Spokane Chronicle from Spokane, Washington • 33

AND WIRE REPORTS Bunning denies doctoring baseball when he pitched WASHINGTON Jim Bunning says it ain't so. Republican congressman from northern Kentucky was referring to related in a book written by Dan Gutman. "It Ain't Cheatin' Don't Get Caught" describes the ways major league players break fr the rules to give them a competitive edge. t. Bunning, once a hard-throwing right-hander for -it the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phil lies, is accused in the book of sharpening his belt buckle so he could use it to doctor baseballs.

"That's hogwash. I never did that," Bunning said with a smile, denying he used his belt buckle for anything improper. He also said, "We were innovative and would use (I every means at our disposal to win," adding that he was referring only to legal means. "I didn't need to do that because I had so much success with my basic stuff," said Bunning, who a I7-year career in 1971 with 224 wins, including 40 shutouts perfect game. Veteran Associated Press PORTLAND Earl Strom isn't going out quietly, and that shouldn't surprise anybody.

Strom, the last of the old-time officials who relied on quick wits, brash personalities and a flare for the dramatic as the NBA struggled through its formative years, probably worked his last game Tuesday night. At age 62, he's retiring with hopes becoming a television commentator. In a sometimes emotional 90-minute session with the media on Wednesday, he talked about his 32 years as the man pro basketball fans loved to hate. He talked of breaking his thumb punching a fan, jumping across a table to attack a team official and of finally learning not to take himself or his job so seriously. "I feel I'm the last of a dying breed," he said.

Today, the NBA doesn't want its officials' personalities to affect a game. That's a mistake, he said. "I think that referees are an integral part of the game, very integral, as evidenced by last night," he said of Game 4 of the NBA Finals. "Our calls change the complexion of the game. Anybody who says referees don't win or lose ball games is only daydreaming.

"As far as taking the personalities away from referees, God rest his soul, if Mendy Rudolph knew that, he'd roll over in his grave. I think in order to sell a call you may have to have a little schmaltz. What's wrong with that? I can't see being robots and going out there and standing around and trying to be so rigid that you can't have any personality." Strom admitted he has not gotten along with the NBA NOTEBOOK Earl Strom Exit center stage? powers that be in the league, including the NBA's supervisor of officials, Darrell Garretson. "I think our personalities are different," Strom said. The rule against zone defenses, Strom said, is ridiculous.

"I think the referees to a man would love to see it done away with," he said. "The way these guys shoot it's unimaginable to me that they can't play zones." 11 SPOKANE CHRONICLE, JUNE 14, 1990 D3 i A ref hangs 'em up 11 All three officials agreed that Danny Young's desperation 3-pointer at the conclusion of Game 4 of the NBA Finals came after time expired. Strom, the senior official among the three who worked the game, said the problem occurred when referee Hugh Evans, who was in position to make the call, didn't do so immediately. "I had the shot no good from the very beginning, but I was out of the play," Strom said. With Detroit leading Portland 112-109 with 1.3 seconds to play, Young raced the length the court and threw up a 30-footer that went in the basket.

The lead referee down the court has the responsibility for making the call, Strom said, and that was Evans. "Hugh had the call right. He knew that there was 0.00 on the clock. But he didn't give a signal," Strom said. In the hysteria that followed, no one knew for sure what the call was.

It appeared the third referee, Mike Mathis, called the shot pod. But Strom said Mathis told him time had expired before the ball left Young's hands. Evans joined the discussion and said the same thing. Television replays clearly showed that the shot came after the game ended. Strom said it was a good example of why replays should be reviewed by officials in certain situations.

111 Isiah Thomas' four; 3-point goals in the third period tied the NBA Finals record by Danny Ainge for Boston against the Lakers on June 1 1, 1987. No player in the championship series has ever made five 3-pointers in a half. 11-' 1 SPOKANE CHRONICLE, JUNE 14, 1990 D3 Veteran Kin A ref hangs em up AND WIRE RFPORTS Bunning denies doctoring Assoctated Press its troug NB ramatic as te A struggePORTLAND Earl Strom isn't going out qui- NBA NOTEBOOK All three officials agreed that Danny Young's etly, and that shouldn't surprise anybody. all en i tch ed desperation 3-pointer at the conclusion of Game 4 of the NBA Finals came after time expired. Strom, the last of the old-time officials ho re- i WASHINGTON Jim Bunning says it ain't so.

lied on quick wits, brash personalities and a flare Strom, the senior official among the three who worked the game, said the problem occurred when ij''''' Republican congressman from northern Kentucky was referring to for referee Hugh Evans, who was in position to make related in a book written by Dan Gutman. "It Ain't Cheatin' formative years, probably worked his last game Al- the call, didn't do so imme y. diatel Don't Get Caught" describes the ways major league players break Tuesday night. the rules to give them a competitive edge. At age 62, he's retiring with hopes becoming a 8 '-tr "I had the shot no good from the very beginning, 431.

