Times-Advocate from Escondido, California • 9

Times-Advocate Saturday, September 2. 1989 Giamatti did plenty in a very short time By Peter Richmond Knight Ridder News Service Rain was raking a Massachusetts turnpike when the car radio offered the astounding news that Bart Giamatti had died. My first man Bill White to the presidency of the National League, and that too is a reflection of the man and the legacy. But Giamatti was conservative when it came to the game. He loved nothing more than green grass, stadiums with soul, and score-boards that stood silent, save for the scores that they blinked the way scoreboards should.

There was another point that all say that if the greatest hitter in the history of baseball couldnt live an exemplary life off the field couldnt even bother trying to then that man wasnt worthy of baseball any more. And in taking on the biggest name in our biggest sport, on a matter of principle, Giamatti showed himself to be more fearless than any of his predecessors. Hell be remembered mostly for banning Rose. But his tenure also embraced the elevation of a black he has elevated our society along with it. In standing up to Pete Rose, Giamatti said what weve all been thinking: That great accomplishments on the playing field or a movie screen, or from a politicians podium, mean nothing if they dont accompany equally high ideals out of the spotlight.

That blind worship of people who have talent may not be worth it. It took Giamatti to say it for us. It took Giamatti to stand up and five of the greatest months in the history of the office, five of the most significant in the history of the game. We can mourn the loss of Giamatti, the person. He was the kindest and gentlest man Ive known in baseball, by nature a kind and gentle sport.

And we should be thankful he lived to make himself heard eight days ago. Eight days ago, Giamatti brought the game to a plateau, higher than it ever has stood. And vealed that I wasnt alone in my reaction: In interviews with three general managers, a former league president and several fans, all talked about how sad it was that baseball had lost such a good and wise man. Now, on reflection, I know that we were all missing the point. The point is not to think of all those years that we wont have of Bart Giamatti, the commissioner.

The point is to celebrate the five months we did have. They were Commentary thought was of the magnitude of the injustice, how much the game of baseball suddenly had been deprived. A 24-hour sports station re Please see Giamatti, page B4 IhisQirgicsGs FoUty. fetufi Tollouei? surfffeos Phillips is close to agreement By Kevin Scattareggia Times Advocate Sportswriter SAN DIEGO The setting was perfect: rookie quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver had gamely rallied the Chargers into position to pull off a sensational, last-second victory. But on the second-to-last play of the game, Tolliver injured his collarbone, dramatically setting the stage for Jim McMahon.

And the veteran quarterback took advantage of the situation, throwing a four-yard touchdown pass to Quinn Early with no time remaining Friday night as the Chargers scored a 21-20 win over the Phoenix Cardinals before a crowd of 41,453 at San Diego Stadium. But once again, it was Tolliver who was the catalyst for a listless offensive team. The rookie completed 13 of 23 passes for 165 yards, and expertly guided the Chargers to a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns. Unfortunately, for the Chargers, Tolliver will be lost for an estimated six weeks after suffering a broken left collarbone while scram- SAN DIEGO Free-agent nose tackle Joe Phillips and the Chargers are very close to an agreement, according to Phillips agent. Steve Feldman, the Santa Ana-based agent for Phillips, said Friday I think the parties have gotten to the point where an agreement is about at hand.

Asked how soon the two sides might agree on a deal, Feldman said he wouldnt be surprised if the deal was completed tonight. Steve Ortmayer, the Chargers director of football operations, was not available during Friday nights preseason game between the Chargers and the Phoenix Cardinals at San Diego Stadium. This is the second straight season Phillips has been a holdout. Last season, he agreed to a contract the week of the first regular-season game. Phillips went on to start all 16 games, leading the team with 36 quarterback hits.

Kevin Scattareggia If Please see Chargers, page B2 i V1 'W' wwDdl OTTiKDlUlFDDS PelTDa It SI vi Dan RiosThe Times Advocate Quarterback Dan McGwire will be the main man for San Diego State when it opens its football season today at Air Force. Can McGwire live up to expectations? Bob Gaines voting for the 74 World Cup. He captained Poland to a third-place finish in that World Cup and fifth place in the 78 World Cup. Before coming to the Sockers, he played for Manchester City of the English First Division. A man of remarkable skills and instinct, Deyna was affectionately known as the Babe Ruth of Polish soccer.

He was also called The Magic One. He was a national hero in Poland, said former Sockers teammate Juli Veee. The American public does not understand, but he was like Joe DiMaggio all over Europe. In his prime, he was a player nobody could touch. The first time I saw him play was World Cup, said Wieczorkowski.

He was like a revolutionary in the way he played the game-. He put Poland on the soccer map. His leadership, his incredible skills By Bob Gaines Times Advocate Sportswriter SAN DIEGO The world of soccer, both far and near, was shocked and saddened by the death of Kaz Deyna. The greatest soccer player in the history of Poland, who played the twilight of his career with the Sockers, the 41-year-old Deyna was killed in a car accident early Friday morning near Mira Mesa. He was like a brother, said Gert Wieczorkowski.

I cannot comprehend it. Its devastating for his family, for us, for soccer. Wieczorkowski teamed with Deyna for five years with the Sockers and the past few years with The Legends soccer team. Deyna, who played with the Sockers from 1981-87, led Poland to an Olympic gold medal in 1972 and a silver medal in 76. Polands Player of the Year three times, he played 102 matches for his national team and was third in the MVP He will be the focal point, said Luginbill.

