MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / March 31, 1999

A few tidbits to ponder while waiting for Opening Day.

Is there a team that cannot wait for Opening Day more than Atlanta? First, Andres Galarraga was diagnosed with cancer and will miss the 1999 season. Then ace reliever Kerry Ligtenberg, one of 1998’s biggestsurprises, goes down with a season-ending arm injury.

If it’s possible, the already vaunted pitching staff of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz will have to step it up even further this year if the Braves want to make it eight division titles in a row.

Hey, LSU fans. Remember when Albert (Joey) Belle went after that hecklerin the stands when he was in college? Wondered what he would have done if Fidel Castro had given him a hard time during the Orioles’ game against Cuba Sunday. (Umpire Ron Luciano used to have a rule when he did winterball games in the Caribbean – the dictator is always right.) Sammy Sosa has 10 home runs and Mark McGwire nine to lead the major leagues during the exhibition season. The more things change… Sosa gets to face Minnesota’s pitching this weekend in the Superdome. Thebest seat to watch the game might be the second deck in center field. Notthe safest, but the best place to catch a souvenir.

Local fans can get a good look at the Houston organization this weekend.

The Zephyrs host the Astros Sunday then travel to Hammond Monday to play Double A Jackson at Southeastern.

David Duval may be coming to the Compaq Classic in New Orleans in May.

So, who’s playing for second? If he keeps playing like he has (10 wins in 33 tournaments), Duval might have the player of the year award wrapped up by then. So far this year, he has hit more of his targets than the NATOforces in Kosovo. Now, if he can that Major thing off his back. Duke was the darling of the Women’s NCAA tournament but three cheers to the Purdue players for taking home the title. It was nice seeing it happento a group of players who will have their third coach in four years next season.

There are few truly great heroes in sports but one of them just finished racing at the Fair Grounds. Hope you had a good time, Julie Krone. There is no truth to the rumor that Eugenia Williams will be a member of the NFL’s officiating crew this season.

Finally, a fond farewell to Cal Ripken Sr. One only has to look at “LittleRip,” Cal Jr., to see that Cal Sr. was a winner away from the diamond aswell.

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