Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 19

In This Section SECTION A Sports on Television George Puscas Racing Results Pa-e 2 Page 6 Page 7 SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 1976 UORTON, COLEMAN, II HUM SILENCE INDIANS C3 Sports Season wi 1 igers DETROIT CLEVELAND ar bl 3 0 11 1 Manning rl Kumer fi Bell lb JPowel! lb Hendrirk rl tb b' 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 2 0 3 12? 4 0 10 4 0 0 0 Oolivie MStaniev Meyer lb Horion dh SHub rl A Johnson If MMav Cariv dh Spikes II 4 0 10 5 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 10 4 0 0 0 4 110 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 10 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ARodrgei 3b 4 0 0 0 Verv2er ss 3 0 10 Suinerlnd 2b 3 0 0 0 Coleman 0 0 0 0 Hilier 0 0 0 0 Ashbv Fosse Dullv ss Blanks ph bckrsley Kern Buskey LaRoche Why Docs Masters Grip U.S. Public? Toial 31 3 7 2 Tolal 12 I 1 Detroit 102 000 000- 3 Cleveland 000 0O0 100- 1 B.Bel! DP-Delroil 1, Cleveland 1. LOB Detroit 6, Cleveland 10 2B-Mever. HR Horion (O. SB Meyer, Dully ER SB IP few weeks, and get our confidence up, we're going to give people a lot of trouble this year.

"We're just like one big happy family on this team. AnT that's the way it should be. Everybody is helping everybody else. I didn't win the game the whole team did." Miller, who missed the final two months of last season after be pulled a muscle pitching against these same Indians, was hardly overwhelming in his three innings Saturday. But the result were the same, nevertheless.

Rico Carty and Charlie Spikes were aboard, via a single and a walk, when Miller was hurriedly summoned with nobody out in the Indian seventh. The Tigers lefthanded relief ace retired pinch hitter Ray Fosse and shortstop Frank Dully but Rick Manning singled sharply to tenter, scoring the extremely slow-fooled Carty from second as Mickey Stanley conceded the run. The Indians had men on base in the eighth and ninth, too. But each time Miller pitched his way out of potential trouble. "I was a little short with my fastball," he admitted.

"I was a little surprised. I thought I would be able to throw harder than I did. "I was confident my arm was okay," said Hiller. "But just the same, it was nice to get that first save. If I had gotten bombed, the other clubs would see that in the paper and they'd say, 'Hey, Miller isn't throwing so good this Something like that would give them more confidence when they faced me.

"It was good for the guys on our club to see me throwing good, too. There may have been some doubts about my arm in some of their minds. But I think the key to our dub this year is going to be our offense. "We pitchers know we're going to get some runs this season," continued Miller. "We should get three or four runs a game.

And that should win us some hall games. All the pitching has to be is decent and doesn't have to be. outstanding or great. "The other teams aren't going to be able to pitch around Please turn to Page 3E, Column 3 BY JIM HAWKINS Free Press Sports Writer CI.EVhI.AND Talk about getting of lo a good start Ralph Honk, in all his unbridled optimism, couldn't have asked for a more ideal opener. The Tigers did everything according lo plan Saturday as they got off on the right foot lor the first time since 1072 with convincing victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Joe Coleman, who simply must succeed this season if the Tigers are going to stand a chance, began his personal como-hack with a big win; Willie I lorton, far less conspicuous in a lineup that now also includes Rusty Siaub, Alex Johnson, and Milt May, hammered his first of what figures to be many home runs; and, just like always, John Miller emerged from the bullpen in the waning innings, making victory inevitable. IF SATURDAY'S START WAS any indication of what you can expect from the Tigers this season, the American League is in for a surprise. And while it was admittedly only one game, the first of 1(52, nobody was downplaying the importance of the Tigers' initial triumph. "My knees are still shaking this is one of the happiest days I've ever had since I started playing baseball," gushed Coleman, who is already almost three weeks ahead of last year's pace. "It really fell super.

beat a real good pitcher in Dennis I ckersley he's one of the best in the league. We just Hmk it to Ihem, right from the start. We just played super. "It was very important to me, personally, to win this gemo, because I won't pilch again until next Friday or Saturday," continued Coleman, who shut the Indians out on three singles for the first six innings before Miller hastened to his aid midway through the seventh. "Rut it was even more important to the team.

If we get off to a good start, we might surprise a lot of people. The first game of the season is always something extra special. If you 4 3 7 2-3 4 1-3 2 3 1 1-3 Coleman (W.1-0) Hiner Eckersley (L.0-1) Kern Buskey LaRoche Save Miller (I). WP-Hilier. 2 33.

