THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 4, 1995 TAG: 9506040151
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TOM ROBINSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
Butch Huskey is more than a year removed from the two weeks he spent at Duke University's nutrition and weight-control center. But the place the Mets sent him during spring training last season still holds sway over him. Huskey practices daily what was preached to keep his eating habits and girth, listed this season at 239 pounds, at positive levels.
``I learned so much in that two weeks,'' he said. ``Not only is it hands on, you get to see what the process is while you're there, rather than someone telling you this and telling you that. I saw instant results from the first day I got there.
``There are some people there who really have problems. I'm fortunate I'm not in that situation. It was actually sad, just to be in a place with so many people that are really sick. I mean, as big as I've been, I still don't think I was half as bad as people that were there.''
Huskey was at least 260 pounds when the Mets sent him to Duke. He spent the season with the Tides, and though his weight was not considered a factor, a bad shoulder contributed to a disappointing season - .228, 10 home runs, 57 RBIs.
Huskey had averaged 23 home runs and 91 RBIs in the three previous seasons at lower levels. Another slow start this year suggested he again might not come close to matching those numbers. It also limited the fun quotient for Huskey, who prides himself on enjoying the game.
``That's when I'm at my best, when I come to the park and be happy,'' Huskey said. ``I don't think I've been playing with enough enthusiasm, so to speak. You've got to have fun or it's just going to swallow you up.''
Things obviously picked up last week when Huskey became the first Tide since Gary Rajsich in 1982 to hit three home runs in a game. Credit in part manager Toby Harrah, who spent plenty of time the last two weeks tinkering with Huskey's swing and mental approach at the plate.
``A guy that big who can hit the ball that damn hard and that far, you've got to go with him,'' Tides coach Ron Washington said. ``His time is coming.''
YOUTH BASEBALL DAY: The Tides' annual youth baseball day will be Sunday, June 25 when the Tides play the Toledo Mud Hens at 1:15 p.m.
All area youth baseball and softball teams are invited. An adult representative of each team may pick up tickets, no more than 20, for $1 each Saturday, June 10 at Harbor Park beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets may be used for players and adult chaperones. A total of 6,000 tickets will be available.
IL NOTABLE: Syracuse second baseman Felipe Crespo, batting .302, will miss at least the next month after having surgery for anterior compartment syndrome, a condition where blood pools in and around muscles. Crespo was struck in the lower leg while turning a double play and the condition, which can endanger nerves and arteries, resulted. ... Though the Tides have the International League's best record, only one player, pitcher Mike Birkbeck, has earned the league's batter or pitcher of the week honor. Birkbeck won it after the opening week. ... Pawtucket's Victor Rodriguez had the most hits among active minor leaguers, 1,904, until he recently retired. Charlotte's Nick Capra, with nearly 1,800, now leads. ... Budding power star Glenn Murray, also of the Pawsox, has seven home runs, but only 14 RBIs. ... Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has used the fewest players, 35, so far. The Tides have used 39. by CNB