Richmond Times-Dispatch from Richmond, Virginia • E2

1 0701 7DCYD2E city E2 1 0701 TDCY02E ZALLCALL 63 00:43:35 0701ob E2 Richmond Times-Dispatch Tuesday, July 1, 2008 www.tjmeidkpatGh.com el QUOTE OF THE DAY Knta MciWi, Minnesota Timberwohes vice president whan asked if character counts in the NBA draft "If we were looking for citizenship, we'd disband the league." STAT OF THE DAY The Pac-10 won eight NCAA championships in 2002-03, more than any other conferenca The Southeastern Conference won seven, the ACC and Big East three each. The Big Ten, Big 12, Ivy and Mountain West won two. The West Coast and Western Athletic won one. Matsui's Impact As A Rookie Fag TOMORROW IN THE TOUR SECTIONS IjemiiiMg on the jjoto Wait: Iha Richmond Striken' U-18 soccer team has accomplished plenty, including three straight State Cup titles. But the talented squad is down to its final chance to capture a Snickers Region 1 tournament championship.

Page L10. South: Manchester rising senior Scott Beard prefers making a big splash in a hurry. He's one of the area's fastest sprinters in the water. Page M1 4. East: New Kent High graduate Josh Highlander already has shown his abilities on the Group AA level.

Now, he's making a name playing American Legion baseball with Battlefield Post 144. Page K13. Richmond: After watching the 2002 Winter Olympics, Steve Burton and Jon Mitchell decided it was time to start the Richmond Speeds ka ting Club. Page H12. IH-Cttlee: Petersburg Generals standout Juan Figueroa has taken a winding mad from the Caribbean Islands to try to reach his baseball dream a job in the major leagues.

Page N16. TOUR is a community news section that appears each Wednesday in The limes-Dispatch. Stories also can be found at www.timesdispateh.comnewsyouiindez.shtml Matsui, who has learned a little bit of English, does an interview session outside the locker room after games for the 100 or so Asian media members who solely follow him. Truth be told, the one thing Matsui has not done with ease is hit home runs. A three-time MVP with the Yomiuri Giants, he hit 50 homers last season.

Matsui had only nine homers through New York's first 81 RANK RANKliN mHK ASSOCIA1B) PRESS Godzilla' key in the Yankees9 powerful lineup BY BEN WALKER The Associated PKess NEW YORK ideki Matsui still has plenty to learn. Proved it during the weekend, in fact Bounding out of the dugout to take a curtain call after a grand slam at Yankee Stadium, he got tangled up with hitting coach Rick Down. 1 almost slipped," Matsui said through his translator Suffice to say, it was one of the very few missteps he's made as "Godzilla" when he left Japan and signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the New York Yankees in January, Matsui has shown he's much more than a one-dimensional slugger. Exactly halfway through the season, Matsui tops the AL East-leading Yankees in hitting (.304) and ranks among the league leaders in RBI (61) and doubles (26). He got his 100th hit Sunday night, a home run against die New York Mets.

In a year in which they've been banged up and hurt by inconsistency, Matsui arguably has been Hideki Matsui hit .493 during interleague play to lead the majors. He also tied for most hits and RBI in the AL vs. NL matchups. Back in late May, when Matsui was leading the majors in ground-outs, impatient owner George Steinbrenner wondered what was wrong. "All I know is that this is not the guy we signed in terms of power," the Boss fussed.

No doubt Steinbrenner musfve worried whether Matsui would turn out like another Hideki he once imported from Japan pitcher Hideki Irabu, a big-bucks bust A lot of Yankees fans were equally concerned, flooding local sports radio with complaint calls. Now, even those longballs are starting to come for Matsui. Going into last nighf game at Baltimore, he had homered six times in his past 23 games. In that span, he's hit .466 with 28 RBL Tm certainly not hitting as many home runs as I did before," Matsui said. "Ifs my first season here.

Hopefully, as I get used to the baseball here, HI hit a little more." here or there. I try to do everything," he said earlier. Praised Yankees manager Joe Torre: "He's the consummate pro." AH utthIp rprrmining amazingly humble. Matsui is as popular back home as Michael Jordan was in his heyday in the United States Japan Air Lines just rolled out a Boeing 747 with Matsui's picture on the side. Phis, his No.

55 jersey is among the top sellers at city souvenir shops. Yet Matsui might be the most unassuming and most approachable player in the Yankees' the Yankees' MVP, especially recently. Matsui batted .493 (33 for 67) to lead all major leaguers in hitting during interleague play. His surge started with three doubles and a homer at Cincinnati on June 5 and he wound up tied with Ichiro Suzuki for most hits during the month of AL vs. NL matchups, and also tied for most RBI (22).

