News Record from North Hills, Pennsylvania • Page 19

sports FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1981 NEWS RECORD 19 News Record CHIP SHOTS By CHIP LKWANDOWSKI Sports Editor Two unassisted triple plays in one Wilt we remember any baseball heroes 20 years from now? It seems as if the older you get, the quicker time goes by. Everything seems to be changing more rapidly than we would like them. When I was young, I read Superman comic books, listened to the Beatles and admired the Thunderbird as (he ultimate in sports cars. Now that comic book is a movie, the singing group is a musical show and the sports car is a luxury automobile. Do we even realize what transformations take place in such a short period of time? The same holds true with sports.

When I was just being introduced to baseball, I was told of the accomplishments of Ted Williams, Joe. DiMaggio and Pie Traynor. But, back then, those people were just names. Drtime, however, I realized what great athletes they were, without ever having seen them play. When I met Ted Williams a few years ago, I put the man's massive figure together with the things I was told about him and came up with a model baseball player.

But the players I remember most youngsters today view the names Clemente, Aaron, Musial and Mays. Is it the same impression I got when I first heard of Traynor, Williams and DiMaggio? But, more importantly, will youngsters 20 years from now realize the accomplishments of Pete Rose and Rod Carew the way I saw Williams and DiMaggio or the way the 7-year- old sees Mays and Musial? Hopefully, they will. But, as much as I hate to think of it, could it be that .20 years from now there will be no baseball heroes for youngsters to admire? It seems as if major league players and owners are trying very hard to accomplish that goal. Owners are in no hurry now to settle the strike, since they are insured and are being paid for it. Likewise, the players seem stubborn enough to sit through the storm until they get theii way.

Maybe we can't adjust to change. When Three Rivers Stadium first opened more than 10 years ago, poe- ple were glad to move into a bigger park. Now, all you hear is how great it was to watch a game in the old parks. StarrMusial, Wilhe-MaysrHank a win Aaron and Roberto Clemente. They were the best of my time.

But, even as I am still young, those players become only names to today's youngsters. I realized that earlier this week when I mentioned to a 7-year-old that he caught the ball like Gemente used to in his basket- catch style. It wasn't until the next day that I realized that the boy had never seen "The Great One" play. Clemente died before the boy was born. It also made me think of how ner, no matter what the price.

Now, ironically, to be a winner costs a lot of money. Changes are good for everyone, as long as they are natural. Over the years, heroes changed from DiMaggio to Musial to Rose. Now, it seems, those heroes are undergoing an unnatural change -from player to rich man to owner. It's not a-fair transformation.

Everyone realizes it, but we don't see what changes the situation will bring in the future. StoH photo by ROBERT CARROLL Double triplets Jamie Noland still wears the smile he wore when he accomplished the rare feat of completing two unassisted triple plays in one game, Noland plays for the Cardinals of the Brad-Mar- Pines T-Ball League. If Jamie Noland played major league baseball and was playing out his option, his value in the free agent market would be incalculable. Although Noland is not a major leaguer, his value as a member of the Cards in the Brad-Mar-Pine Athletic Association's T-Ball League is immeasurable. The 7-year-old recently defied all pie plays in one game A few 'games later, Noland hit a grand slam.

Noland, a third grade student at Pine a School, accomplished the rare feat of two triple plays in one game last week when the Cards defeated the Mets, 18-13. In the fourth inning, while playing centerfield, Noland caught a line drive, tagged the runner before he could get back to the base and outran the runner from first back to the base to complete the first triple play. Then, in the fifth inning, Noland (who was then playing in the pitching position), snagged a line drive, ran to second to tag the runner, then to first for his second unassisted triple play. It seems the only thing Noland does not do in a baseball game is sell popcorn. But Noland was not the only area player to accomplish a rare feat on the baseball diamond last week Jim Trdinich, 17, threw a no-hitter in leading the Hampton A's to a 14-0 win over the White Sox in the Hampton Athletic Association's Colt League.

Trdinich struck out 13 of the 27 batters he faced in the seven-inning game. The no-hitter first thrown this season in the league. The win was the A's fourth against seven losses. Ingomar Little The Angels won two games last week to clinch the first half championship of the Ingomar Little Leagyels North Division. Tim Genter fired a two-hitter and struck put 10 as the Angels shut out the Twins, 7-0.

Tim Hazen drove in two runs with a double and a single while Bill Hann drove in two more with a single. Angels 8, Giants 3 Jeff Eckert had two doubles and Genter a pair of singles to lead the Angels to their seventh win of the season. Chris Roessler drove in all three Giant runs with a double and single. The Cards came on strong, winning four straight to tie the Reds for the 'South Division first-half a pionship. Both own 6-3 records Cards 9, Mets 4 Dave Noss and Keith Carter hit doubles while John Vollmer knocked in two runs to help pitcher Steve Donnell.

