Hartford Courant from Hartford, Connecticut • 8

ED. 3rd The Hartford ED. 2nd ED. WEDESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 25, 1972 Grist From The Sports Mill By TERRY PRICE ON mobile THE WAY went to New barrelling Haven recently and a the Massachusetts autopast me on rear bumper was not a political sticker as one might expect in an election year, but a banner proclaiming the resurgence of the Boston Celtics. The Kelly Green lettering boldly stated "Pass the Word the Celts Are Back." Don't be surprised if one day you should spy a similar slogan referring either to the New York Giants or the New York Jets.

Both these clubs are playing excitingly sound football of late and can be expected to do SO for some time to come since both have youth on their side. The rise of the Giants is the more startling of the two since any team with Joe Namath at quarterback is capable of miracles. The arrival of Paul Silas on the Celtics scene signalled their return while the Giants' rebirth came with the departure of the one and only Fran Tarkenton. All of the Tarkenton critics, and there were many, got their wish this past winter when the former University of Georgia signal caller was returned to his original National Football League team, the Minnesota Vikings. Wellington Mara, the oft-criticized owner of the Giants, obtained Frantic Fran when i it was obvious the Giants were declining.

It was Wellington's idea that Fran could keep the fans occupied while he went about rebuilding his crumbling ball club. GIANTS' DEFENSE COMING ON STRONG Fran's assignment least, and I don't think Tarkenton certainly created that the Giants were a was third and long yardage, to say the anyone was fooled by Mara's strategy. excitement but it was plain to all one-man team. JOE NAMATH FRAN TARKENTON FRAN TARKENTON Mara unloaded Tarkenton when he was sure head coach Alex Webster had repaired weaknesses created by age, injury and ineptitude. Last Sunday, the Giants won their fourth game of the season and if you happened to catch some of the action between innings of the World Series you saw a football team and not a comedy of errors.

The whole key to the Giants' turnabout centers on: a defense that has begun to believe in itself. Last season the New Yorkers surrendered 362 points, second only to the 394 allowed by the hapless Buffalo Bills. Thus far in 1972 the Giants have limited their opponents to three touchdowns or less in compiling a 4-2 record. The four wins, incidentally, represent the fruits of the entire 1971 season. The Giants have finally gotten a defense that is capable of giving any NFL quarterback fits.

Newly acquired Jack Gregory, Henry Reed and rookies Larry Jacobsen and 1 John Mendenhall give the Giants a pass rush they have sorely missed since the Jim Katcavage-Andy Robustelli days. Jim Files, Pat Hughes and Ron Hornsby have only eight years experience between them but are a hardhitting trio that complements the likes of young Richmond Flowers, and veterans Willie Williams and Spider Lockhart. Young? Yes, painfully so, but enthusiasm often outweighs experience. JOE WILLIE IS EVERYTHING AND MORE Down the road apiece is another football team with a 4-2 record. Their unquestioned leader is Joe Willie Namath.

Without him they are just another football team. With him they are capable of heights as yet unimagined. Two weeks ago I had the personal pleasure of attending the New York Jets' decisive win over the New England Patriots. The Jets literally tore the Patriots apart and Namath completed only five passes. Joe used his head instead of his arm as he frustrated a young Patriot defense with superb play calling.

Emerson Boozer and John Riggins rushed for over 100 yards apiece but it was Namath's brain that was picking the Patriots apart. The offense, with Joe Willie directing the attack, is genuine. It's the defense that has chubby Weeb Ewbank getting grayer by the week. Once that problem has been solved the Jets will be a serious threat to hold an encore in the Super Bowl. Joe Namath is at his best in the limelight and he will be doing his best to get the Jets back there.

SOME DAY IT WILL HAPPEN Neither the Jets or the Giants have beaten representative ponents to date but there is cause for optimism. Dan Jenkins, a Senior Editor at Sports Illustrated, has the ball rolling with his new novel entitled "Semi-Tough." book centers around the appearance of the Jets and Giants as per Bowl opponents. It's a Madison Avenue dream come true it appears Webster and Ewbank have been reading it to boys each night before they are tucked in. Erskine Credits Jackie With Great Self Control ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) "I cannot see another black player who has come along since, handling what Jackie Robinson handled and doing it as well," Carl Erskine, a former Brooklyn Dodger teammate of Robinson said Tuesday after learning of his death.

"He had to be a great ballplayer on the field. To be black and the best player in the league was an extremely difficult assignment," said Erskine, now a 45-year-old bank executire. "I don't believe Willie Mays or Hank Aaron, as great as they are, could have contained themselves as Jackie did his first two years." "This is unbelievable," Erskine said of Robinson's death. noting he had just attended recently a dedicaion of a bridge in Gil Hodges' hometown of Princeton, Ind. Hodges was another ex-Dodger teammate.

