The Brattleboro Reformer from Brattleboro, Vermont • 16

Page 16 JJrattleboro Reformer Friday, March 22, 1985 Bandwagon being jumped on early Cubs fever produces spring media blitz The Cubs are a big story and maybe it did get a little overdone last fall. Its been, so long that weve had anything like this that no one wants to be outdone. TV network official Shawon Dunston had three hits. Dunston is battling veteran Larry Bowa in the only real fight for a position in the Cubs camp. What are they planning to do, analyze every hit for the next five weeks? Frey asked.

I hope not. These games dont count for anything. Actually, I was a little surprised the way everyone made a fuss last year but I understand how long this city has waited, added Frey, possibly overlooking the division title the crosstown rival Chicago White Sox had won the previous year. The fans in this city are great. Ive never seen such loyalty.

There is an audience for the Cubs. If spring training is any indication, the regular season promises even more intense media battles. Because the Cubs play all of their games in the sunshine at Wrigley Field, coverage is ideally suited for the early evening and 10 p.m. newscasts. If the Cubs continue their momentum from last year, additional coverage is likely.

By RANDY MINKOFF CHICAGO (UPlj The cameras were rolling; the sportscasters had their interviews all lined up for after THE game the tension was obviously building at the ballpark. The final game of the playoffs? The World Series opener? How about the first pitch of the home opener? No, this was Mesa, Ariz. Ho Ho Kam Park, to be exact. The coverage wasnt even for an exhibition game. This was the first intrasquad game of the year for the Cubs and it was treated like royalty.

Ryne Sandberg had the honor of driving in the first run of the season for the Cubs, beamed WLS-TV sports anchor Tim Weigel. Weigel was only trying to be competitive in the sudden competition to report what was going on at the Cubs first spring training following a championship in 40 years. We had someone down there from the very first day, adds Weigel, sports director of the ABC affiliate. larger newspapers. Occasionally, film crews would be sent down, but only after the exhibition season had begun.

In past years, the crews would tape their interviews ahead of time and spread them out until the regular season openers in the chillier northern climes. But with the success of the Cubs, every leg lift and jumping jack bedame big news this spring. With the amount of coverage given tc the Cubs camp, the regular season can only be anticlimatic. The television industry is not alone in the Cubs hysteria. Both major newspapers sent additional reporters to cover spring training, a carryover from last years pennant race and playoffs.

Smaller newspapers from the surrounding Chicago areas also dispatched their reporters to spring training. Jim Frey, the second-year Cubs manager, even admitted surprise at the amount of attention his club was drawing. In the intrasquad scrimmage, rookie prospect ABC was not alone. Reporters from the CBS- and NBC-owned stations also had their crews down in Mesa as did WGN-TV, the independent station that broadcasts the Cubs games during the regular season. WGN-TV, a superstation with range across the country, established a satellite dish right outside the Cubs spring training, park.

For a fee, believed to be around $3,500 a week, the other stations can share in the feed and transmit live reports from the action for each nights newscasts. The reason for this mild hysteria is a carryover from the success the Cubs and the media enjoyed during Chicagos run for its division title last year. The Cubs became big news not just in terms of sports coverage but for the news teams as well. The Cubs drive to the pennant and ensuing celebration was not only front page news but lead items for evening newscasts. The Cubs are a big story and maybe it did get a little overdone last fall, said one television official who asked not be identified.

Its been so long that weve had anything like this that no one wants to be outdone. Last fall, if one station had one remote from one bar, another station had to go to two bars. I guess it spilled over to spring training. Normally, spring training in the past for the Cubs has drawn little notice from the media other than the beat writers from the Major League owners seven-game playoff propose series Record 15th Opening Day start awaits Chicagos Tom Seaver CLEARWATER, Fla. Major League owners proposed Thursday that baseball switch from a five-game to a seven-game playoff series beginning this season and asked the Players Association for an answer by next week.