Don Fusina was the defensive star of the game for the winners. Cards 18, Giants The Cards mounted a 16-hit attack to win this re. Vtfflmer. nell, Mark Shaw and Jeff Brodmerkel had two hits each for the winners. Brodmerkel allowed only two hits as the Cards' pitcher Cards 7, Yanks 6 The Cards fought back to score seven runs in the sixth inning.

Dave Fleckenstein hit two home runs and John Wallaert had a double and single to give the Yanks their early -0 lead Donnell drove in the winning run on an infield ground ball after the Cards took advantage of two hits, three errors, five walks and a hit batsman, Cards 7, Reds 2 The win the Cards created the South Division deadlock. John Kelly threw a three- hitter and had two hits to lead the Cards Brodmerkel had a double and single while Donnell had a pair of singles, mark Stoerker had a double and single for the'Reds. Reds 14, Mets 6 Mark Dunn had three singles; Ted Wilson had two doubles and a single; Amy Olshenske had two singles; and Mark Stoerker hit a pair of doubles to lead the Reds' offensive explosion. Reds 5, Twins 0 Stoerker combined with Chris Stanton to stop the Twins on just three hits. Stoerker also lead the offense with a double Bucs 3, Angels 2 The loss was the Angels' first of the season.

Mark Danza and Paul Pietrusinski held the Angels to four hits. Mike O'Day had a double and two singles while Danza drove in two runs. Bill Hann and Ken Knab had doubles for the Angels a 11, i 3 Dave Fleckenstein pitched five innings-to pick up the win. Scott Stem, Jeff Morrison and Dan Yoest led the offensive attack. Mets 5, Bucs 2 The win was the Mets' first this season.

Chad Parsons went the distance for the win. Brian Grubb, Kevin Hartman and Brent Messmer had two hits each for the winners. In other games, the Bucs nipped the Yanks, 2-1. and the Giants beat the Mets, 11-3, behind the pitching and hitting of Todd Schnorr Butler race officials expect 1,500 runners The largest field in the history of the "Butler 10,000 Meter Run" is expected to be at the startingline Saturday. About 1,500 runners from at least 10 states, ranging in age from 7 to 75, are to participate in the 6.2-mile event, starting (9 a.m.) and finishing at the Butler County Court House in downtown Butler.

TorThe firsf time, was placed on the number of entries because of the growing popularity of what has become one of the premier lOKs of the year. More than 1,300 finished the race last year, and 949 in 1979. In addition to its large size, it will be another competitive field with many of the area's leading runners participating. It will not Be known until Saturday if Malcolm East, course holder (30 18 seconds, in 1979) and winner of the last two races, will run. He is registered.

East won the Copenhagen Marathon last weekened, and is to return tomorrow. But after the 26-mile, 385- yard, effort, and two weeks of traveling in Europe, he is not certain if he in condition to defend his title. He is, however, planning to at least attend the race as a spectator, and may be used as part of WBUT-AM Radio's live coverage the race. (His winning time in Copenhagen was two hours, 14 minutes, nine seconds, more than a minute ahead of the see- On The Run Skipping town no big deal for Bucs The threat of the Pirates leaving town for greener pastures is a relatively new crisis in but it's not a first for the baseball team. From 1955 until 1968 the Bucs held spring training in Fort Myers, Fla.

Everyone connected with the team loved Fort Myers, but the facUities there left a lot to be desired. There were only two playing fields, no real clubhouse and no living or dining facilities. In fact, team members lived miles from the fields in a motel on the other side of town. Seeking to improve their lot, the Pirates in the mid-'60s investigated other Florida cities to ascertain what kind of deal they could make. When the word got out that the team might move, Pirate fans in Fort Myers began a campaign to keep the Bucs.

Chuck Ross, a transplanted New Yorker who ran a men's clothing store in Fort Myers, vented his feeling about the proposed move by having this sign painted and placed in his display window. Chuck had a great deal of faith in the Bucs, thus the speculation that they would be world champions the following year. The Pirates are no longer connected with Fort Myers, but Chuck still is. He's now a promotion manager at a mall there. There has been a change in his allegiance, too, because he's now a staunch Kansas City fan.

The Royals moved into Fort Myers when the Pirates moved out. At first it appeared 'the Pirates would set up shop across the state in Deerfield Beach. In fact that community was in the process of building a facility for the Bucs when a protest from Deerfield citizens stopped the move. Bradenton became the first choice after that and in 1969 the Pirates moved north about 100 miles to their new spring home. They'll be there for quite some time because they signed a 40-year lease with Bradenton, where they have things considerably better than they did in Fort Myers.

In fact, many Bradenton people feel the Bucs have things too good. With that in mind, city fathers have attempted to have the lease rewritten in tones more favorable to the community. The Pirates have an ironclad deal, however, and they refuse to budge although they did make a few minor concessions. Still, it's doubtful that any Bradenton merchant would be moved to ge to the trouble to keep the years ago. ond place finisher.) A "charter member" of the race, Sam Bair of Allison Park, winner of the 1976 and 1977 lOKs, second in 1978 and 1979, and fourth last year, has registered.