Hodges died of a heart attack last spring. not caught up with the belief that this club has a Jackie Robinson Dies of Heart Disease STAMFORD (AP) Jackie Robinson, the sports dynamo who shattered baseball's racial barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, died Tuesday from heart disease. Half-blinded by diabetes, Robinson suffered an early morning attack at his posh home in this suburb of New York City and died at 7:10 a.m. at a hospital. The 53-year-old Hall of Famer had been honored only 10 days earlier during the 1972 World Series at Cincinnati when a sellout throng at Riverfront Stadium: applauded the 25th anniversary of his debut in Brooklyn.

Robinson's hair was white, his eyes almost gone and his heart scarred by a 1968 attack. Rachel Robinson, his wife of 26 years, called police at 6:30 this morning. Dr. John E. Borowy, who rushed to the former athlete's bedside, said Jackie died "of heart disease." Robinson's turbulent, trailblazing career began when the late Branch Rickey, general manager of the Dodgers, signed him in the fall of 1945 with a warning about the abuse that was certain to come.

The former UCLA sensation in football, basketball and track absorbed the taunts and racial slurs. After one minor league year at Montreal, he was promoted to the Dodgers in 1947 and was named Rookie of the Year in the National League. Robinson's dazzling, talent overcame the other barriers and he lasted 10 seasons after a delayed major league start at age 28. A lifetime batting average of .311 and a multitude ere accomplishments led to his 1962 selection as the first black in baseball's Hall of Fame. Failing health has curbed Robinson's successful business career during the past few seasons.

He could hardly see to walk when attending the funeral in April of former Dodger teammate Gil Hodges, who died of a heart attack while managing the New York Mets during spring training. Still, death as a shock Demon on the Basepaths Sliding Jackie Robinson sends Yankee Eddie Jerry in the 1947 shortstop Phil Rizzuto flying as the latter World Series. The late George completed a double play in this prize-win- watches the play on the left ning photo taken by late UPI photographer Nixon Joins Baseball World In Mourning Jackie Robinson By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS President Nixon joined with baseball figures Tuesday in mourning the death of Jackie Robinson. The President, who last summer chose Robinson as a member of his all-time baseball team and called him the est athlete he ever saw, said in Washington he was deeply saddened by Robinson's death. He said: "His courage, his sense of brotherhood and his brilliance on the playing field brought a new human dimension not only to the game of baseball but to every area of American life where black and white people work side by side.

"This nation to which he gave so much in his lifetime will miss Jackie Robinson, but his example will continue to inspire us for years to come." Entire Life Was Courage Kuhn, Commissioner of Baseball one surpassed his contribution to sports. His entire life was courage. Courage as the black pioneer of the game, courage as a player, courage in the way he fought for what he believed, courage in the way he faced his final illness. More than anything else, I will remember him for his love of his wife, Rachel, and his children and for his dedication to the battle against drug abuse." Roy Campanella, can I say about Jackie? He was a great man. He accomplished so much in his lifetime.

On and off the field Jackie could do it all. He could do everything. He had to de it all. What more can I say?" Ralph Branca, in shock. Jackie was the greatest competitor on the balfield.

He was a bright guy and a fierce competitor. All my memories of Jackie blend together and he stands out most as a man. "But I remember in 1947 he was playing first base and was in the front row of the dugout. He came charging for pop fly and hit the warmup mound and tripped. By instinct, I reached out and saved him from falling.

Jackie cited that as a unifying moment with the Dodgers. We were all teammates." Casey did great job in baseball. He al-! to the baseball world when oxygen failed to Robinson en route to Stamford Hospital yesterday morning. Robinson had been scheduled to appear in Washington Tuesday as one of several main speakers at a symposium on drug abuse. Sponsors of the event said Robinson had called Monday night to report that he was hemorrhaging from the eyes and that his doctors said he should not travel.

Robinson, suffering from diabetes, was blind in the right eye and was being treated for diminishing vision of his left eye. Robinson's baseball career was filled with controversy ard it did not stop when he retired in 1957 to take an executive post with a restaurant chain. He later became caught up in political disputes with more militant sections of the black community who assailed his Republican party affiliations. But Robinson was first of all an athlete and that is how he wrote his way into history. Amid scorn and criticism from some following the announcement that he would be the first black in the major leagues, Robinson did his talking on the playing field.

He joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 after spending a year with Montreal and leading the International League in hitting. Played First Base He made his first appearance in the National League as Brooklyn's first baseman in a game against the Boston Braves. He played most of his career at second base. Robinson was a sensation in his first year, earning Rookie of the Year honors. Two years later, his .342 batting average earned him the league's Most Valuable Player award.

