CONTENTS

THE BIG STICK 22
With every swing, there's a chance Bo Jackson will do something extraordinary. So everyone watches
by Peter Gammons

FAST LANE FOR PHOENIX 28
By investing millions to run the U.S. Grand Prix through its streets, this desert city hoped for a rich return
by Sam Moses

FINAL AGENDA 30
There are six big keys to the Detroit Pistons-L.A. Lakers series, with an NBA title in the balance
by Jack McCallum

EIGHT IS NOT ENOUGH 40
Martina Navratilova skipped the French Open because she has visions of her ninth Wimbledon plate
by Kenny Moore

RAISING THE ROOF 48
The opening of the Toronto Sky Dome's retractable roof revealed a glimpse into the future of sports stadiums
by Steve Wulf

THE BALD EAGLE 54
At 76, Charlie Whittingham, trainer of Sunday Silence, is on the brink of winning the Triple Crown
by William Nack

HOCH AS IN CHOKE 62
Scott Hoch blew a gimme putt to lose the Masters, but he has since proved a winner in more ways than one
by Rick Reilly

COOPERSTOWN AT 50
The Baseball Hall of Fame celebrates its golden anniversary as the repository of the game's treasures 88
by Steve Wulf

DEPARTMENTS

Letters 6
Scorecard 17
Soccer 68
Track & Field 74
Inside Baseball 78
Tennis 84
For The Record 116
Point After 118

Cover Photograph by John Iacono

ILLUSTRATION

PHOTO

WILL HART

I'VE GOT IT.... NO, YOU TAKE IT: Truth was, no one—not the Pirates" leftfielder Barry Bonds or this glove-toting Shea Stadium denizen—could catch this blast by Kevin Elster in the Mets' 4-3 win on Sunday.