Carl Hatfield of Morgantown, W.Va., was the 1978 victor. Kitty Console of Kent, a new female course record of 36:28 last year, and is to return Saturday. The event is starting an hour earlier than in previous years, in an attempt to alleviate some of the heat and humidity experienced in some past races. When the gun is sounded, runners will move north on Main Street, turn left onto West Perm Street, proceed past the YMCA to West Perm extension, move into Alameda Park, turn around at the top of the hill, near the swimming pool, and retrace their steps. "I think it's tough," says race director Chuek-Bunaway, of the course.

"The first mile is rather easy, basically down hill, then it levels off and becomes a fairly strong race. Then, at two and three-quarter miles, there is a very demanding half-mile hill. Coming back down, although you can recover some, the sharp down hill can take its toll on the muscles Easing thoughts of the hill, though, are the spectators along the route and at the finish line who offer encouragement, water and ice cubes. Music -also usually -fiUs-the -downtown-area to pump-up the participants. "There is a tremendous response from the spectators," Dunaway adds.

He tells, for example, of one family living on the course "who takes a considerable amount of pride" in providing aid to runners, even spending its own money for supplies. To those who have never watched the race, Dunaway assures it is a good one for observers. "There's excitement," he notes. "It's right in town, and you see the mass coming right down Main Street. It's not something out of the way.

You can watch the start of the race, then shop or something for a half hour, and then come out and see the finish. It's not like they have to stand there and twiddle their thumbs." Though sponsored by Butler County Travel and Convention Bureau, Dunaway informs, "I think the city itself has kind of established the race as something that belongs to the city and not just to a particular group. It's become like more of an event that is attached to the city." The merchants association will sponsor a special sale in conjunction with the race. More than 100 volunteers are used organizing and operating the 10K Dunaway feels its appeal to participants is that it is organized by- runners Perpetual Motion running club in Butler) for runners. There will be locker room and shower facilities before and after the -race--at--te--Y-MA- -A---post-race "bring your own food" family picnic will be in the pavilion area of Alameda Park, adjacent to the swim- pool Beer and soft drinks will be provided free.

Race registration closed last week. Another quality race, the third annual "Apollo Lions Run For Life" 10K July 4, has extended its entry deadline from Saturday to July 3" There will be no registration race morning The field will be limited to 400 Age categories have been expanded For information, phone Bob Waltenbaugh at 478-1085. We've received glowing reports on the organization of the Mercer Area Lions "Run For Sight" 10K held last Saturday in Mercer It was the first leg of the "Mercer Area Triple Crown" 10K circuit, which includes the Mercer County "Grange Classic" Aug. 1 and the Lake Latonka "Turkey Chase" Nov. 21 For details, write Mark Courtney, publisher of "The Runner's High." RD 6, Box 6765, Mercer.

16137. State Senate flexing muscles in Toughman' contest fight By CHET CZARNIAK Gannett News Service 1 HARRISBURG The Pennsylvania Senate wants to get tough with those so-called "toughman" contests. The Judiciary Committee Tuesday unanimously recommended passage by the full Senate of a bill to outlaw the contests that have been described by critics as little more than organized street fights that combine boxing, wrestling and any other skills. Action by the full Senate could come as early as next week. The legislation is the brainchild of Sen.

Mark Singel, D-Johnstown, who proposed it after a 23-year-old man, Ron Miller, died of massive brain hemorrhage after a "toughman" contest in Johnstown earlier this year. Miller, who experienced stomach tins and double vision between hi "desperate for money." He was an unemployed construction worker. The contest he was involved in offered a $1,000 first prize. "The pattern to the participants in such contest is that many are unemployed, down on their Juck and easy prey for what promoters dangle before them as easy money," Singel told the Judiciary Committee. "It is no coincidence that contests are staged high unemployment and economic decline.

The sickening fact is that promoters are taking advantage of despair and desperation, "he said. The Pennsylvania Athletic Commission supports Singel's bill because it has no legal way to regulate the contests, which do not come under its jurisdiction. Commission officials oppose the "toughman" bouts, which have be- Jar in recent In an advertisement from one contest promoted in Ohio, Singel noted that contestants could not have professional boxing experience and only a limited number of wins as an amateur in a sanctioned bout. If the proposal becomes law, Pennsylvania could be a pioneer in the anti-toughman effort. Although similar legislation is pending in several states, none has passed such a law Under Singel's btii anyone who promotes, sponsors or participates in a "toughman" contest could be charged with a misdemeanor carrying a maximum fine of $15,000 and a 5-year jail term.

His original proposal called for tougher penalties, with fines up to $25,000. But committee chairman George Gekas, R-Dauphin, suggested that would be out of line with current sen- was described by Singel as being ments and no weight classifications, was approved..