CONTENTS

HOT HAND 20
With 10 straight wins, the Montreal Canadiens have streaked to the top spot in the NHL's Adams Division
by Austin Murphy

TWO OF A KIND ON THE BOARDS 26
Vicki Huber and Joe Falcon were double distance winners at the collegiate indoor track championships
by Merrell Noden

THE MUSCULAR METRO 28
Louisville, the league bully, won the Metro tournament, but the little guys are coming on strong, too
by Alexander Wolff

KING REX AND HIS TOP CATS 36
Though in pain from a back injury, Rex Chapman lifted Kentucky past Georgia in the SEC's tournament
by Hank Hersch

THE ROOKIES 40

Here's a glimpse at half a dozen of 1988's leading baseball rookies who figure to play significant roles for their clubs this season

A novel, rigorous regimen has helped make Gregg Jefferies of the Mets the leading prospect in the minors
by Jill Lieber

A PLAYER FOR THE AGES 46
Larry Bird, in what may be his finest season, gets Red Auerbach's vote—over Bill Russell—as the best ever
by Frank Deford

TYSON THE TIMID AND TERRIBLE 72
What makes Mike Tyson as imposing as any champion in the history of boxing? His own fear, perhaps
by Gary Smith

DEPARTMENTS

Letters 8
Scorecard 15
College Basketball 66
Women's Sports 70
Television 89
For The Record 90
Point After 92

Cover Photograph by Dick Raphael

PHOTO

KEVIN HORAN/PICTURE GROUP

A REAL HANDFUL

This diner, like most, just doesn't measure up when it comes to matching mitts with Larry Bird on the place mats at his Boston Garden Restaurant in Terre Haute, Ind. (page 46).