UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Tuesday, October 15, 1996
7
World Series returns to Yankee Stadium after more than 15 years
By Jim Litke
AP sports writer
BALTIMORE — The rest of baseball's universe isn't aligned yet, but one important piece is back in place. The World Series has returned to the Bronx after more than a decade and a half.
This actually is worth celebrating. The game needs drama. And nobody does drama like the Yankees.
Think of the great names and the great Series games. New York is the backdrop: Don Larsen's perfect game in 1956; Jackie Mantle, almost anytime; Reggie Jackson's three-homers-in-three-swings game in 1977; a half-dozen Babe Ruth games a half-century before that.
It's no coincidence. New York has been the best place to win or lose. The Yankees have hosted 33 previous Series and have kept the trophy 22 times.
The outsized stage, the overzealous fans, the owner's inflated ego, the manager's 30-year wait to reach the Series, even the oversized glove 12 1/2-year-old Jeff Maier wielded — the exaggerated scale of everything is what makes New York New York.
Reggie Jackson said that the name "Yankees" was still one of the most famous names in sports.
"Go anywhere outside the country, have somebody figure out you're an American and what's the first thing they call you? A Dallas Cowboy? A Packer? A Mariner?" Jackson said. "No. What they call you is a Yankee."
And if you fall from grace as a Yankee, you are almost certain to be forgiven — so long as there is a payoff for everyone in the end.
Darryl Strawberry made it in New York a decade ago and then left in shame when alcohol and drugs rendered his exceptional skills all but useless.
People laughed when Steinbrenner brought Strawberry back to the Yankees. After hitting just one postseason home run in 10 years, he hit two on Saturday against the Orioles, which helped to clinch the pennant.
"A World Series in New York? It's one of the best experiences you could go through," Strawberry said.
Yankee manager Joe Torre has endured the longest stretch of games by any major leaguer — 4,272 as a player and manager during 30 years — without making it to a World Series.
when the moment of victory finally settled in, the depth of Torre's satisfaction seemed to say that it was all worth it.
Orioles will look for youth, speed in 1997
BALTIMORE — Given their collapse against the New York Yankees, it would seem as if the Baltimore Orioles would spend the winter finding a way to defeat their hated AL East rivals.
Defeating New York not all that matters for Baltimore team
The Associated Press
Pitcher David Wells has a different take on the situation
"No, the Yankees are going to have to think
beating the Onios. I know for a fact that this organization is going to go out and get some quality people just to better this team." Wells said.
That's the approach the Orioles used last off-season. Thanks to a
spending spree by owner Peter Angelos, the Orioles went from a sub-500 team to one that qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1983 and then eliminated the defending AL champion Cleveland Indians in the division series.
Brady Anderson, who set a club record with 50 home runs, said the play against the Indians answered questions about the Orioles.
"We proved we have the ability to get to the playoffs and then play well in the playoffs," he said.
Anderson, Rafael Palmeiro, Chris Hoiles and Mike Mussina were among several Baltimore veterans who enjoyed their first taste of post-season play. Their pennant playoff loss to the Yankees ended Baltimore's best season in more than a decade.
"I'm proud of our guys," said general manager Pat Gillick. "We were under .500 last year, got the wild card and beat the team that was probably favored to win the championship, Cleveland. Then we played New York very, very tight. I'm happy about that."
Indeed, the Orioles were 51-52 on July 28 before rallying to finish 88-74. Glove Angelos
much of the credit — Gillick was set to trade away Wells and Bobby Bonilla in late July before the owner stepped in and nixed all deals, saying it would send a poor message to fans who already purchased tickets for games in August and September. Those fans ended up watching playoff games in October.
"I know Angelos is hungry," Wells said on Sunday. "He's very capable of going out and getting the players he wants, and I'm sure he's going to do a fine job in trying to bring back a winner here in Baltimore."
Gillick will be looking to improve the team's speed and defense as well as inject the roster with some youth. He also needs to land a starting pitcher or two. The Orioles were hurt this season because of ineffective performances by No. 4 and 5 starters Kent Mercker and Jimmy Haynes, each of whom earned just three wins.
Mercker was traded for Eddie Murray, who hit his 500th career home run on Sept. 6 at Camden Yards.
Mercker's ineffectiveness also led the Orioles to call up Rocky Copinger from Triple-A in June. The 22-year-old rookie won 10 games and will almost certainly be in the rotation next year, although he did encounter arm trouble in a four-man rotation and gave up an alarming amount of home runs—25 in 125 innings.
Bonilla and Wells were being offered before the trading deadline because their contracts ended after the season. Both have indicated a preference to return if the Orioles come up with a competitive offer; the same goes for Murray, 40, who apparently plans upon returning for at least one more year.