His lifetime average was .311. Branch Rickey, the man who brought Robinson into the major leagues, told the rookie: "I need more than a great ball player. I need a man who can fly the flag for his race, who can turn the other cheek. Family Now In Stamford 'A Strong Man' Says Son David STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) "He was a black man in America and every black man is trying to break down racial barriers-in baseball and everywhere." So said David Robinson, 20, of his father, baseball great Jackie Robinson, who died Tuesday of heart disease.

David, other members of the family, friends and business associates of the first black player in major league baseball gathered at the Robinson's dark brown ranch house in a wooded, upper income North Stamford neighborhood. Ten or 12 cars lined the street outside the house, where visitors came to talk with Mrs. Robinson, David and his sister, Mrs. Joseph Mitchell, 23, of Washington, D.C. David, who lives in New York, said he and his sister were notified of the death early in the morning and traveled to Stamford.

The Robinsons had lived in Stamford for about 17 years. Country Was Hometown David said of his father, "The country was his hometown. You can't pin him to any locale." The family had been together a number of times in recent months, the latest at the World Series in Cincinnati, David said. Asked about his father's feelings on the progress of integration in the majors, David said he would have been happier if there had been a black coach on the third base line. David noted Robinson had been pushing for more blacks in baseball in other areas through his work as chairman of the board of Freedom National Bank, a black company, and Jackie Robinson Construction Co.

David said the death of his brother, Jackie 24, in an automobile accident year made his father stronger. "He was a strong man." Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson is shown holding plaque presented him at Cooperstown, N.Y. on July 23, 1962 when he became the first black to be introduced into baseball's Hall of Fame If I get a firebrand who blows his top and comes up swinging after a collision at second base, it could set the cause back 20 pears. Robinson was the man. He endured verbal abuse and a loosely organized attempt to keep him out of the game.

Robinson was born in Cairo, in 1919 and moved to California with his family a year later. The young Robinson began making his mark as an athlete at Pasadena Junior College, becoming the first man to win letters in baseball, basketball, football and track. He then went on to the University of Califernia at Los Angeles, where he received national attention as: a track and football star. Three Years in Army He spent three. years in the Army, rising to the rank of lieutenant, and then began coaching baseball at Samuel Houston College, a Texas Negro school, while playing shortstop See ROBINSON, Pg.

59, Col. 4 Yanks-Dodgers Stirnweiss (UPI). much one individual of indomitable spirit can help to change a whole society. The beginning of his brilliant career as the first black baseball player in the major leagues was See JACKIE'S, Pg. 59, Col.

6 Jackie's Career Year 1947-Bkn 1948-Bkn 1949-Bkn 1950-Bkn 1951-Bkn 1952-Bkn 1953-Bkn 1954-Bkn 1955-Bkn 1956-Bkn Tot. 1382 Great Pivot Man Jackie Robinson, as a Brooklyn Dodger second baseman, is shown leaping and throwing to first to complete a double play against the Philadelphia Phillies at Brooklyn's Ebbits Field in 1950. Del Ennis of the Phils is the man erased at second (AP). Nelson, White Rally Celts to 105-97 Win ways fought his best on the field and off. He had a great reputation and was a good competitor." 'Baseball Owes Him' E.J.

"Buzzie" Bavasi, President, San Diego Padres, and a long-time Dodger is quite a shock to me. I have to believe that baseball owes a great deal to him. He did a remarkable job on and off the field. It would be difficult to pick out one of Jackie's many accomplishments in baseball. I will 1 always have memories of him." Charles S.

Feeney, National League President- only nice thing is that he received honors in baseball. I remember the Dodgers when I was him as a fiery competitor with the Giants. He was one of the greatest baseball players." Cronin, American League President- was daring on the bases, had all-around ability and willingness to jump in and play any position to help the ballclub. Being in the American League, I didn't know him as well as others, but he was a great ballplayer." Rocky Also Mourns Gov. Nelson A.

Rockefeller, New York- the untimely passing of Jackie Robinson, the country has lost a great man and I have lost a dear friend. Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers brought something uniquely American to Brooklyn, to New York, to Americaexcitement, drama, laughter, tears, and above all a lesson in how free peoples can and must learn to live together. "Jackie Robinson proved how Robinson's Funeral Set For Friday NEW YORK (P) Funeral services for former baseball great Jackie Robinson will be held Friday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m., EDT, at the Riverside Church here, it was announced Tuesday night. His body will be on view at Duncan Bros.

Funeral Home here on Wednesday from 1 5 p.m. It will also be on view at Riverside Church from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and from 1-9 p.m. Thursday. BUFFALO (AP) Don son and JoJo White produced some clutch shooting in the last minutes and the unbeaten Boston Celtics won their eighth National Basketball Association game, beating the Buffalo Braves 105-97 Tuesday night.