But we dont ask our quarterback to win the game for us, just dont lose it. I just want him to concentrate on executing our offense. Needless to say, the Aztec coaches are definitely excited about McGwires potential. Hes a hell of a talent, said Offensive Coordinator Dave Lay. Big, strong, great arm, good feel for where the ball has to go and when to deliver.

Hes really picked up our offense well. In the right hands, the Aztecs claim their new one-back offense can humble opposing defenses. Its a very explosive offense, For the record, he is also the younger brother of Oakland As all-star first baseman, Mark McGwire. Respected? By teammates, by coaches, by the pro scouts. Ready? Dan McGwire cant wait for todays opener against Air Force at Colorado Springs (Prime Ticket, 11 a.m.) A lot of people are curious about what I can do, said McGwire.

I know I havent done much in college, but Im ready to prove myself. Realizing the uncommon fanfare surrounding his gifted quarterback, Aztec Coach A1 Luginbill has attempted to shield McGwire from any unnecessary personal pressure. Dan McGwire has heard both the whispers and the trumpets. McGwire has yet to break from his first huddle at San Diego State, but some folks are already including the 21 -year-old junior in the splendid tradition of great Aztec quarterbacks. Powerful? His range spans from the line of scrimmage to the far side of Montezuma Mesa.

The sideline game is his specialty, but his bombs are launched like a rocket only to spiral softly into the hands of fleet Aztec receivers. Accurate? Mark a spot on the field and McGwires pass will be there quicker than Orel Hershis-er to an endorsement. This kid could nail a moth from 70 yards. They expect hell stretch a de- fense silly. Unique? Standing 6-foot-8, McGwire is the tallest quarterback in NCAA Division I history.

Please see McGwire, page B3 Please see Deyna, page B4 loDugeo1 waDuderoimg Evert captures 1 00th U.S. Open triumph Padres Grant finally focused as set-up man starting rotation, the Padres can rest easier knowing Grant is available. Its a situation they eventually shied away from last season. What has happened to Grant in the last year? I just feel every time I get called up that Im confident and Im ready to go, he said. Whereas last year I wasnt doubting my ability but I was wondering what was going to happen once I got out there.

And when you go out to the mound with that kind of attitude youre beat already. But now I have an idea what I want to do with. every pitch. I know the hitters a lot better. And just go out there and I tell myself that I am going to beat the hitter.

Grant has a 6-2 record with a 2.62 ERA. Thats a stark contrast to his numbers in 1988, wheq he opened the season as a starter. With 10 starts in his first 13 appearances, Grant earned a 1-5 record with a 4.45 ERA. When Dennis Rasmussen was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in June 1988, Grant was out of the rotation for good. That move could have crushed the young pitcher.

Instead, he decided to take advantage of a new opportunity. When (Manager Jack McKeon) and (pitching Coach Pat Dobson) told me they were going to make the move, I said to myself, Hey, Im going to kick myself in the butt and make the most of many strange shots. Becker, the second seed behind Ivan Lendl, said he feels lucky to be in the tournament after surviving a five-setter in the second round against Derrick Rostagno and another tough match against Mecir. I think that anything that comes now will be easier, Becker said. It cant be any more difficult.

They havent seen the best Boris Becker here, thats for sure. Martina Navratilova, the womens second seed, seemed to have no trouble, however, as she followed Becker in the stadium and beat Sabrina Goles 6-4, 6-0. Other seeded winners were No. 10 Alberto Mancini, No. 11 Jay Berger and No.

14 Aaron Krick-stein of the men, seventh-seed Manuela Maleeva and No. 13 Natalia Zvereva among the women. Evert said she didnt realize the victory was her 100th until she heard it announced on the court, and she couldnt remember the NEW YORK (AP) Chris Everts steady strokes slashed through swirling winds Friday as she became the first 100-match winner in 108 years of U.S. tennis championships. She quipped, though, that it wasnt nearly as easy as her first, and said it may not be as tough as her next against 15-year-old Monica Seles.

Evert, playing her 19th and last U.S. Open and a longshot to win her seventh title, had less trouble reaching the round of 16 than three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, who is seeking his first U.S. title. Evert, 34, beat 21-year-old Patricia Tarabini 6-2, 6-4, then Becker stepped onto the same breezy stadium court and fought oif Olympic gold medalist Miloslav Mecir 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. It was probably the worst conditions at Flushing Meadow Ive ever had, Becker said It was almost impossible to play normal tennis, for him and for me.

That why there were many breaks and By Chris De Luca Times Advocate Sportswriter SAN DIEGO It would be an understatement to say Padre pitcher Mark Grants mind used to wander last season. When he would take the mound as a reliever, the score tied, runner on second and the meat of the order due up, Grants mind was a busy place. Instead of thinking about that first pitch, Grant was glancing at the scoreboard, worrying about the on-deck hitter and fretting over his last failure as a reliever. Before he know it, all those worries were put to rest, because the score would quickly become untied, that on-deck hitter had already circled the bases and his last failure had just been replaced with a new one. Eventually, the Padres couldnt trust Grant in those situations.

But that was last year. This year, Grant is more at ease on the mound, and its paying big dividends. This week already, he has matched his career save total with two and has earned a victory. Grant has accomplished this as the Padres new-found right-handed set-up man for closer Mark Davis. With Greg Harris switching from bullpen to Please see Grant, page B2 Mark Grant is more relaxed on the mound this year.

Please see Tennis, page B2.