The owners made the proposal at a negotiating session on the basic agreement. The Players Association, however, is not sure it will accept the proposal under the current financial setup and indicated it might agree to the change on a one-year trial basis. Citing the industrys poor financial picture, the Player Relations Committee wants to switch to a seven-game series in order to bring in an additional $9 million in television revenue. Thats where the problem lies. The Players Association wants one-third of that money to go into its pension fund, but the owners want to pocket it all.

The two sides will meet again in Scottsdale, Ariz. for the first of two meetings next Tuesday and the owners are hoping that the players will say yes to the proposal. Well either hit a home run or well strike out, said Lee MacPhail, president of the Player Relations Committee. We have to have a decision soon. Because of baseballs finances, we need to have a seven-game series.

We also feel it is the best way to decide the league champion. MacPhail said that the additional games would mean as much as $2 million extra in gate receipts for the players pension fund, but admitted that the television revenues were a potential stumbling block. The players are reluctant to do this without the extra $3 million they could get from television, MacPhail said. We still have to work out the whole thing. Donald Fehr, Acting Director of the Players Association, said he was pretty sure the players would not go along with the seven-game idea in its present form.

Its a difficult problem because its difficult to separate it from the rest of the negotiations, said Fehr. Theres some feeling that the playoffs are long enough as it is, but they might be willing to play it if other things can be worked out. Fehrs suggestion is to set up a seven-game series for one year only as a test case and take the television money from all post-season games, including the World Series, and the All-Star Game and Game of the Week telecasts and put it into an interest-growing escrow. Then, when the two sides finally reach agreement on a new contract, the money could be taken out and divided according to the agreement. Im going to take the weekend to study this and see if we cant come up with something by next Tuesday, said Fehr.

I cant say Im optimistic. he was unaware of the starting rotation in January. highest compliment is that the decision knowing about it, Were going to try to game. We waited (to because we wanted to free and easy this to me hes throwing this time of spring year. winningest White year at 15-11 and had He is 12 victories career.

Atlanta and and Houston, St. Louis, Los Boston, and Montreal York Yankees, and the New York Mets By United Press International With his very first pitch of 1985, Tom Seaver will break a major-league record. The call from the Chicago White Sox to pitch his 15th Opening Day means the right-handed veteran will, barring postponement, break his tie with Walter Johnson in Milwaukee April 9. White Sox manager Tony LaRussa announced Thursday that Seaver, 40, was his choice to start the season. It will be Seavers first Opening Day start in the American League.

He already holds the National League record for Opening Day victories with six. Its hard to put a measure on what it means, Seaver said. Any time you talk about doing something greater than an individual known as one of the pillars of the game such as Walter Johnson, its very rewarding. It means youve been durable and consistent. Dave Winfield felled LaRussa said the record when was talked about Probably the we can give him was made without LaRussa said.

win the first announce it) see him throwing spring. It seems the ball better at than he was last Seaver was the Sox pitcher last an ERA of 3.95. short of 300 for his Games between Montreal, Toronto Pittsburgh and Angeles and and the New Philadelphia and were rained out. Stan the Man had Labines number struck him out maybe 40 times. The reporter, of course, featured that angle in his story.

The quote stopped the editor cold. Turning to an old-timer, he asked, Is this possible? It doesnt seem possible, said the old-timer. Lets ask Musial. A telephone call was put through to Musials restaurant in St. Louis and the question asked of the recep three innings as the young pitcher retired the Cardinals in 1-2-3 order.

Then he turned to a reporter in the press box. When is this fellow gonna throw his fastball? Stan asked. Thats what hes been throwing, the reporter replied. Oh, said Musial. He seemed to lose interest in the game but watched another inning or so and then went to the Shea Stadium press room for a soda pop.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (UPI) The New York Yankees, who were rained out of their Grapefruit League game with the Montreal Expos Thursday night, received more bad news regarding their injury-plagued outfield. Dave Winfield, sidelined since fouling a ball off his left instep Saturday against the Chicago White Sox in Sarasota, entered a local hospital Wednesday night suffering from a severe infection in his left elbow. He is expected to be hospitalized for five to seven days. Winfield fell on the elbow after fouling the pitch off his instep.