IN, Bunning once a hard throwing right-hander for television commentator. but I was out of the play," Strom said -11 the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies, is In a sometimes emotional 90-minute session with ''''k With Detroit leading Portland 112-109 with 1.3 -1- accused in the book of sharpening his belt buckle so the media on Wednesday, he talked about his 32 seconds to play, Young raced the length the court could use it to baseballs. years '-f he as the man pro basketball fans loved to hate. 5 He talked of breaking his thumb punching a fan, 1- and threw up a 30-footer that went in the basket. That hogwash I never did that Bunning said The lead referee down the court has the responsi- with a smile, denying he used his belt buckle for jumping across a table to attack a team official and ti bility for making the call, Strom said, and that was anything improper.

of finally learning not to take himself or his job so Evans seriously. "Hugh had the call right. He knew that there He also said, "We were innovative and would use "I feel the last a dying breed, said Nti every means at our disposal to win," adding that he fl Ih bd was 0.00 on the clock But he didn give a signal was referring only to legal means. Today, the NBA doesn't want its officials' per I Strom said sonalities to affect a game. That's a mistake, In the hysteria that followed, no one knew for "I didn't need to do that because I had so much success with my basic stuff," said Bunning, who said sure what the call was It appeared the third re a I7-year career in 1971 with 224 wins, including 40 shutouts "I think that referees are an integral part of the feree, Mike Mathis, called the shot good.

But perfect game. game, very integral, as evidenced by last night," he Earl Strom Strom said Mathis told him time had expired be- said of Game 4 of the NBA Finals. "Our calls Exit center stage? fore the ball left Young's hands. Evans joined the change the complexion of the game. Anybody who discussion and said the same thing.

says referees don't win or lose ball games is only powers that be in the league, including the NBA's daydreaming. supervisor of officials, Darrell Garretson. Television replays clearly showed that the shot eev as taking the away from "I think our personalities are different," Strom came after the game ended. Strom said it was a As ar referees, God rest his soul, if Mendy Rudolph knew said. good example of why replays should be reviewed by that, he'd roll over in his grave.

I think in order to The rule against zone defenses, Strom said, is officials in certain situations. sell a call you may have to have a little schmaltz. ridiculous. IllIslah Thomas' four; 3-point goals in the third What's wrong with that? I can't see being robots "I think the referees to a man would love to see period tied the NBA Finals record by Danny Ainge and going out there and standing around and trying it done away with," he said. "The way these guys for Boston against the Lakers on June 11, 1987.

to be so rigid that you can't have any personality." shoot it's unimaginable to me that they can't play No player in the championship series has ever Strom admitted he has not gotten along with the zones." made five 3-pointers in a half. Miscellany The last-place Kansas City Royals are considering possible trades, but are not planning to change managers in an effort to do something about their woeful record. General Manager John Schuerholz said that at least for now, Manager John Wathan's job is safe. "Quite frankly, we like John Wathan," he said. "We think John Wathan has demonstrated the capabilities of being a good manager.

Baseball owners unanimously approved the sale of the San Diego Padres to a group headed by L.A. television producer Tom Werner. The I5-member group is buying the Padres for $75 million from Joan B. Kroc, who purchased the franchise with her late husband, Ray, in 1974. Ray Kroc died in January 1984.

II The New York Yankees' worst fears were realized when an extensive examination showed pitcher Pascual Perez would need surgery on his right shoulder and probably will miss the rest of the season. Dr. Stuart Hershon explained the injury was generally a wear and tear of the shoulder's lining that caused the pinching of which Perez had complained. The tests showed no problem with Perez' rotator cuff. MIK Theta are not their woc for now, "Quit( Wathan II Basi Padres tc The B.

Kroc, 1974. Ra 1 The sive exan right sho Dr. St of the si complain Miscellany are not planning to change managers in an effort to do something about The last-place Kansas City Royals are considering possible trades, but personalities their woeful record. General Manager John Schuerholz said that at least for now, Manager John Wathan's job is safe. "Quite frankly, we like John Wathan," he said.

