The Gettysburg Times from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania • Page 9

THE GETTYSBURG TIMES, TUESDAY. AUGUST 18, 1981 PAGE LaRussa the middle man in split-season problems The ill-fated 1981 baseball season is. as Alice said, getting "curiouser and curiouser." Or, better still, sillier and sillier. If it wasn't for laughing, you would want to cry. It's so ridiculous, in fact, that sinister warnings of another Black Sox scandal are going out across the land and pretty soon you may find little kids sadly beseeching Chicago White Sox Manager Tony LaRussa (as an urchin once did Shoeless Joe Jackson after the sullied 1919 World Series): Grimsley's World By Will Grimsley "Say it ain't so, Tony, say it ain't so." You could even write a song with woeful lyrics like that.

Come to think of it. somebody did. LaRussa is the innocent middle man in a series of blunders that baseball's architects made in hurriedly trying to get the game back on track after a frustrating seven-week player strike over the free-agent compensation issue. In a closeted meeting of baseball's biggest brains from Commissioner Bowie Kuhn to the league presidents, their lawyers and statistical whizzes, it was determined that the season be cut in half. The pre-strike divisional winners the Phillies.

Dodgers, Yankees and A's -would play second half winners except where one team won both division titles. Then, the double winner would go against- the club in its division with the highest winning percentage for the year. It took a trio of alert sports writers--Joe Falls and Jerry Green of the Detroit News and Dave Nightingale of the Sporting News to discover that there was a bug in the ointment. It was possible, they told everybody within earshot in Cleveland 10 days ago, for a circumstance to arise in the closing week of the season whereby a team could profit by purposely losing a game or games and sneak into the playoffs through the back door. It took LaRussa to trigger some action.

The most obvious threat was in the American League East where the Yankees. Orioles and Tigers could be involved in a neck-and-neck race at the end with Baltimore playing Detroit Sept. 28.29,30 and New York Oct. 2.3.4. Hypothetically.

the situation could exist that the Orioles, for example, would not be in a position to clinch the second-half title outright, and would benefit by allowing the Yankees to win the second leg as they did the first. This might put the Orioles into the playoffs on an overall overall record. Agreed, this is all hypothetical but it's mathematically feasible in other divisions as well. It's too dangerous a boil for baseball to allow to get to a head. So back to the drawing board.

The most ludicrous aspect of this comic opera was the horror with which some people greeted LaRussa's statement that if it came to the choice of winning a final season series or assuring his team a playoff spot he would take the latter. "The key word is explained LaRussa, a licensed attorney in Florida. "The purpose of the game is to win and get in the World Series. I couldn't purposely deprive our players of that." Most clear-thinking managers and players agreed despite the ugly connotation of "throwing a game." If baseball should choose to leave open such an escape hatch, who can -blame anyone from taking it? A lot of critics suddenly became overly sanctimonious. A national TV network raised ghosts of the Black Sox scandal, in which Shoeless Joe and other White Sox plavers were banished for life 61 years ago for allegedly fixing the World Series against the Cincinnati Reds.

Over on the New York Yankee mike. Phil Rizzuto and Bill White questioned LaRussa's judgment and carried on a col- loquay of dire consequences. "Anybody throwing a game "ought to be expelled." said Rizzuto. 25 players?" asked White. "All 25." said Rizzuto.

credibility of the game is in enough trouble as it is." LaRussa acknowledged that reaction has been monumental and mixed. "Some said it was good that I called attention to the flaw in the playoff plan." he said. "Others agreed with me. There were others, who didn't understand, who blistered me for suggesting such an idea. "I was victim of a scare newspaper headline.

It said I favored throwing a game. I never said or meant that. I would forfeit the game. I couldn't, in clear conscience, put a team on the and tell the guys to lose. I couldn't and I wouldn't.

Nebraska looks tough on defense FROSH FRALJC--University of Pittsburgh freshman Bill Fralic looks into the eye of the camera recently in Pittsburgh. Fralic. named the nation's high school player of the year by Parade magazine last year, is currently vying for a starting position on the Panthers' squad at their training camp at Edinboro. Laserphotol Alabama's Bryant could set win mark this season CFA changes strategy By DOUG TUCKER AP Sports Writer KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Three days before the showdown vote over television controls, the College Football Association has apparently switched strategy in its fight against the NCAA.

Meanwhile, cross-country telephone calls have been going out from presidents of Pac-10 and Big Ten schools urging support for the NCAA in what one termed "a critical time for collegiate athletics." The 61-member CFA. a dissident group of major and would-be major football powers, will vote in Atlanta Friday on ratification of a four-year deal with NBC for football telecasts. The NCAA has already reached agreement with CBS and ABC for the same period, and other NCAA members, including the Big Ten and Pac-10, insist that disciplinary proceedings will be launched against i schools that adopt their At issue is control of football television rights. The CFA includes all top independents and five conferences, the Big Eight, Southeastern, Southwest. Atlantic Coast and Western Athletic.

