The Tribune from Scranton, Pennsylvania • 16

B4 THE TRIBUNE, SCRANTON, PA THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1996 Local sports urnshat Marini refuses demotion, leaves Yanks system fielder in the New York Yankees organization announced his retirement this week, rather than accept a demotion from the Columbus Clippers in the International League to Norwich of the Double-A Eastern League. When Marini was traded from Cleveland to the New York Yankees chain in early April, he was immediately inserted into the starting lineup as an everyday player. Marini viewed the deal as a new lease on his career. "The Indians were just loaded for bear in the outfield," Marini said at the time. "I was stuck in Buffalo.

Maybe with a new organization, a new uniform, I'm born again." For the first few weeks, Marini played that way, hitting .358 for the Clippers with a .509 slugging percentage. One of the highlights of that streak was a two-hit game before several hundred fans wearing Tunkhannock-orange jackets at Lackawanna County Stadium. The Tunkhannock native leaves rather than return to the Eastern League. By Marty Myers TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER 1 Tunkhannock's Marc Marini was not ready to become a steady passenger on the minor league baseball shuttle between Triple-A and Double-A. As a result, the 26-year-old out "I hit the ball very well," Marini said after the April 19 game.

"Whoever came down here to see me saw that I can hit the ball and I'm a decent player." But it came down to a numbers game for Marini. Matt Luke was on the New York Yankees 40-man roster, and when the left-handed hitting outfielder came off the disabled list, there was no room for Marini. He was optioned to Class AA, but refused the assignment, in stead opting to end a professional baseball career than started after his junior year at Jacksonville University. Marini was stuck in the Cleveland organization behind the likes of outfielders Albert Belle, Kenny Lofton and Manny Ramirez. The trade to the Yankees seemed to breathe new life into his career.

By the time Marini was assigned to Norwich (Ct), his aver age had dipped to .267, just below 1 the .271 mark Marini had estab-4 lished while playing parts of two years at Triple-A. 4 Technically, Marini has been placed on the suspended list, meaning he would not be able to 1 play for another team until the Yankees release him. He did accomplish one of his goals, however. He was the first local player to suit up for a Triple-A game at Lackawanna County Stadium. PSU: Offensive line in the process of rebuilding toleri 'arrives FROM PAGE B1 from 'Reading' 1 "I i I.

State Club dinner at Genetti Manor in Dickson City. "Those guys have anchored their positions for the last three years. Obviously, we're in a building mode on the offensive line, but I'm excited about it. We have really got a unique group of guys. They have waited a long time for their opportunity.

1 think they'll mature into a quality offensive line." Center Barry Tielsch is the only returning starter on the offensive line. The players most likely to join him this fall guard Bill Anderson, tackle Jason Henderson, guard Phil Os-trowski and tackle Pete Marczyk are all seniors andl juniors who have been in the program for years but haven't seen their way into actual games frequently. They've already grown tired of hearing how they won't be able to live up to their predecessors. Rolen, 21, was promoted from Double-A Reading after producing his seventh straight multiple-hit game Wednesday and will become the Red Barons everyday third baseman and third-place hitter in the lineup. To make room for Rolen, utility infielder David Fisher was put back on the Reading roll-ercaster, dipping back to Double-A for a third stop this season.

Howard Battle, the Red Barons anchor at third this season, will play shortstop for the next few days, Aviles said. When Kevin Stocker returns from an ankle sprain, Battle will be used as a utility player. For now, third belongs to Rolen. "I think people are really going to like what they see from him," Aviles said. "He is exciting offensively.

He can hit with power; he runs well. He's a good glove in the field. "He's got tools to be a very good player." Rolen leaves Reading with a .361 average. He hit nine homers and drove in 42 runs in 61 games. Rolen leads the Eastern League in average, hits (83), doubles (22), slugging percentage (.568) and extra base hits (33).

Top prospect ready to take over at third base. By Larry Holava TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER When Scott Rolen first put his name on a pro contract and reported for his initial minor-league assignment, Ramon Aviles was there waiting. Aviles, then the minor-league infield instructor, did what he does to all first-year players. He talked about making the adjustment from college to pro. He showed Rolen and the rest of the new draft crop the fielding techi-que the organization prefers: field the ball in front, straddle the bag to receive throws, release the ball overhand and not from the side.