"We think John Wathan has demonstrated the capabilities of being a good manager. III Baseball owners unanimously approved the sale of the San Diego Padres to a group headed by L.A. television producer Tom Werner. The I5-member group is buying the Padres for $75 million from Joan Modifieds keep on rolling I roll Weather no problem as series slates event at State line event at Stateline MOTOR SPORTS NOTEBOOK SPORTS NOTEBOOK Locally Reservations for the Washington State Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame Banquet June 24 at the COG on the Gonzaga University campus are being accepted through the Gonzaga University athletic department. Six coaches who have strong ties to Washington basketball Michigan State head Jud Heathcote, Oregon coach Don Monson, former Central Washington coach Dean Nicholson, former Pacific Lutheran, Washington State and Washington coach Mary Harshman, former University High coach Mary Ainsworth and former St.

John High coach Bill Hays will be inducted at the banquet. Tickets are $12 per person and can be reserved by calling 328-4220, Ext. 4207. The banquet begins with a no-host social from p.m. followed by the dinner and program at 5:30.

The fourth Dave Machtolf Memorial Baseball Tournament will be Friday through Sunday at Gonzaga University and Gonzaga Prep. The 10-team tournament involves five Spokane-area American Legion teams and such other clubs as the Kirkland Pepsis, a perennial state power in Legion play. Proceeds from the tournament and a Sunday breakfast at Gonzaga Prep will be used for scholarships for Prep students. Loa Reser. Fame BE are beiN Six co gan Stat tral Was ington High cot will Ticket Ext.

420 followed IIII The Friday tl The 11 teams al power in Proce( Prep will By Paul Delaney Correspondent Roger Zimmerman doesn't really know what it is, but he hopes his luck continues when it comes to the word. What's the word? "Weather." As of late, it's a seven-letter word that's fallen into the same class as some words many folks use to express displeasure. The word has been a pain for area racing promoters except Zimmerman's Rainier Light Northwest Modified Racing Series. Somehow, it has been able to get all four of its scheduled races run. The fifth is set for Saturday night at State line Speedway.

"We're hoping to bring in some of the weather we had in Umatilla June 2) says Zimmerman, president of the racing group. "It was beautiful all day and shirt-sleeve weather until I I at night." Spokane's Jeff Bird brings a two-race winning streak into Saturday's action and is sitting on top of the modified points chase with a fairly comfortable margin over defending champ Marty Pfaftle. Sixteen to 18 cars are expected. The main is set for 7:30. Not only would Zimmerman like to have the Umatilla weather, he'd also like to see the situation the modifieds had in Spanaway, May 19.

The Tacoma track had a turnaway crowd of more than 6,000. "There wasn't a place in the stands or parking lot for more people," he said. There'll be free spectator-side admission for men at Spokane Raceway Park Saturday night with both stock car and drag racing on tap. "The accent is on the local racers," SRP president Orville Moe said of the racing program. As an added bonus, the night's activity will offer two drag racing shows one that is scheduled, and the completion of last Saturday night's card that was cut short by rain.

Fans will see the final two rounds of the track's quickest class, Super Pro, as well as Pro and Street Eliminator. Top fuel drag racer Darrell Gywnn of Miami, who suffered crippling injuries in a crash in England in March, will be the focus of attention during a fundraising event July 4 at Seattle International Raceway. The day-long activities will include an auction and bracket racing with a $5,000 purse. Gyvvnn, who scored a victory in the 1988 Seafair Nationals at SRI, was making a test run in a car he had just sold to British interests when the rear wing broke and sent the car out of control and into a violent crash. Gwynn had his left arm amputated below the elbow and at last report is paralyzed from the waist down.

After being hospitalized in England for some time, he is recovering at a Miami hospital. cl. free spectator-side admission for men at way Park Saturday night with both stock acing on tap. is on the local racers," SRP president tid of the racing program. I bonus, the night's activity will offer two one that is scheduled, and the last Saturday night's card that was cut the final two rounds of the track's Super Pro, as well as Pro and Street 'rag racer Darrell Gywnn of Miami, who ing injuries in a crash in England in the focus of attention during a fund- uly 4 at Seattle International Raceway.

ictivities will include an auction and with a $5,000 purse. scored a victory in the 1988 Seafair RI, was making a test run in a car he had itish interests when the rear wing broke ar out of control and into a violent crash. left arm amputated below the elbow and paralyzed from the waist down. hospitalized in England for some time, he a Miami hospital. boi SANBORN IIIMAKIT Nowa.