Charles M. Neinas, executive director of the CFA, said when he announced the NBC deal the decision would be made by each school's president, in line with the concept control." Neinas said at the time each CFA school would ca a vote at the Atlanta meeting. However, sources told the Associated Press Monday the CFA is now trying to line up block voting among the conferences. The Southwest and Western Athletic conferences in particular are divided on the issue, sources said. It will be up to the conferences themselves whether to vote as a block or individually.

"The statement released by the Pac-10 and Big Ten from the NCAA, with consequences CFA and NCAA backers alike say could be destructive to sports programs. Uy caught some CFA people off guard," said a source who asked not to be identified. "And those presidents are busy on the phones to CFA presidents uri them to turn down the deal and defuse a catastrophic situation. But if the CFA got the Big Eight. Southeastern and Southwest conferences to vote as a block, that's 27 right there.

and they could carry it with just four independents." After a meeting in Denver Saturday, the Pac-10 and Big Ten presidents issued a public statement reaffirming their support of the NCAA, saying. efforts by member institutions or groups of institutions to embark on ventures outside the established national structure to which they belong threaten grave consequences potentially harmful to intercollegiate sports, to valued relationships and to higher education generally." "They're busy on the phones, calling presidents at the CFA schools." said the source. "It's not an organized campaign, where everybody's got a list to contact. They're just contacting the ones they know person- By HOYT HARWELL Associated Press Writer TUSCALOOSA. Ala.

A The Crimson Tide could put Coach Bear Bryant at the top of the list of alf-time winning college football coaches this year. Bryant has 306 victories in his 36-year career and needs nine more to put him one past the late Amos Alonzo Stagg's mark of 314. "Sometimes I think about this year and get the shakes. It means that much to me." said Warren Lyles. giant middle guard on what is expected to be another stingy Alabama defense.

"Coach Bryant has told us to win this season for ourselves, not for him," Lyles said. that's nothing new. He has told us that every year, that he will show us how to win and then leave the winning to us. And that's the way we've done it. "Still, this is a special year for everybody on our team.

We all realize the significance." The late Glen "Pop" Warner had 313 victories. totally dedicated 'o helping him pass arner and Stagg." Lyles. "with our eyes'bn winning another national championship for ourselves." Lyles has a i a i rings for his freshman and sophomore seasons but missed out in 1980 when Mississippi State and Notre Dame edged the Tide to give it a "poor" 10-2 mark. Brvant himself said he is tired of a i about Stage record, claiming Stagg is class by himself and will always be "the Babe Ruth of football." His attitude this season, as interest in the coaching record mounts, "isgoingtobea little different than it's ever been before." the 67-year-old Bryant said. "I'm going to try not to worry." he said.

"I normally do all the worrying and frowning and all that, but I don't have many years left. I'm going to enjoy every practice. I'm going to every game, regardless of how it comes out. and just By TOM VINT Associated Press Writer LINCOLN. Neb.

A -The LniYGrsity NebrssKs defense was one of the best in college football last year, ranking third nationally in total delense. third in rushing defense and second in points surrendered. But ninth-year Coach Tom Osborne says this year's edition of defense with nine returning starters, including an end who can outrun every' offensive back on the team -might be even better. One good reason for Osborne's optimism is defensive end Jimmy Williams, a 6-foot-3. 225-p'ound senior who is the fastest player on the squad with 4.4 speed over 40 yards.

He dropped oppos- ing'backs for 137 yards in losses with a team-leading 72 tackles in 1980 and was named Most Valuable Lineman in the Cornhuskers' Sun Bowl victory over Mississippi State. Osborne says the only problems he foresees defensively are developing depth from untried younger players and finding an end to rep'lace graduated Derrie Nelson at the flank opposite Williams. He didn't mention the loss of defensive coordinator a good time." Lance Van Zandt. who went Counting an almost mevit- to the New Orleans Saints able 23rd consecutive bowl after four campaigns at Neb- game. Alabama will have 12 raska.

Osborne didn't name a games in which to win the new defensive coordinator. Tackles Henry Waechter and Toby Williams and nose guard Curt Hineline return in the defensive line, as do Steve Damkroger and Steve McWhirter at linebacker. In the secondary, starters Rodney Lewis. Ric Lindquist and Sammv Sims are back magic nine. Its quest starts Sept.

5 in a televised game at Louisiana State. Then it against Georgia Tech. Kent Vanderbilt. Mississippi. Southern Mississippi.

Tennessee. Rutgers. Mississippi State. Penn State and Auburn. Lyies is a key figure in a defense that loses little from a group that gave up an average or only eight points a game in 1980.

On the line will be Mike Pitts. Randy Edwards. Jackie Ciine and Russ Wood. The linebackers Robbie Jones and Thomas Boyd. and the cornerbacks and safeties.