Right then, Aviles knew Rolen had a chance to be someone special. "He's a great athlete and a quality human being," Aviles said. "He's got a chance to be a very special player in the major leagues someday." Rolen will be reunited with Aviles today when the Red Barons open a new era by welcoming the most heralded prospect in the Phillies system. ED LYNETT TRIBUNE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Bill Kenney discusses the team's outlook Wednesday night at Club dinner. "We've got a whole lot of critics out there that don't think we're going to get the job done," said Anderson, a senior from Indiana, Pa.

"We're very confident that we can. It's our job to show people that we can do it from the start." They've served together as the No. 2 offensive line for so long that they've already developed the kind of chemistry necessary to play as a unit In practice, the first team gets half the repetitions and the second team gets the other half, so they know the system. The only thing missing is game experience. "This will be our fifth year together," said North Pocono's Keith Olsommer, the starting tight end.

"We know what each Penn State offensive line coach the Greater Scranton Penn State one of us is going to do before the play even starts. You look at the guy next to you, and you can even tell if he's going to whiff on his block. I have a lot of faith in the starting five guys up front." Part of the reason the unit has become so close is that the individuals have shared the frustration of waiting in line. With four future professionals ahead of them, there has been precious little playing time for everyone else. Sinus infection caused Schall's vision trouble Marczyk is the most experienced of the group, having filled in when Conlin was injured last season.

Ostrowski, a Wilkes-Barre Meyers graduate, started at guard against Ohio State but suffered a sprained ankle on his 11th play in the game. By season's end, Anderson and Henderson had worked their way up to No. 2 on the depth chart. "Most linemen don't play until their fourth and fifth years," said Ostrowski, citing Conlin and Johnson as examples. "I think everybody pays their dues when they're going through the program.

They just wait their turn to play, and now it's our turn." "They're a bunch of fighters," Kenney said. "They're a tough group of guys. They're very close. I think the chemistry is excellent among them. Those are really the key components of a successful offensive line.

You have to have togetherness, you have to have unity and you have to be tough." By Larry Holeva TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER West clinches half uoll roundup Li Honesdale, Canoe Club host member-guests Ken Paulino and Bob Grzenda each singled for Moosic. Joe Campisi homered and singled, knocking in three runs as Penn Security topped Old Forge, 10-1. Winning pitcher Bryan Smith scattered four hits. Sloan 15-2) 100 100 1 7 0 spring training. He was hit be-; hind the right ear by a throw-; from shortstop Kevin Sefcik dur- ing infield warmups and suffered a fractured skull.

For now, Schall will take si- nus medication to see if it allevi-' ates the pressure. He said he pects to be ready to return to the r' lineup when he is eligible to come off the disabled list Mon- day in Charlotte. System in motion Sid Fernandez pitched Wednesday for the Phillies and it sent dominoes toppling. Right-hander Carlos Crawford sent back to the Red Barons. And, to make room for ford, southpaw Robert Dodd was shipped back to Reading.

Dodd pitched five games in 14 days this season for the Red Bar-, ons. He was 0-0 with a 6.30 earned run average. He will pitch Sunday against Norfolk. Lefty Matt Grott will return to the bullpen to make room for Crawford as a starter. Lefty Michael Mimbs gets the call, today at 7:30 p.m.

when thei" Red Barons conclude their game series with Charlotte. Charlotte counters with lefty Whisenant, who is 3-3 withr a 4.07 ERA. Joe Sparacino and Brian Davis rapped out two hits apiece as West Scranton clinched the Big League Northern Division first half title, 6-2, over North Pocono. Davis and Joe Tesluk each drove in two runs for the winners. Sparacino went the distance and fanned nine for the win, allowing just two hits.

Brian Minich tossed a two-hitter and struck out eight as Sloan handed Moosic its first loss, 3-0. Wayne Prosser singled and doubled and Joe Leach singled in one run and smacked a solo homer. tsJ-11 000 000 8-0 2 The 38th annual Scranton Canoe Club Men's 3-Day Member-Guest Tournament will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Lake Winola golf course. Last year's champions, George Clark and Al McCor-mick, will be back to defend their title. Some of the area's finest amateur golfers will 2B-Preiser (SI.

Gallagher IS). HR-Leach (SI. WP-Minich. LP-Goul. Oid Forge 010 000 1 4 Perm Security 501 004 10 14 2B-Erwin (PS), Kerrigan (PS).