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Former New Orleans Saints defensive end Bruce Clark is suing the NFL club for $1.3 million, claiming it cut him in June of 1989 for failing to pass what it arbitrarily termed an "eyeball physical" exam on the playing field. IN Howard University named Alfred "Butch" Beard, former NBA player and assistant coach of the New Jersey Nets, as head basketball coach. Beard replaces A.B. Williamson, whose 240-182 record over 15 seasons was the best in the school's history, but who was fired after the Bison slipped to 17-39 the last two years. Gary Snook, who set Iowa football passing records in the 1960s that stood for 20 years, lost his battle with throat cancer, dying at his Pomona, Sunday at the age of 46....

Dan Brooks, the son of former Olympics and NHL coach Herb Brooks, has signed with the St. Louis Blues of the Brad Rotbennel, athletic director at UNLV the past 10 years, announced he will step down Dec. 31 to return to teaching. Thaila Federatil over sev Bangkok Boxing Barkley cause BE would bi defensiv( ing it ct termed a II Hot player a coach. seasons Bison sli football battle wi of 46...

Brooks, ennel, a step clov. Ltd NO flifl )J r' 42Jh'JLL HURRY! QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED! BUILDING MATERIALS CENTERS SAVE NOW ON THESE QUALITY ENTERPRISE PAINTS ERIALS CENTERS THESE QUALITY SE PAINTS CONTINUED: FROM D1 CONTIN Indians III 11110411164111 Indi Towers and Romenesko haven't ruled out having Beckett pitch for the Indians, but they predict the big left-hander will at least open the season at Scottsdale, in the Rookie-class Arizona Standard pay for first-year pros is $850 a month, and players only earn salaries during the playing season. The Padres have signed their top 10 draft picks. All the Indians will be available for autographs and photos from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at University City mall and from 1-3 p.m.

Sunday at Northtown. II Second baseman Steve Siebert is the son of former big league pitcher Sonny Siebert, the Scottsdale pitching coach. Catcher Jerry Thurston, San Diego's third-round draft pick, played on the USA Today newspaper's top-ranked high school team this year. Thurston hit approximately .400 with power for Lake Brantley High in Altamont Springs, Fla. In 1984, Thurston played on the losing finalists at the Little League World Series.

out naving MIAMI, put-11 Itil LIM iilUi- ans, but they predict the big left- hander will at least open the season at Scottsdale, in the Roolde-class Standard pay for first-year pros is $850 a month, and players only earn salaries during the playing season. The Padres have signed their top 10 draft picks. All the Indians will be available for autographs and photos from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at University City mall and from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at Northtown.

II Second baseman Steve Siebert is the son of former big league pitcher Sonny Siebert, the Scottsdale pitching coach. Catcher Jerry Thurston, San Diego's third-round draft pick, played on the USA Today newspa- per's top-ranked high school team this year. Thurston hit approximately .400 with power for Lake Brantley High in Altamont Springs, Fla. In 1984, Thurston played on the losing finalists at the Little League World Series. fA0 clubhouse.

Narcisse was taken by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he was treated and released. II Padres officials can be excused for thinking the worst when Narcisse went down. After all, five former In. dians still in the Padres chain have been lost for the season due to inju. ries.

The list includes shortstops Luis Lopez (knee) and Jose Valentin (shoulder), third baseman John Kuehl (elbow), pitcher Saul Soltero (elbow) and outfielder Jeff Barton (thumb). In addition, first baseman Kevin Garner will miss most or all of the season while recuperating from a life-threatening battle with hepatitis. Notes: The Padres said Robbie Beckett, San Diego's No. I draft pick, postponed his arrival in Spokane from Wednesday to Saturday to at' tend to a few personal matters. CONTINUED: FROM D1 0 'Brien inches.

O'Brien threw 151-0. His undoing, however, was the pole vault. Johnson cleared 16-434, while O'Brien made just his opening height of 14-114 a swing of more than 200 points. O'Brien passed at 14-514 then missed three tries at 14-9. O'Brien has been working with Washington State assistant coach Rick Sloan recently, with emphasis on the vault and cleared 15-7 last week in practice.

"But he can't just count on what happens in practice to occur in meets," Keller said. "Ile's just a babe in the woods in the pole vault." O'Brien did rally with a PR in the javelin 19040 but Johnson launched the spear 222-5 and jumped into a 65-point lead. He closed out his victory with a 4:36.69 clocking in the 1,500 meters. O'Brien ran 4:43.90. It was just O'Brien's eighth career decathlon, including the 1988 Olympic Trials where he dropped out after two events with an injury.

