- Publish date:
For the Record
Died
At age 93, longtime baseball executive Buzzie Bavasi. In 1939 Bavasi, a nativeNew Yorker, began working for the Brooklyn Dodgers as traveling secretary andpublicity director. He replaced Branch Rickey as general manager in '51 andbuilt eight National League pennant winners around such future Hall of Famersas Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella and Sandy Koufax; during his18-year tenure the Dodgers won four World Series—including their only title inBrooklyn, in '55. Bavasi (above, with Pee Wee Reese, Campanella and Robinson),whose son Bill is G.M. of the Mariners, left the Dodgers in 1968 to becomepresident of the expansion Padres, and he also worked for the Angels.
Died
At age 93, Hall of Fame trainer Frank Whiteley Jr. In his nearly 50-yearcareer, Whiteley trained two Horses of the Year: Damascus in 1967 and Forego in'76. But he is best remembered for training Ruffian, the filly who won herfirst 10 races, then was euthanized after breaking down in a '75 match racewith Kentucky Derby champ Foolish Pleasure. Whiteley died last Friday—one daybefore another filly, Eight Belles, had to be put down (page 42).
Retired
From a professional baseball career that lasted nearly 30 years, Julio Franco(right). The 49-year-old was playing for the Quintana Roo Tigers of the Mexicanleague when he made the announcement last week. In 2,527 major league gamesover 23 years, Franco had 2,586 hits and 173 homers, the last of which came offRandy Johnson in May 2007 and made Franco, then 48, the oldest major leaguer tohit a home run. "[Retiring] was the hardest decision in my life," saidFranco, who was hitting .250 for Quintana Roo.
Dismissed
From the LSU football team by coach Les Miles, quarterback Ryan Perrilloux(left). Miles did not specify a reason, but according to ESPN, Perrillouxfailed a drug test. The backup to Matt Flynn during the Tigers' nationalchampionship run last season, Perrilloux was one of the top prospects in therecruiting class of 2005 and was set to be the starter as a junior in the fall.However, he had several missteps; he'd previously been suspended from the teamthree times. Said Miles, "Ryan was given every opportunity to be a part ofthis football team."
Indicted
On charges of heroin distribution, former Olympic track gold medalist TimMontgomery. According to a report in The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, the former100-meter world-record holder was arrested on a sealed indictment on April 30for allegedly selling more than 100 grams of heroin in Virginia over the pastyear. Montgomery, 33, was already awaiting sentence on May 16 for his role in acheck-fraud scam and faces up to 46 months in prison. If found guilty of thedrug charge, he could receive up to 40 years in prison. Montgomery said he had"no idea" why he was being charged.
Interviewed
By Philadelphia police about a shooting that happened near a bar and a garagehe owns, Colts receiver Marvin Harrison. "Why he was interviewed, that isall part of the investigation," said Lieut. Frank Vanore. "No one is asuspect." According to radio station WIP, a man was shot in the hand on theevening of April 29 after arguing with Harrison at Playmakers, Harrison's bar.The station reported that ballistics tests revealed the shots came from acustom-made Belgian handgun; Harrison reportedly owns such a gun. Harrison'sagent called the reports "erroneous."
Diagnosed
With type 1 diabetes, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler. The 25-year-old found outthree weeks ago that he will need daily insulin injections. "It's not goingto change me on the field. I'm going to make some lifestyle changes, but I amprobably going to be a better quarterback this year," said Cutler.
They Said It
JOHN GIBBONS
Blue Jays manager, after visiting his 96-year-old grandmother at her nursinghome:
"She asked me, 'What's wrong with your team?' I said, 'That's a goodquestion.' Then she said, 'Are you going to get fired?' That's another goodquestion."
SIGN OF THE APOCALYPSE
The acting U.S. Marshal in Boston is underinvestigation for assigning deputies to work as drivers for broadcasters TimMcCarver and Joe Buck during the 2007 World Series.
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MITCH STRINGER/CSM (GIBBONS)
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ROB TRINGALI JR. (FRANCO)
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BOB ROSATO (PERRILLOUX)
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BETTMANN/CORBIS (BAVASI)