Jeremiah Castille. Benny Ferrin. Tommy Wilcox and Jim Bob Harris, are proven penormers. On offense, the major question marks are the line and quarterback. The other spot probably will go to Jeff Krejci.

a battle- tested reserve a year ago. Most of Osborne's questions are with the offense, where he must replace running backs Jarvis Redwine and Andra Franklin, both second-round draft picks by the National Football League. Only third-string I-back Roger Craig, a junior, has playing time under his belt But saying Craig was a third-string back is a bit deceiving. Despite playing behind Redwine and Craig Johnson. Craig rushed for 782 yards and scored 90 points, good enough to tie him for sixth place nationally in scoring is a very good back, but he's the only one with any game experience and he's never started a game.

We'll try to play Roger as much as we can. but we'll have to find somebody to back him up." says Osborne. The quarterback situation is up in the air. Mark Mauer. backup to senior Jeff yumn last year, finished spring practice No.l on the depth chart.

But strong challenge? are expected from Nate Mason. Turner Gill and Bruce Mathison. especially Gill. "They are all good athletes, but we'll have to wait and see about Mauer." Osborne said. "He injured a toe and developed a bone chip Franklin's fullback spot will be filled by Phil Bates and Mark Moravec.

a pair of reserves who saw clean-up duty last year. Osborne said the quarterback situation will have to develop rapidly to taKe advantage of excellent receivers in split end Todd Brown, wingback Anthony Steels and tight end Jamie Williams. Unlike last year. Osborne will return a veteran offensive line "Offensively, we feel the line should be a strong." he says. Osborne labels center Dave Rimington and tackle Dan Hurley as "very solid." Rimington and tackle Randy Theiss were starters last year as sophomores, a rarity in the Nebraska line.

A weak point last season was the punting but Osborne picked urTjunior college standout Grant Campbell to handle a chore "Other than the fact we play a tougn schedule. I think we ll have a pretty good year." Osborne said. The Huskers open with Iowa, then meet Florida State. Penn State and Auburn before jumping into Big Eight competition. Nebraska has a tough conference road schedule, playing defending champ Oklahoma and perennial Contender Missouri away from home AREN PLAN! MILL HARDWARE STORE WATCH FOR lanta.

there js to be a three- week period in which schools can change their ballots. AUGUST 20 to 29 Charboneau trying to find I GREAT SAYINGS STOREWIDE lost batting eye in minors CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) The muscles in his arms ripple under the thin T-shirt as Joe Charboneau lashes out with his bat. The ball soars out of the batting cage and finally ends its long downward arc about 400 feet from the plate, bouncing against a sign advertising a fast food restaurant. Charboneau begins jogging towards first base, his curly black hair trailing behind as it gets caught up in a breeze.

At first base, he puts a playful bear hug on teammate Karl Pagel, lifting him high into the air. coming back a little bit Charboneau says, somewhat hopefully, somewhat tentatively. Then he begins a slow jog around the balepaths. Back at the batting cage, he quickly jumps back in for a couple of more swings. Again, the ball soars high and tar.

Charboneau and nil major league swing seem somewhat out in place in watt Powell Park, home of the International League Charleston Charlies. Even a minor league park wouW seemed inconceivaWe. IE WSPA.P.E.K After all, Charboneau was last year's rookie of the year in the American League for the Cleveland Indians. He hit .289 with 23 homers and 87 RBI. He was the Indians' most popular player since Rocky Colavito Super Joe.

the subject of a fast-selling poster in the Cleveland area. He was, but that was the Joe Charboneau of I960. The Joe Charboneau of 1961 hit just .206 with four homers and 16 RBI for the Indians. The comedown from major league star to struggling Class AAA player he was O-for-7 in his first two games as a minor leaguer was a quick one, an unexpected one for Charboneau. He struggles to put it into perspective.

"I've just accepted it," Charboneau says bravely. "It's just part of the game." He sounds less than convinc- charboneau refuses to bad mouth the Indian' front office for sending, him back to the minors to quickly. But as he points out, "I only had about a hundred at-bats this year, because of the strike. I've had minor league where I hit lew than that for a hundred at-bats." Charboneau doesn't know when he'll be recalled by the Indians--or even if he'll ever be recalled. He said he was given no promise by the Indians that he would be quickly called back up.

"They'll take me back when I'm ready," said Charboneau. "Even when I was with the Indians, I always knew I had three options left. I always knew I could come back down (to the minors.) It wasn't a real big shock to me." It may not have been, but Charboneau says he and his wife, Cathy, who is expecting their second child in three weeks, both cried when they got the news of the demotion to Charleston. "It (his swine) might come back in a week or it might come back in two years. I really think I'll get it back," Charboneau said.

"I love playing baseball. The big differences between here and Cleveland are the crowd and the glamor, because it's still the same game down here. Playing triple-A baseball isn't that bad." LOOK FOR AD IN THE GETTYSBURG TIMES AUGUST 20, 1981 FOR ALL DETAILS. GIFTS FOR EVERYONE REFRESHMENTS Register for Over 000 IN PRIZES ARENDTSVILLE MILL PLANING HARDWARE STORE Phone 677-6161 Arendtsville NE WSP.APE.Rr.