Seven competitors topped 8,000 points the best American showing ever with former LSU star Sheldon Blockburger third at 8,301. In the women's heptathlon, Cindy Greiner who had retired after the 1988 Olympics won her first national title in six years with a wind-aided 6,262 total, more than 100 points ahead of Gea Johnson, the NCAA champ from Arizona State, INTERIOR FLAT LATEX WALL PAINT One coat. 10 yr. warranty. 1 5 Reg.

14.99 nOW only GAL. All Paint Limited To Stock On Hand. latex house paint NON YELLOWING SAVE AS MUCH AS A iti 7 Off ALL OTHER IN-STOCK ENTERPRISE PAINTS! EXTERIOR SEVERE WEATHER lc HOUSE PAINT 12 yr. durability. Li CAL BMC WEST SPOKANE E.

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18.99 4 oil------ 10, 4110 mc.1101110 I looaT .1 clubhouse. Narcisse was taken by lownommump vommil ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical 1 Center, where he was treated and re-Arizona RIS 7-1 ERP1 leased. ...1.1.01111.. III Padres officials can be excused on ENTERNMSE 1 for thinking the worst when Narcisse latex VOW went down. After all, five former In- littlelt i house dians still in the Padres chain have been lost for the season due to inju- i 1 paint I 14 t.

I lt 11' 4 oe cf. ries. ex WOW YELLOWING The list includes shortstops Lui Lopez (knee) and Jose Valentin (shoulder), third baseman John Kuehl (elbow), pitcher Saul Soltero (elbow) and outfielder Jeff Barton INTERIOR FLAT EXTERIOR FLAT EXTERIOR FLAT (thumb). In addition, first baseman Kevin Garner will miss most or all of LATEX WALL PAINT LATEX HOUSE PAINT LATEX HOUSE PAINT the season while recuperating from a One coat. 15 4 year 10 year life-threatening battle with hepatitis.

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il 0 pick, postponed his arrival in Spokane from Wednesday to Saturday to at- inlincliTipold, tend to a few personal matters. CONTINUED: FROM DI AS MUCH AS SAVE 1 'Brien launched the spear 222-5 and jumped 'k4k ''411i 4, 0, ,..6.0 into a 65-point lead. He closed out his IA ,1 00 ir inches. O'Brien threw 151-0. ii Off le 0 0 1 l'-.

xlIF victory with a 4:36.69 clocking in the I 1311 11 His undoing, however, was the pole 1,500 meters. O'Brien ran 4:43.90. ALL OTHER IN STOCK vault. Johnson cleared 16-434, while ENTERPRISE 4114- 4 It was just O'Brien's eighth career 6... O'Brien made just his opening height decathlon, including the 1988 Olym- PAINTS! I ai 1 i of 14-114 a swing of more than -LH Ki--11- plc Trials where he dropped out after 200 points.

O'Brien passed at 14-514 two events with an injury. then missed three tries at 14-9. Seven competitors topped 8,000 EXTERIOR EXTERIOR O'Brien has been working with points the best American showing SEVERE WEATHER tyd HOUSE TRIM State assistant coach on with 11 430 PAINT di 2 Washington 35 Rick Sloan recently, with emphasis ever former LSU star Shel HOUSE PAINT Bloc urger i a kb thrd 8,301. on the vault and cleared 15-7 last 12 yr. durability.

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In the women's heptathlon, Cindy Reg. 18.99 ll Paint Limited A "But he can't just count on what Greiner who had retired after the happens in practice to occur in 1988 Olympics won her first na- To Stock On Hand. BNIC WEST SPOKANE meets," Keller said. 1 "Hes just a babe tional title in six years with a wind- 6202 TRENT AVENUE in the woods in the pole vault." aided 6,262 total, more than 100 1 O'Brien did rally with a PR in the points ahead of Gea Johnson, the 535-4681 I javelin 19040 but Johnson NCAA champ from Arizona State, i 4 clubhouse. ambulance Center, wh leased.

Padre! for thinkin went down dians still been lost 1 ries. The list Lopez (k (shoulder), Kuehl (ell (elbow) a (thumb). Kevin Gar the season life-threat( Notes: Beckett, 1 pick, postp from Wed tend to Einninim CONTIM 0 inches. 0'1 His und vault. Joh O'Brien in of 14-114 200 points then mi O'Brien Washingtc Rick Sloa on the vat week in pr "But lu happens 1 meets," Ki 1 in the woo 1 O'Brien I javelin "44 d'r ot.