Joe Coleman lose, you always say, 'Well, we'vp got Ifil Bui when you win, it's something you look back to for the rest of the yrar. The first game is the biggest game of the season for a lot of people." HOR ION, WHO OWNED TWO of the Tigers' seven hits, lofted a towering shot into the leftfield stands with Dhanny Meyer on base in the top of the third to give Coleman and IMIer all the room they needed. "It was a good team effort," observed Morton. "It was very important that we win. If we can just hang in there for the next AUGUSTA Dick Tracewski made a face.

It was a contemptuous face, and Tracewski is not a contemptuous man. "You mean you're going to The Masters?" he said with a sneer. "Isn't that too bad. You poor guy. What a terrible job you have, I low come your office does that to you all time?" This was a week ago in Lakeland.

But it's the samf- every year, no matter where you are or who you're talking to. They hear you're going to Augusta to cover The Masters and they become green with envy, if you'll forgive the expression. You can tell them you're going to the World Series, Super F.owl, Kentucky Derby and even the where the excitement can reach shattering dimensions. They'll tell you that's nice and wish they could go along with you. But the mere mention of Augusta The Masters and envy creeps into their eyes.

You can see it in their faces and hear it in their voices. Why docs this one golf tournament and that's all it is, really hold such a grip on the public? The golfers themselves will tell you the U.S. Open is more important. They'll tell you that Pebble Beach or Medinah or Merion or Oakland Hills are better golf courses. But there is a great fascination about this pace this golf course and this tournament that touches the souls of many people.

Reverent. Hallowed. Storied. Fabled. Legendary.

Treditinn. vou hear all these words whenever anyone is talking about The Masters the mighty Masters. Notice the way I capitalize the in The Masters. Don't ask me why. It's improper style, but I do it because that's what I feel.

This isTho.Masters. What's so baffling about it all is that the people vho put on this tournament starting with chairman Clifford Roberts are a bunch of old curmudgeons. They're stiff and staid and even severe. They are rich people who take themselves and their tournament far too seriously. They would have you believe that the Augusta National is a Valhalla on earth the The Masters is God's gift to mankind.

When In ry icas Croud's llchaiior Simply Amaziu'J i nil i wwnHqr- it-wi" vjjiii uiniiuu i mini ww.w-' 1 i i i'-- I "f' 11; I Wf" a i i Just once you ought to see tri crowds here. Their behavior is absolutely amazing. The people are impeccable in their conduct. There can he 5,000 people following one group, but there is no pushing or shoving or trampling on others to get a better vantage point. They move along orderly and quietly, as if not to disturb a single twig on the course, much less the plavcrs themselves.

You see no beer cans on the ground, no pup bittles, no hot dog wrappers or even gum wrappers. They wouldn't dare. They know how improper conduct would only bring glares of contempt from the others in the gallery. These people seem to be genuinely proud to here, as if He might not have won a lot of votes in Minnesota, but President Gerald Ford delighted baseball fans deep in the heart of Texas by waving a Texas Ranger pennant after throwing out the first ball in the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Rangers. Ford took a break in his campaigning in Texas to make a surprise appearance at the game in Arlington Friday night.

AP Phot indeed it is a privilege to waiK tne r'" "storied" firways and watch this VSJ "fabled" golf tournament. 1 Most of them are repeaters. Perhaps k. Ik. (Upw L-nllu, hnn t.

r-nnHiirt Si IUCI- Li ti uijr nun iu iuiiuum themselves. They seem not only to understand the nuances of the course itself but they seem to understand the rich history of the Augusta National and The Masters. They know of Bobby Jones and the legend of "the Emperor;" they talk of Gene Sarazen's "legendary" double eagle; they speak of Atnie's great charges; and now they marvel over Jack Nicklaus' masterful play over this i Gene Sarazen Sizzling Floyd Goes 8-Up at, Masters Scores "a 1 AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -Ray Floyd continued his almost unbelievable domination of the long holes, notched a couple of more records in his amazing run and expanded his lead to a whopping eight strokes Saturday in the third round of the Masters golf championship. The Floyd bird-ied all four of the par five holes on his way to a two-un-der-par 7(1 and, as the expected challenge of Nicklaus failed to materialize, took firm command going into Sunday's last round.

HIS l.VAD is the largest by three strokes in the history of this staid and stalely celebration of spring. The old record for the largest was five, set by Merman Keiser in ifMfi and since tied by Arnold Palmer and Nicklaus. Thai record, along with his 201 tolal also the best this tournament has ever seen can be attributed directly to his performance on ihepar-five holes, holes on which he Ray Floyd Jack Nicklaus Larry Zieqltr Ben Crenshaw Tom Weiskopf Halt Irwin Hubert Green Graham Marsh Jerry McGet Gary Player Jim Colbert Bud Allin Roqer Maltbit Gene Littler Johnny Miller Al Geiberaer Aruca. Devlin Billy Casper Let Trtvino Jo tnman Art Wall aCurtlt Stranqt Bruct Crampton Bob Gilder Andy North Bob Murphy Masashi Oakl Don January John Mahatcey Bob Shearer Takashi Murakami Peter Oosterhuii Tom Waston Pat Fitisimom Gay Brewer Dale Haves J. C.