The Yankee right fielder received intravenous antibiotics while in the hospital and is not expected to be back in the lineup for a least a week to 10 days. Hernandez queried about baseball drug trafficking By FRED DOWN UPI Sports Writer) NEW YORK (UPI) Back in the days when nobody paid any attention to college basketball, there were six teams in the National Hockey League and only the players mothers knew of the existence of the National Basketball Association, newspapers featured winter baseball stories to meet space requirements. The stories became known as Hot Stove League Baseball and many papers continue the practice in one form or another in 1985 as a tribute to the year-round sport. One common practice is to send a reporter to interview an old ballplayer and do a nostalgia piece. Such was the case a few years ago when a reporter was sent to interview Clem Labine, who was a star relief pitcher for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1950 through 1962.

It wasnt long before Labine realized the reporter really didnt know much about his career or baseball and decided to have some fun. The reporter finally asked the question for which Labine was waiting: What was the greatest thrill of your career? It wasnt a single thing, said Labine. You see, Stan Musial never made a hit off me. I think I got him out 67 consecutive times and knock Labine. He was some tough pitcher.

I doubt if my lifetime batting average against him was more than .310. Musial started in professional baseball as a left-handed pitcher (his high school coach told him, its a good thing youre a pitcher because youll never be a hitter with a batting stance like that) but injured his shoulder and thought of quitting baseball. His minor league manager, Dicky Kerr of 1919 Chicago Black Sox fame, took Musial into his home and encouraged him to become an outfielder. Some 20 years later Musial went to see Mr. and Mrs.

Kerr in Houston, and handed them the keys to a fully-paid new home he had bought for them. He was furious when a reporter broke the story in the newspapers. I dont get it, he raged. It was a private matter. All I did was say, thank you.

As vice president of the St. Louis Cardinals, the seven-time National League batting champion and owner of a .331 lifetime average, makes occasional trips with the team. This time he was watching a young New York Met pitcher for the first time. He watched intently for about Musial' suited up and took some swings during batting practice at the Cardinals St. Petersburg, spring training sites until he was about 58.

When he stepped into the cage, all action on the field stopped and the kids watched The Man. One day in 1973, after taking his swings, he walked over to a kid who was on the Cardinals roster for a spring training look, Hed hit .282 in Double A and seemed an iffy prospect. Son, Musial said to the kid, Ive been watching you hit. If youd like to work with me I think I can help you. I dont need your help, said the kid.

Stan the Man shrugged and walked away. His plaque is up there on the wall in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., and the kid is pumping gas in Oklahoma City. tionist. She said Musial was standing about 10 feet away and to hold on a few seconds. He says it isnt true, she answered.

Would you ask Musial to come to the phone? the editor said. He cant, she replied, Hes on the floor laughing. Finally, Musial did come to the phone. He was just kidding the reporter, the Man said. But, listen, dont immunity.

Since this is an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate for Keith to comment further. Hernandez appeared along with Houston Astros infielder Enos Cabell on Wednesday before the panel. Earlier this week, Montreal Expos outfielder Tim Raines and St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lonnie Smith testified before the same grand jury. Three members of the 1984 Pittsburgh Pirates Rod Scurry, Dale Berra, and Lee Mazzilli also have testified.

Raines, Smith, and Scurry have admitted in the past that they used cocaine. Hernandez, 31, was traded by the Cardinals to the Mets on June 15, 1983. PITTSBURGH (UPI) New York Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez was asked about events that occurred during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals when he appeared before a federal grand jury, a Mets spokesman said Thursday. Hernandez has appeared before a Pittsburgh grand jury that is reportedly investigating drug trafficking in the Pittsburgh area, Mets General Manager Frank Cashen said in a statement.