Giammati (PS). HR-Campisi (PS). WP-Smrth. LP-Kalinoski. North Pocono 002 000 0 2 2 1 West Scranton 200 400 7 1 2B-Powell (NP).

WP-Sparacino. LP-Guzzi. Dunmore shows power Details continue to surface in the case of Gene Schall's missing batting stroke. And more and more it points to a sinus infection not long-term eye problems. Schall, who was placed on the disabled list retroactive to Sunday, underwent blood tests Wednesday and said all indications are that his vision problems are linked to a sinus condition.

He said he has no problems reading road signs or his morning newspaper, but has difficulty judging things in motion, like moving vehicles on the roadways or the spin on pitches being thrown toward him. "Everyone seems to think it has to do with pressure on the sinus cavities," Schall said. "They're clogged and the pressure is making things blurry." Schall is in a 2-for-34 slump. He has not had an RBI in nine games. Part of the problem with Schall's vision has been traced to a head injury he suffered in 12 How they scored 123 TOfOFFKST Riley walks.

Abbott strikes out. McMillon homers. Riley scores. Gregg flies out. Brooks singles.

Brooks caught trying to steel. Chariotte 2, Red Barons 0. TOP Of SECOND Olmeda singles. Clapinski walks, Olmeda to second. Ronan singles.

Olmeda scores, Clapinski to second. Alfonseca sacrifices, Clapinski safe at third on fielder's choice, Ronan to second. Alfonseca reaches. Riley fielder's choice, forces Clapinski at home, Ronan to third. Alfonseca to second.

Abbott hits into double play Charlotte 3, Red Barons 0. BOTTOM OF SECONO Battle grounds out. Bennett reaches on Olme-da'a throwing error. Fisher singles, Bennett to second. Hunter reaches on Otmeda's error, Bennett to third.

Fisher to second. Amaro hit by pitch. Bennett scores. Fisher to third. Hunter to second.

Tokheim sacrifice fry. Fisher score, Doster grounds out. Charlotte 1 Red Barone 2. TOP OF THsTtD McMHton singles. Gregg doubles, McMillon scores.

Wiegandt replaces Hunter. Brooks grounds out. Olmeda reaches on Battle's error, Gregg to third. Clapinski walks. Olmeda to second.

Ronan strikes out. Alfonseca strikes out Charlotte 4. Red Barone 2. BOTTOM OF FOURTH Bennett doubles. Fisher grounds out.

Bennett to third. Wiegandl reaches on three-base throwing error by Alfonseca, Bennett scores Amaro fielder's choice, Wieoaodt out at home. Tokheim grounds out. Charlotte 4, Red arena 3. BOTTOM OF FsFTH Doster doubles.

Phillips grounds out. Doster to third. Zuber reaches on fielder's choice. Settle welks, Zuber to second. Bennett sacrifice fly, Doster scores.

Fisher fielder's choice. Zuber forced at third Red Barons 4. Charlotte 4 TOP Of SIXTH Alfonseca strikes out. Rrley walks, steals second. Abbott singles, Riley to third.

McMillon reaches on fielder's choice. Abbott out at second. Riley scores. McMillon Steele second. Gregg strikes out.

Charlotte S. Red Banns 4. tempt to qualify for the 15 positions in the championship flight. Last year's champions. Bob Simons and Dave Weber, will be seeded into the championship flight.

The remainder of the field will enter flighted match play Saturday. 8:32 Dan O'Neill-guest. Bill Parker-guest; 8:40 Bob Leery-Ed Neumar, Andy Kussoff-Frank Bannon; 8:48 Pete Rodgers-Jim Henkleman, Wayne Stephens-Glenn Morris; 8:57 Ron Collins-Sieve Carmody, Bob Carmody Bob Carmody 9:06 Al Dahl-gren Sr -Ltoyd Ca Dwell. Bill Stoeckel-Dan Gardner 9:15 Steve Msckle-Mike Cory, Eric Fritz-guest; 9:24 Ned Sandercock-Scott Sander-cock, Bob Hessling-James Rutherford; 9:33 Sam Chapman-Paul Freuhan, Jim O-Neill-Tim Holland; 9:42 Dave Phillips-John McAndrew, Mike Collins; 9:51 John Annable-guest, Jim Gregg-Paul Zimel. 10:00 Art Botjer-Mike Lynch.