Filling in for the injured Bernie Williams, Matsui has excelled defensively in center field. He's also run well and made quick, accurate throws, demonstrating the all-around fundamentals that are drilled into every player in Japan. "I don't think I have a specialty TODAYS EVENTS SUMMEfl-LEAGUE BASBMLL Peninsula Pilots at Petersburg Generals, 7:06 p.m. MINOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL Richmond Braves at Indiaiiapobs Indians, 8 p.m. Information: 869-4444.

AMERICAN-LEGION BASEBALL Post 861 vs. ARC at Aba H.S. Post 187 vs. Post 186 at Rockwood Park Post 116 vs. Post 244 atlkrmiUge H.S.

Post 144 n. Post 126 at Douglas Freeman H.S. Post 149 vs. Post 201 at Powhatan H.S. Post 284 vs.

Post 146 at Hopewell H.S. SUMMER-LEAGUE BASKETBALL (all gam at John Marshall High School) Wallace Kzpreu vs. Ultimate Pools 6 p.m. Pembeiton Group vs. Brown's Volkswagen, 7:46 HORSE RACING At Colonial Downs: Post time: 6 p.m.

Cost: $2. Information: (804) 966-BACE. ON TELEVISION AUTO RACING 6-6 p.m. NASCAR NCTS Fast Forward (taped), SPEH) (CH76, CCS 8) MAJOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL 7-10 p.m. N.Y.

Yankees at Baltimore, CSN (CH68, CC24) 7-10 Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia, WGN (CB26, CC19) BOWLING 4-6 a.m. PWBA Collegiate Shootout (laps) ESPN2 (CR81, CC87) BOXING 10 p.m. -Midnight Tuesday Night Fights, FJSPN2 (CH81, CC87) GOLF 8-10 p.m. Par Three Shootout, Day Two (same-day tape), ESPN (CR80, CC4) MLL LACROSSE 8-6 p.m. Baltimore at Rochester (taped), ESPN 2 (CR81, CC87) MOTORCYCLE RACING p.m.

National Amnacross Series (taped), OIS (CC47) MotoGP 126 Series (taped), SPEED (CH76, CCS 8) FM World Superspoit Series (taped), SPEED (CR76, CCS 8) AHA Grand National Series (taped), SPEED (CR76, CCS 8) SPORTS TALK 7-8 p.m. Virginia lottery's Speaking of Sports with Big AL BJCH(CB7, CCS). 10-11 Virginia Home Racing, REH (CR7 CCS). TENNIS 8-10 a.m. Wimbledon, women's quarterfinals, ESPN2 (CB81, CC87) 10 a.m.-l p.m.

Wimbledon, women's quarterfinals. WWBT-12. 1-6 Wimbledon, women's quarterfinals, ESPN (CR80, CC4) 7-10 Wimbledon, women's quarterfinals highlights (same-day tape), ESPN2 (CBS1, CC87) WNBA BASKETBALL 8-10 p.m. Connecticut at New York, OXY(CR64) CR Com cast of Richmond; CC Comcast of Chtrf laid Programa aubjact to changa- the tournament but won 17 of 18 service games, making him 63 for 65 through four rounds. Roddick will next play Jonas Bjorkman.

The unseeded Swede reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 10 years at Wimbledon by beating Max Mirnyi 64, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (74). I Andy Roddick (Si d. Pindsm Sty ice winner on the final point, then raised his arms in jubilation. The great thing about the serve is you've got the ball in your hands," PhiUppoussis said. "You can take your time.

No one can rush you, and you're in control. Today I had great rhythm out there, and it made life a lot easier for me." The 64 Philippoussis has long been touted as a potential Grand Slam champion and is again a tide threat after enduring three knee operations during a 14-month span in 200001. Agassi, who won his lone Wimbledon titie in 1992, said heU be back for another try next year. "Why wouldn't I be back?" he said Tm still a tennis player. This is the place to be." Roddick, the lone American left in the men's draw, beat Paradorn Srichaphan 64, 3-6, 63, 6-2.

Roddick lost a set for die first time in Wimbledon FROM PAGE El aces in four matches, earned his fourth quarterfinal berth at Wimbledon. He has never advanced further. The Australian's serves topped out at 134 mph, and his ace total tied Goran Ivanisevic's mark in a second-round loss to Magnus Norman in 1997. 1 felt like I made him earn it," Agassi said. There were a lot of moments where either one of us could have taken the match, and he ended up doing it at the end." Fifth-seeded Andy Roddick advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time, and No.

4 Roger Federer and No. 10 Tim Henman also won. Federer hurt his back warming up and required treatment in the first set but still beat Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (7-5), 64, 64. Advancing in rapid succession on the women's side were two-time champion Venus Williams, defending champion Serena Williams, No. 2-seeded Kim Clusters, No.