The Orioles might get someone to replace hot-and-cold closer Randy Myers, or take a chance and give the equally unpredictable but younger Armando Benitez the Job. And Todd Zeile won't be needed if Johnson decides to move Cal Ripken to third base for good in 1997.
Regardless, the Orioles' dealings in the offseason will not be based upon an intense obsession to become better than the Yankees.
"I'm not going to worry about how to beat them for the next three months. I'm going to worry about how we can get better and how we can correct some weaknesses," Johnson said. "If we do the things that we can do to make ourselves better, we can beat anybody."
Todav's Birthday (Oct. 15)
HOROSCOPES
Be aggressive about bringing in more money in November. December's good for education and travel, possibly together. Try something new in January, but keep the best of the old, too. Rely on your mate's extensive experience in April. August is perfect for a reunion with old teammates. Your personal research may reveal a secret love in September.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
Today is a 9.
While still being careful with your money, find something romantic to do. With your true love, best friend, favorite sibling or all of the above, set out in search of the best pizza within 100 miles. Travel and romance are both favored.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)
Today is a 4.
It's a bad time for keeping secrets. You'd better make sure the holiday gifts you've bought are well hidden. Don't spend much on a whim; you'll need the money for a bill that's due. If you need a loan, talk to a friend you've known for years.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Today is an 8.
Today is good for club meetings
and group excursions. Such an experience would be educational and might even lead to romance. You'll be lucky today if you take a risk. Don't tell a secret, though. That would be downright foolish.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today is a 5.
Ask an older person for a favor first thing this morning. He or she ought to be in a good mood. To get the inside scoop, ask questions. A group activity could lead to exciting new prospects. Romance is available, but there are strings attached.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18)
Today is an 8.
Today is an 8.
This morning, you may be able to isolate the cause of a problem. It's possible somebody doesn't want you to do what you've been trying to do. Tonight, go for a drive with a person you don't see very often. A fresh perspective will be fun.
If you're feeling blue, don't mention it. Instead of asking for help, take extra special care of yourself. It's OK to look for compassionate companionship. You might turn out to be the healer instead of the
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today is a 5.
patient. Visit a friend who needs to talk.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Take care of responsibilities first. Any you don't get done now could cause problems later. If you can't get away today, definitely plan something exciting for tonight. Your imagination is working well, so let it lead you out of your dull routine.
Today is a 9.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today is a 6.
Many of the people you were going to talk to this afternoon will have gone home early. It's a blessing in disguise if you have any chores that demand conversation. Later, share a quiet cup of tea with a friend who understands without words.
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Today is an 8.
This is a great day for a long trip, a walk in the country or a conversation that goes on for hours. Your attitude should be excellent, so help cheer up a coworker who is in a rotten mood. Listen, but don't talk about anybody behind his or her back.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Today is a 5.
If you choose to cover for a friend who wants to wander, you might be able to put a little extra money in the bank. Tonight, play a culinary adventure. A candlelight dinner for two will be even more romantic if you add a touch of exotic spice.
Leo (July 23-Aug.22)
Today is a 7.
It's a great time to get out into the country. A date tonight with a free spirit could be perfect. Don't mess it up by forgetting a domestic responsibility. A roommate won't get you off the hook, so don't even ask.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Today should be good for making phone calls and running errands. A lot of people will feel more like talking than getting down to business. It's also a good day to go shopping for clothes. Check the designer thrift store for a second-hand steal.
Today is an 8.
Note: Horoscopes have no basis in scientific fact and should be read for entertainment only.
841-PLAY
1029 Massachusetts
VOTER REGISTRATION TODAY AT WESCOE
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brought to you by the Student Legislative Awareness Board and Student Senate
Care Services, Inc.
FAMILY VIOLENCE SPEAKER
of The Women's Transitional
Tonight 6:00 pm
Loretta Pyles
Support the awareness of domestic
Sunflower Room, Burge Union
violence and wear a
purple ribbon.
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PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS
Panhellenic Association
We Buy, Sell, Trade & Consign USED & New Sports Equipment
Join SUA at Mardi Gras '97!!!!
February 7-9, 1997
Airfare and Hotel
Trip includes:
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THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS LIED CENTER SERIES PRESENTS
The most talked about performers since the Lied Center opened return in a new work
A new directions series
Japanese Butoh dance: stunning, intense physical and absolutely beautiful.
EIGHT O'CLOCK P.M.
LIED CENTER OF KANSAS
THE LIED CENTER SERIES AND MULTICULTURAL CENTER
PRESENT
A SPECIAL SHOWING OF THE MOVIE
Butoh: Body on the Edge of Crisis
BUTCH. BODY CARE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 7 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 7 P.M.
LIED CENTER
FREE ADMISSION
For more information call the Lied Center Box Office (864-ARTS)