-raiser for ex-ieammalc Sieve Courson, who needs a $250,000 hcari transplant but lacks insurance, friends said. Courson, 33, played for ihc Stcclcrs from 1978 to 1983, ending his career wiih the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1985. Earlier this year, doctors lold him he had heart disease, or specifically car- diomyopaihy, and put him on a irans- plam waiting lisi at Allegheny General Hospital. Courson had moved back, lo the Pills- burgh area and began a wrestling career last year with a match at suburban Charleroi High School when the heart trouble began to rob him of his strength, said Siccicrs offensive tackie Tunch Ilkin. According to published reports, Courson was a heavy user of steroids, although that has not been determined to have caused his heart disease.

"Basically, my only comment righc now on steroids is that as an alhlcte, I did what I had to do to perform," Courson told UPI. "Medically, there's a lot that's just plain unknown There's a definite lack of research." Now, Courson said he waits hopefully for the call about a donor heart, writes his memoir and works out gingerly on the treadmill. "1 more or less try lo delay the deteriorating process," Courson said. "What I have is a dctcrioraling disease." Doctors pui Courson on an experimental drug named ROW thai he said has slowed the progress of his heart disease. Fund-raiser co-organizer John Les- tiniof Wcirton, W.Va., said doctors say Courson's heart "is fine as it is right now." "Bui eventually, he's going lo need a heart iransplani whenever one's available," Lcstini said.

"That's a day-today basis. If they get ihe righi heart, they can call him at any time." Courson has lost some weight due lo the heart medicine, but gained part of it back, he said. To help him out, football players, Steelcr alumni, team officials, Courson well-wishers and the public have said they will attend a SlO-per-person fundraiser Saturday at the Airport Holiday Inn Heartbeat Lounge in Pittsburgh. Courson said he is overwhelmed by all the attention. Jim's Black Topping Residential Commercial also Sealings Repairs "Sidewalks Areas FREE ESTIMATES 742-9141 "I didn't expect any of ihis," he said.

"I didn't really ask for any of this. It just happened." USA Today did a story on his situation and an NBC news crew out of Washington, D.C., will film the fundraiser, Lcsiini said. "He's doing fine," ihc insurance agent said. "He will be out there Tor the affair." "He's doing as well us can be expected. There's no word of any heart being available.

He still goes for his (physical) ihcrapy every day. "But he's feeling great and lold me it's just 10 me how the Pius- burgh community has gotten behind this benefit for him," Lcsiini said. To raise money for Courson, the Siccicrs will sell an autographed football and also sign pictures, said Lcstini, owner of Lcstini Sons Insurance and Financial Services of Wcirton, W.Va., and Pittsburgh. The business owner said he will throw in free the buffet and champagne and cocktail bar lo help out Courson." "They're prepared for a lot of people," Lcstini said, adding that the hotel can hold 1,000 at ihc gathering. "This got a lot bigger than we thought." Sicclcr alumni who commiucd to being at ihc fund-raiser include J.T.

Thomas, Andy Russell, Randy Grossman, John Henry Johnson, Ray Mansfield, Larry Brown, Johnny L.C. Greenwood, Gerry Mullins, Lloyd Voss, Craig Bingham and Emil Bourcs, Lcsiini said. Mike Wcbslcr, a former Piusburgh Stcelcr now with the Kansas Ciiy Chiefs, has said he will try to change his schedule 10 attend the event. Oihcr Courson supporters who can noi make the fund-raiser have pledged lo send in contributions. The fund-raisers also plan a July 11 Mike Webster Roast at Pittsburgh's Station Square to benefit Courson and ihc Western Pennsylvania Spina Bifida Association.

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