5 Lindsay Davenport and No. 8 Jennifer Capriati. The five winners swept every set and lost a total of 23 games, more fodder for the argument that women's tennis lacks depth. The top players are playing well right now," Davenport said. There will be two all-American women's quarterfinals today: Capriati vs.

top-seeded Serena Williams and Davenport vs. No. 4 Venus Williams. French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne also won, but 16-year-old Maria Sharapova was eliminated. PhiUppoussis staged the day's biggest upset when he won his final 16 service games, saving nine break points.

He amarkpH a 119 mph serv chiphui (12), 64, 6-i Meander Poop d. Olivier Radius, 5-7, 64, 64, 64 Roger Federer (4) d. Felk no Lopez, 7-6 (7-5), 64, 64; Jonu Bjorkmui d. Mix Mirnyi, 64, 34, 63, 7-6 (74); Sjeng Sdulken (t) d. Driller Schuettler (9), 7-5, 64, 7-5; Msrk Ptlilippouttis d.

Andre Agmi (2), 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (7-4), 6-3, 64; Tim Hen-man (loTlDlvid NaJbandbil (6), 6-2, 67 (74), 7-5, 6-3; Sebutien Grosjein (13), leuk Jinn Cirlos Ferrero (3), 6-2. 7-6 (7-21. nan- dirimeg. I Sereni William (1) d. Eton De- mentievi (15), 62, 62; Kim dijsteis (2) d.

Ai Sugiytnu (13), 6-3, 62; Venus Williuns (4) d. Vera Zvonirevi (16), 61, 6-3; Lindsay Divenport (5) d. Shinobu Asuoe, 64, 61; Jennifer Capriati (I) d. Anastasia MysMw(10), 6-2, 6-3; Justine Henin-Hardenne (3) d. Muy Pierce, 6-3, 63; Silvia Farina FJia (27) d.

Paola Suarez, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3); SvetJana Kuznetsova (33) d. Maria Sharapova, 6-1, 2-6, 7- 5. ON THE RADIO The Wallace file Basketball complex planned for a. Union Name: Ben Wallace Age: 28 Hometown: White HAH, Ala. Cheater 240 pounds AUTO RACING 6 p.m.

NASCAR Today, WSVS (800) 11 p.m. -midnight NASCAR live, WHNL(910) MAJOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL 7 p.m. N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore, WRNL (9 10) MINOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL 7:46 p.m. Richmond at Indiana po ha, WXGK960) TALK SHOWS 2-6 a.m.

The Kevin Wheeler Show, WISE (990), WHAP (1840) 2-6 AIINfeht with Tbdd Wright, 2-6 John Renahaw, WRNL (9 10) 6-8 Mark Patrick, WRNL (9 10) 6-7 Mike Mike the Morning, WARV (100.8) 8-noon Tony Bruno, WRNL (9 10) 10-1 p.m. Tbny Komheiser Show, Noon-8 Thee Jim Rome Show, WRNL (9 10) 1-4 The Dan Patrick Show, 8-6 SpoitsPhone with Bjg AL WJEI (960) 8-7 The Mike Mankcako Show, WRNL (9 10) 4-7 Game Day, 6-7 Richmond Sports Report, WLEE (990), WHAP (1840) 7-11 Game Night, 7-10 The Papa Joe Chevalier Show, WLEE (990), WHAP (1840) Men's Cavalier Call-in, WRVA(1140) 10 p.m. -2 a.m. The Rick Ballou Show, WLEE (990), WHAP (1840) 11 p.m.-l a.m. The Show with Bob Valvano, Midnight-2 a.m.

JT'The Brick," WRNL (9 10). Programa aubjact to changa- THIS DATE IN SPORTS HISTORY 1859 Am heist defeats WUbams 66-82 in the first intercollegiate baseball game. 1932 Helen Moody wins her fifth women's singles title in six years at Wimbledon, defeating Helen Jacobs 6-8, 6-1. 1951 Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indiana pitches his third career no-hitter, beating file Detroit Tigers 2-1. 1961 Mickey Wright beats defending champion Betsy Rawls by sis strokes to win the U.S.

Women's Open. 1 977 Britain's Virginia Wade wins the singles title on the 100th anniversary of Wimbledon, defeating Betty Stove 4-6, 6-8, 6-1. games at the city-owned, off-campus Ashe Center (capacity 5,000) since the 1981-82 season. Barco-Stevens (capacity formerly VUlTs home court for games, remains a practice court and has been the site of occasional home games during the past 20 years. Barco-Stevens was originally called the Belgian Friendship Building and constructed for $700,000 in Belgium, ft was part of the 1939 World's Fair in New York and scheduled to return to Belgium.

