THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, June 4, 1996 TAG: 9606040449
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: TOM ROBINSON
LENGTH: 62 lines
From the notebook . . .
Nothing's done well without enthusiasm, so it's right for the region's political and business leaders to stoke that fire in regard to their NBA dreams.
Those of us on the outside, though, should remember that things are best kept in perspective from a couple of steps back.
As staff writer Harry Minium has detailed recently, the NBA did not slam the door in Norfolk's face when it came to visit in New York. NBA commissioner David Stern and his deputy offered smart, expedient comments and polite assurances about knowing who and what Hampton Roads is.
They even said the region had a decent shot of getting a team if those two trifling details - identifying a multimillion-dollar ownership group and proving a commitment to a 20,000-seat arena - are taken care of.
Those are alluring words that would tweak any civic ego. But don't you think the NBA says that to all the boys?
Optimism is the only politically correct response the NBA can give to any suitor brazen enough to introduce itself. A batted eyelash, a sexy look, cost the league nothing. They also ensure continued flattery and play to the NBA's image as an object of desire.
Hampton Roads, hair slicked, bouquet of flowers in hand, is way back in line. At least Mexico City, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Tenn., and New Orleans are positioned for a franchise relocation or the next round of expansion. The latter will only weaken a diluted product, but that's beside the point to anybody with NBA lust.
We could gradually get into the game, too. Just getting the NBA to wink back is more than many would ever have guessed. Don't strain yourself, though, looking for Shaquille O'Neal to blow free throws in downtown Norfolk any time in the 20th century.
Shaq could be well into his movie career if this long and painful courtship, just barely under way, ever finds a successful conclusion.
It's about time the Bobby Valentine-for-Dallas Green rumors started churning out of New York, wouldn't you say? The Mets are underachieving again, as they did in '94, and Valentine is
here with the Tides, winning with a squad of mostly Triple-A regulars and fringe prospects.
To me, though, the more pressing question, now and every offseason, is: When will Bob Apodaca get to be the Mets pitching coach?
I know it's a real shock, but Apodaca's staff once again leads the International League in ERA, is very near the top in fewest walks, and consistently gives the Tides a chance to win late.
Sure, Harbor Park is a proven friend to pitchers, but that accounts for only a smidgen of Apodaca's magic. The guy is a computer when it comes to correcting mechanical flaws, harsh when he has to be but always a faithful confidant to his men. Not to mention his loyalty to the Mets, even though they hired Greg Pavlick over him.
Managers get the big type. All Apodaca gets is big results.
Hey. Want to coach one football game every November and take the rest of the year off? Then John Brett's got a deal for you.
Brett, organizer of the Charity Bowl, is looking for a new coach for the Southeastern District alumni team, now that Ray Potter has turned in his whistle. Former Southeastern District players face ex-Beach District and Eastern District players each Thanksgiving to benefit the Joy Fund.
Anybody eager to draw X's and O's can call Brett at 547-7515. by CNB