White was the game's high scorer with 28 points but it was Nelson who regained the lead for Boston after the Braves had taken their only lead of the game 95-93 on a tip-in basket by Elmore Smith at 3:43 to play. Nelson tied it with two free throws and then a jump shot. A pair of baskets by White gave Boston a six-point lead with just 52 seconds left. Buffalo came back from a 14- point halftime deficit 51-37 and the Braves tied the game at 89- 89. John Havlicek, bothered by a injured right wrist, concentrated on feeding the ball and finished with 14 points and 12 assists.

Paul Silas had 13 rebounds for the Celtics. Bob Kauffman was the high man for Buffalo with 24 points while Fred Hilton had 23 and Smith 22. AB 151 147 156 144 153 149 136 24 105 117 4877 2b 3b hr rbi B.A. 590 125 175 31 5 12 48 .297 574 108 170 38 8 12 85 .296 593 122 203 38 12 16 124 .342 518 99 170 39 4 14 81 .328 543 106 185 33 7 19 88 .338 510 104 157 17 3 19 75 .308 484 109 159 34 7 12 95 .329 386 62 20 22 4 15 59 .311 317 51 81 6 2 8 357 61 98 15 2 10 43:275 947 1518 273 54 137 734 .311 Boston (105) Havicek Silas 5 Cowens 5 Chaney 5 White 14. Nelson 5 Finkel 3 Kubrski 0 Westphal 1 Williams 0 Totals 42 Buffalo (97) 6-7 14 Kauffmn 10 4-6 24 2-2 12 McAdoo 0 0-0 0 1-2 11 ESmith 10 2-5 22 4-4 14 RSmith 2 1-3 5 0-0 28 Garrett 0 0-0 0 2-2 12 Komves 6 5-6 17 2-3 8 Hilton 10 3-3 23 2-2 2 Hummer 2-2 0-0 2 Hewitt 0-0 2 2-2 2 21-24 105 Totals 40 17-25 97 Boston 26 28 26-- Buffalo 16 21 37 23- 97 Fouled out -Buffalo, E.

Smith. Total fouls--Boston 26, Buffalo 21 Knicks Stomp Cleveland Behind Frazier, Bradley op- gotten The Suand their hex on it. It is typical of what happens in life." Erskine first met Robinson when he pitched against the Dodgers as a minor leaguer i in an exhibition game in Fort Worth, Tex. "I always remember he made an effort to find me and tell me how well I pitch," Erskine recalled. "He said he was sure I would be in the big leagues.

Later that year (1948) when I was called up, he was the first player to come to my locker in Pittsburgh and wish me well. "He seemed to always take me under his wing. He'd come to the mound when I got in trouble and say, 'You are going to do "It's hard to reflect back to the fact the stands were hostile and still segregated. The conI blacks frontations and were whites. between The score the got to be incidental." It was what happened to Jackie Robinson that mattered.

NEW YORK (AP) Walt Frazier scored 22 points and Bill Bradley 20 and the New York Knicks ran away from the Cleveland Cavaliers 123-90 in a National Basketball Association game Tuesday night. The Knicks broke open the game in the third quarter when they hit for 10 straight points and built their lead to 74-54. New York took the lead for good late in the second period breaking a 43-43 deadlock with eight consecutive points for a 51-43 haltime advantage. The Cavaliers, winless in seven games, scored only 15 points in the third quarter and trailed 79-58 by the end of the period. By the fourth quarter, both teams were using reserves and Knicks' rookie Henry Bibby scored 15 of his 17 points and Oilers Trade Webster To Steelers For Smith HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Oilers traded linebacker George Webster late Tuesday to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Dave Smith.

It was the second trade of the day announced by the Oilers. Earlier the Oilers said they had traded linebacker Ron Pritchard and wide receiver Charley Joiner to the Cincinnati Bengals for running backs Fred Willis and Paul Robinson, another rookie, Tom Riker, collected 11 points. Dave Debusschere also had 17 points for New York, now 6- 1, while Austin Carr topped Cleveland with 15 points and Lenny Wilkins, playing his first game with the Cavaliers after a two-month holdout, netted 14. New York centers Willis Reed and Jerry Lucas both were injured. Reed collided with Cleveland's Steve Patterson in the second quarter and the game with an injured left knee but returned in the second half when Lucas, departed with a bruised back after a collision with Fraizer.

Another Coach Quits At Texas El Paso EL PASO, Tex. (AP) Defensive line coach Gary Withrow resigned Tuesday from the University of Texas Paso coaching staff, bringing to three the number of coaches quitting since this past weekend. Head football Coach Bobby Dobbs resigned after the Miners lost 56-7 to University of New Mexico Saturday, and defensive coordinator Y.C. McNease resigned Monday while the UTEP Athletic Council was meeting to approve coordinator Tommy Hudspeth as interim successor to Dobbs..