Germany's invasion of Belgium changed the plan. Belgium decided to give the building to a U.S. college. VUU was chosen from 27 candidates. After the completion of the wellness center, Barco-Stevens will remain operational as a campus theater, according to Brown.

John O'Connor Barco-Stevens Hall is losing its legs as a basketball facility. Virginia Union University plans to start construction on a wellness center in the spring of 2004. The building and its arena for Panthers basketball is projected to open about 16 months after ground is broken. "Thaf 8 our prayer, contingent on our fund-raising effort," said Prince H. Brown, VUlTs vice president of institutional advancement The wellness center, expected to eventually adopt another name, will be built on the same side of Lombardy Street as the Division II school's football stadium and will include 14 classrooms and a fitness center in addition to the basketball arena.

The Panthers have played the vast majority of their home Collage: Virginia Union Notable: The Detroit Pistons' quiet leader was named the NBA defensive player of the year in 2002 and 200S Averaged 6.9 points, 16.4 rebounds (tops in the NBA) and S.1S blocks as a Piston last season Named first team Division All-American after averaging 12.6 points and 10.6 rebounds as a senior. Alio played for the Washington Bullets (who became the Wizards) and the Orlando Magic. DM VOU know? Signed by the Bulleti in October of '96 because Washington management wai concerned about the health of 7-7 Gheorghe Mures and needed an interior practice player. Jh 2001-02, Wallace became the fourth player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding (IS rpg) and blocks (S.48 bpg) the lame season. The others: Kareem Abdul-Jeb-bar, Bill Walton and Hakeem Otajuwon.

Wallace FROM PAGE El be rats running around." VUU has a modern weight-lifting facility across Lombardy Street from Barco-Stevens Hall, and its athletes now train there. Wallace prefers Barco's old-school corner locale, where his routine is interrupted by no one. The Cage seems the ideal habitat for the NBA's no-nonsense guy the anti-prima donna is one of 11 children who delights in defending and rebounding, the category in which he led the NBA (15.4 rpg) during 200203. "Ben is one of the few kids not the only kid, but one of the few kids who never asked for anything," said Robbins. Some other former Panthers requested new sneakers on a monthly basis.

Robbins recalls having to convince Wallace, VUlTs interior force in '95 and '96 after two seasons at Cleveland's Cuyahoga Community College, to accept a fresh pair. Watch Wallace play summer pickup games at Barco-Stevens, which he regularly does, and nothing much besides sinewy arms differentiate him from the rest of the talented pack. Same nondescript sleeveless T-shirt and baggy shorts. Same propensity to take quick jumpers (he's working on ball-handling and shooting). There are no nt show-you comments or body language from Wallace, who prefers to avoid recognition.

"He's proud of what he's done, but you've got to pull it out of him," Robbins said. Subtract maybe 5 degrees from the outside temperature. Thafs how hot it feels in Barco-Stevens. Players classify afternoons in Barco as one-shirt, two-shirt, or three-shirt days, depending on how many tops the average man saturates with perspiration during a two-hour session. On a recent weekday, Wallace SPORTS PLANNER jatTS' miiuHCfi was joined on-court by, among others, former NBA center Terry Davis (VUU), former West Virginia starters Jonathan Hargett and Chris Moss, former Virginia Commonwealth star Kendrick Warren and Clemson signee Vernon Hamilton (Benedictine High).

A few times a week, before playing, Wallace visits The Cage. He lifts in silence. "Ifs hot, so you get a great sweat," said the 240-pounder. "You're not in there for anybody else to see you. You're in there to get a good workout in." Wallace settled in the Richmond area because he felt comfortable here during his time at VUU, an unusual alma mater for an Alabama native.

"Oak, I need a big man," Robbins told former Panthers star Charles Oakley after Oakley had become an accomplished NBA player. Responded Oakley, speaking of Wallace: "He's not real big, but he is a man." Wallace's roster height of gives him about two inches more than he has. Oakley and Wallace each have Alabama roots, though Oakley moved to Cleveland at age 1L Oakley met and played against Wallace at an Alabama summer camp, then steered him to the Cleveland community college and VUU. "I met a lot of people here. I learned to love Richmond," said Wallace.

"Ifs where I chose to make my home." His house is in Chester. His heart remains in The Cage. Contact John O'Connor at (804) 64M233 or joconniwtimesdispatch.com RICHMOND RICHMOND RICHMOND BRAVES SPEED KICKERS Today Saturday Friday at Indianapolis at Norfolk at Atlanta 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:45 p.m Tomorrow July 1 1 July 8 at Louisville vs.

Mohegan at Charleston 7:15 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:80 p.m Thuraday July 18 July 12 at Louisville vs. Greensboro at Pittsburgh 7:15 p.m. 8 p.m.

7:85 p.m TUets 000) 849-4627 Tfckets 780-2852 Tickets 844-KEK.