Snead Tommy Aaron Dick Siderowf Bohby Cole Frank Beard 7B jat 47-71-72 2t0 70- 70-72 3d 73-71-70 214 71- 77-47-JIJ 7I-46-7I 73-t-7S 214 71-73-7221 73- 73-70214 71- 72-74 217 -7t-72 217 72- 75-70-217 71-72-74 717 71-73-74111 75-70-71-111 71-74-71 211 7S-7S 49 219 74- 75 712JO 74-71-7S 220 71-74-73 74-76 71-231 71- 75-76 222 44-81-7J-772 72.74.74-32 72- 75-7S-121 73- 74-74-123 72- 74-78 73- 7S-74-224 74- 71-80225 74.74-75-225. 77-73 74-2H 71- 7-77227 75- 74-71 27 75.74 73-271 72- 77-7 225 73- 74.77-224 74- 73-77-224 75- 74-7B 227 74-7S-7B 227 colorful golf course. No kidding, you ought to see these people. They may be the most knowledgeable group of sports fans anywhere in the country. They are certainly the most polite It is not easy to obtain a ticket to The Masters.

I tried sincp January and failed. It was the first time I was ever rebuffed trying to buy a ticket to a sports event I was covering. couldn't get a thing out of the people here. They told me in January that no tickets were available, and they told me the same thing in February, March and April. My check was returned to me and you know, I sort of like that.

It proved that they were playing it fair with the general public. Listen lo Players Rave The players themselves appreciate the chance to play in The Masters. It is a rare exception when one of them criticizes the course. They don't dare, either. It is almost sacrilegious for any of them to knock the Augusta National.

Here's what they've said in letters to Roberts over the years about the privilege of participating in this tournament: Morton Smith: "I consider myself indeed fortunate to have received an invitation to play in The Masters. It is definitely a distinctive golfing classic. We enjoy the environment of the club and derive unusual pleasure from the mixture of hospitality with the leisurely though serious golf of this event." Ryrnn Nelson: "It is not surprising that The Masters has established itself as a pattern for other tournaments to follow. The course is the most beautiful we play jnd it requires our best efforts as regards both skill and judgment. Each hole presents an entirely different picture and a different problem." Ben llogan: "Dignity is the keynote of The Masters where the game of golf is elevated to the high position it deserves.

I am happy and proud to play a small part in it." Sam Snead: "I get a wonderful feeling being at The Masters and I would think every golfer or would-be golfer would feel the same way. The course is so arranged that the paying cus tomer and the golfers both get every possible break to enjoy themselves. It is a beautiful place even when Ole Man Par is giving you a going over." Arnold Palmer: "It was always my burning ambition to play in The Masters. I'd read about it in the papers when I was a kid and I always wanted to come here and play. Now that I've had this privilege, i hope, when I'm no longer able to compete, that I can come back and watch the expressions of happiness and pride as each new participant walks off the 18th green." Gary Player: "In my travels, I have visited practically every country in the world, but I have to say The Masters is the best run tournament in any part of the world.

It a true inspiration play at Augnsia." Jack Nicklaus: "The Masters is my favorite golf tournament. I feel it stands as a monument to everything that is great in golf." These are your hard-core pros speaking, the so-called mercenaries of the trade. Come on down one year and see for yourself. But don't wait until January to ask for tickets. 4 '5- Braves Sign Messersmilh uses a lotted little livt wood built especially for this tournament.

In three rounds, he's played par-fives 12 times, scoring birdies and an eagle once. Of his la strokes below par, of them have come on the par fives. And that put him in line for still another record. Jimmy Demaret played the par-fives 1.1 under for four rounds in his victory. Bui nn one has ever played (hem as well as the husky Floyd over the first three days this week.

It's helped him turn this fa- IMeasc turn lo rage 4E, Col. 1 i it. 1 hi aft' 5" SAN DIEGO (UPI) -Andy Messersmith, the 30-ycar old righthander who won i free agency in a historic hasp, ball decision four months ago, Saturday signed a multi-ypar contract with the Atlanta Braves worth in excess of $1.3 million. AP Pholo Arnold Palmer was just another face in the crowd the sun out of his eyes, then watched the third round at the Masters in Augusta, Saturday. The four- action.

With scores of 74 and 81, he failed to make time winner of the event donned a straw hat to keep the cut for the final two rounds..