Hernandez, who appeared voluntarily and who is one of several major league players asked to testify, indicated that he was questioned about events that occurred when he was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Hernandez appeared with complete Top minor league prospect Red Sox 9 Sam Horn opening eyes Smokin Joe making comeback at age 41 By FRED McMANE UPI Associate Sports Editor WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (UPI) One of these days in the not too distant future the Boston Red Sox are going to be sounding the trumpets for Sam Horn. Its not going to be this year, but Horn will be playing sweet music in the major leagues within the next three seasons.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Horn is one of the best prospects in the Red Sox organization and has been impressing everyone in spring training camp with his devastating power and his willingness to work. When you impress someone in the Red Sox camp with your ability to hit its like impressing E.F. Hutton with your knowledge of high finance. Its not an easy thing to accomplish. Walter Hriniak, who is well-respected as a hitting coach, says Horns going to be a fine hitter, Red Sox manager John McNamara said.

He played in A ball last year and they have high hopes for him. I think hes going to get stranger. Hes probably got some baby fat on him. Hes a good looking hitter. on trying to hit the ball up the middle, Horn said.

Its your natural ability to take the ball to left field or pull it, so I said well, hey, Ill hit the ball up the middle. Horn isnt worried about his defense. He believes he has the tools to become a good first baseman. All he needs is some experience. Im not pressuring myself to say, hey, I got to do well on defense, Horn said.

Ive got to go out there and relax and play the same. Natural ability will take over. I dont know what people are saying or thinking about my defense. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I feel I can play defense well enough to play in the major leagues and perform well. Horn hit .313 with 21 homers and 89 RBI at Winston-Salem of the Class A Carolina League last year and seems destined to open the season in Double-A at New Britain of the Eastern League.

But before he goes he wants to give management something to think about. I dont have a chance to make this team, of course, but I can show the organization by working hard that I really want to play, he said. Horn has a problem, though. He isnt a very good fielder. In fact, he might be worse than that.

So far this spring he has reminded many Red Sox fans of Dick Stuart, the one-time American League home run king who was known as Dr. Strangeglove because of his fielding deficiencies. The Red Sox players even find it difficult to play catch with Horn because he drops so many. He needs work with the glove, understates McNamara. But, as Red Sox public relations director Dick Bresciani points out, Cecil Cooper also was a subpar first baseman when he was with the Red Sox.

Now hes one of the best in the league. Cooper had a lot of trouble with pop-ups. He couldnt catch them to save his life, Bresciani remembers. But he worked hard to improve and thats the way Sam. is.

Hes a very willing worker. Horn is getting plenty of help from the veteran players. Jim Rice has been quick to offer batting tips and Bill Buckner, whose job Horn may take sometime down the road, is giving him pointers on how to play first base. I asked Jim Rice how he hit so well over the last 10 years and he tells me you have concentrate MONTREAL (UPI) The last time Joe Frazier came bade, he struggled to 10-round draw with 31-year-old contender Jumbo Cummings back in 1981. This time, Frazier will pick on somebody older than him.

The 41-year-old former heavyweight champion plans to fight 47-year-old former Canadian heavyweight Robert Cleroux June 23. Frazier will get $120,000 for the fight, $10,000 in training expenses and a $3,000 signing bonus. Cleroux will get $105,000 to fight and $15,000 for training. I still have the charisma, stamina and know-how, Frazier said. When the bell rings, Ill come out for real.

Frazier said he weighs 236 pounds, but will reduce to 215 or 220. Cleroux didnt say how much he weighed, but looked to be at least 250. He said he would drop to 221. "This fight wont hurt my image because he is the same age as me and feels he can take me, Frazier said. The Cummings bout left Frazier with a 32-4-1 record.

He won the world title in 1970 against Jimmy Ellis and held it until George Foreman knocked him out in 1973. He is best known for his three battles with Muhammad All. Frazier won the first on a 15-round decision in 1971 but lost both rematches, including the Thriller in Manila in 1975. Cleroux, 49-5-1, held the Canadian title twice in 1900 and 1961. He lost it to George Chuvalo.

"Ive always wanted to know whos the better boxer, me or Joe, Cleroux said with a straight face. I.