Irv Williams-Gene Kime; 10:09 Dr. Newton Mullins-Carlyle Robinson, Walt Markowski-Ed Markow-ski; 10:18 Jim Tamblyn-Rich Winkler, Jeff Firmstone-George Muller. 1:00 Jim Fulkerson-Chris Lane, Ray Queipo-BiH Kelly; 1:09 Bruce Howe-Andy Olexovitch, Tom Howe-Vince Scarpetta; 1:18 Jim Clift-Marty Lawler, Jack Southerton-Harry Spears; 1:27 Bill Hessling-Bob Silsby, Bob Rogers-Bill McGinnis; 1:36 Pete Goyette-Brian Steuhl, Jim Zefran-Mark Zefran; 1:45 Jerry Dulay-John Leet, Al Dahlgren Jr Barry Vasisko; 1:54 Robert McHugh-Jim McHugh. Ralph Langendoerfer-Ed Langendoerfer. 2:03 Gary Mesko-Robert Mesko, Patrick Whittington-Larry Zazzera; 2:12 Sam Sie-piela-Joa Machek, Joe Lavenduski-Sam Lewis; 2:21 Dave Tolley-guest, Mike Jones-Tommy Thomas; 2:30 Ed Martin-Rich Weinberger, Marino Zazzera-Dave Scarpetta; 2:35 Barry Gill-Bob McHugh Peter Tonetti-John Bres-lin; 2:48 Joe Adams-guest, Jerry Slick-Joe Bianco; 2:57 Bob Simons-Dave Weber, Rick Anke Bill Phillips.

GLENMAURA NATIONAL Gene Chiavacchi claimed the men's club cham Brian Costanzo drilled a three-run homer and drove in two other runs with a pair of triples as Dunmore beat Abington, 10-5, in District 11 American Legion baseball Wednesday night. Costanzo's blast out of Schautz Stadium in left field followed Brian Forgione's solo homer in a four-run fourth. Ross Smirne hit a two-run homer for Abington. Valley View's Randy Hanyon stroked a pair of hits and scored three times as Valley View nipped Montrose, 4-1. J.J.

Iyoob doubled and knocked in two runs. Abington 14-2) 000 104 6 8 2 Dunmore (3-01 150 400 -10 11 2B-Smrm (A). Gallagher (D(. 3B-Clsrk (A), Costanzo 2 (D). HR Smirne (A), Forgione (D).

Costanzo (D). WP-Tabatabie. LP-Filipek. Montrose 001 000 0-1 4 1 Vettey View (1-1) 101 020 a 4 1 2B-fyoob (W). WP-Rutkowski.

LP-Lathrop. IL boxscore 2 Red Barons Charlotte bi eb bi 0 1 Riley ct 0 0 also compete for the championship, including past winners Jim Fitzsimmons and Bill Gaylord, Sonny Snowdon and Al Povoromo, Barry Westing-ton and Jim Harvie, and Warren Rozelle and Jim O'Brien. Tee times for Friday: Nail Stevenson-Tom Staffaroni, Sun Ca loin-Paul Yanul; 8 00 Tad Miller-Tad Miller Tony LiBessi-Paut LiBassi; 8:08 -Mike Kerzetski-Ed Yabtonski. Jim Groat-Ed Gregorczyfc; 8:16 Tad Jakuboa P.J. Farreil, Robin Purcefl-Domenic Neppi; 8:24 Charlie OdeH-Bill McCormick, Carl Paaaglia-Ted Rice; 8:32 George Norkaitis-Frank Baranosky, Jim Davis-Bob Pettineto; 8:40 Jim Fitzsimmons-' Bill Gaylord, Scott Chepin-Tom McCormick; 8:48 George Norkaitis Jr.

-James Lahey, Mike Currao-Mike Currao. 9:04 Larry Simon-Dave Maddock, Carl Jenkins-Jim Roland; 9:12 Howard Snowdon-Al Povoromo. Charlie Millet -Keith Miller; 9:20 Bill Miller-Bob Conroy. Vines Riggi-Chris Ko-sokowski; 11:30 Barry Westington-Jim Harvie, Warren Rozelle-Jim O'Brien; 11:38 Larry Def ato Mark Morabito. Robert Van Fleet-Robert Somen; 11:46 Bob Graham-Mike Bryndi-zia.

Jerry Dougherty -Harry Heck; 11:54 Bob Parry-J Hope, George Clark Al McCormick. 12:02 Jim Tyson-Vic Capucci. Rick Peters-John Watson, 12:10 Bill Gross -Deninis Sabastianelli Dave Hair-Tim DiMarco, 12:18 Don Ames-Brian Beppter, Jim Coleman-Dave Walters, 12:26 Tom Andrila-Tony Lari-oni. V. Kalinoski-Doug Armacost.

12:34 John ConneH-John Connell Tim Diet rick -Cass Morgan; 12:42 Grey Seamans-Mark No-vetka. M. Seemans-Randy Vaskas; 12:50 Phil Whirbeck Wetter Godek. J. McGonigle-John Bulger.

12:58 Dave Jones Jr. -Bob Leonhert, Deve R. Jones-B. Jones; 1:06 M. Patterson-Ollie Riley.

W. Brooks-Dave Purdy. HONESDALE The 23rd annual John D. Carmody Member-Guest golf tournament will be held this weekend at Honesdale Golf Club. Qualifying will be held on Friday, when 55 teams will at Abbott 2b McMillon ft Gregg lb Brooks rf SheffH Olmeda 3b Clapinski ss Ronan Alfonseca Patlp Totals Amaro ct 3b Tokheim ff-cf Doster 2b Phillips rf Zuber lb Battle 3b Jordan Bennett Fisher ss Hunter Wiegandt Butler ph Holmen Zupoic If Totals 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 IL standings Twins post 7-3 victory EeMtvfn DivisioN 31 5 1 a I 13 4 7 4 Pet.

GB Pawtucket (Red Sox) 35 26 .574 Rochester (Orioles) 31 28 .525 3 Syracuse (Blue Jays) 30 29 .508 4 Scranton (Phillies) 31 34 .477 6 Ottawa (Expos) 25 35 .417 9', Western Division Norfolk (Mets) 36 26 .581 Columbus (Yankees) 32 30 .516 4 Toledo (Tigers) 32 30 .516 4 Charlotte (Marlins) 26 32 .448 8 Richmond (Braves) 28 36 438 9 Charlotte 211001000 Red Barons 020 110 000 I I E-McMillon. Olmeda 2. Alfonseca. Battle. DP- )' Charlotte 3.

Red Barons 2. LOB Charlotte 11, Red l. Barons 8. 2B-Gregg. Doster, Bennett.

HR McMil- Ion (8). S-Alfonseca. SF -Tokheim. Bennett. "-wy wi.

niiwu till. V.O oroOSS. ER BB SO pionship title with a 5-and-3 win over John Watson in the 36-hole final. Chiavacci was qualifying medalist and beat Mike Ker-zetski, 2-up, and Ed Cimoch, 2-and-1, to reach the final. Watson beat Jerry Coyne in 21 holes and Santo LaFoca in 19 holes to make the final.

Handicap division results: Nicklaus Gary Orlando del. Bill Golla. Palmer Bob Galdieri def. Joe AngeMla. Hogan Fred Gitotti def.

Ed Bolus Snead John Kearney def. Ray Lowery. Charlotte Alfonseca W.3-4 Pall S.8 3 Ryan Ferretti smacked three hits and Mark Munkittrick drove in three runs as the Scran-tonWilkes-Barre Twins dumped North Plainfield, 7-3, in Atlantic Coast Baseball League play on Wednesday. Mark Modrovsky also had two singles for Twins. N.

PUinrMd (3-1) 000 010 110 3 4 Twins (4-1) 102 Oil 00s- 7 11 2 2B-Griffin (NP), Ferretti (SWB), Grzebin (SWB), Modrovsky (SWB). WP Young. 1 Hunter 2 6 4 4 Wiegendt L.3-3 4 3 1 1 Holmen 0 0 0 Jordan 0 0 0 Wednesday's Games Charlotte 5, ScrantonWilkee-Barre 4 Toledo at Rochester, ppd-, rain Norfolk 5. Columbus 4 Syracuse 3. Ottawa 2 Richmond 6, Pawtucket 2, first game Pawtucket 4.

Richmond. 2, second game Thursday's Gm Charlotte at ScrentorvWitkaa-Barre Toledo at Rochester, 2 Norfolk at Columbus Ottawa at Syracuse Pawtucket at Richmond' i i HBP-bv -AHoneeca (Amaral hv Hnlnu. IMcMiHon). Umpires -Home, Gibbons: First. Diaz; Third.

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