THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 28, 1996 TAG: 9606280611
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Bob Molinaro
LENGTH: 59 lines
Waterworld: At the Olympic Track and Field Trials in steamy Atlanta, spectators were reminded to drink plenty of fluids. At the same time, water and other beverages were being confiscated from fans as they entered the gates, requiring them to buy all their drinks - $2.75 for a 16-ounce bottle of water - at the concession stands.
Useless Olympic note of the week: In 1896, at the first modern Games, the average ticket price was 16 cents. For Atlanta, it's $39.72.
Clean sweep: Atlanta's Olympic beautification program included rounding up 700 local career criminals with outstanding warrants.
For the athletic supporter: Can't imagine why, but the Canadian Football League is catching flak for its new marketing slogan: ``Our Balls Are Bigger.'' And to think, we almost invited these jokers to Hampton Roads.
For what it's worth: Coming out of college last year, Joe Smith was better than anyone drafted by the NBA this week.
At a loss: Tennis needs Andre Agassi more than Agassi needs tennis.
Star search: One more early upset on Wimbledon's grass courts and the tournament turns to mulch.
Letter imperfect: Stephon Marbury's middle name - Xzavior - tells us that somebody in the Marbury household does not Xzel at spelling.
Mr. Anonymous: Quick now, name the new U.S. Open golf champion - no fair phoning Johnny Miller.
The triple crown: Talk about living right. How else do you explain John Salley with three NBA championship rings?
Strange, but true: From the We-Don't-Make-Up-These-Things Dept. comes word that Steve Carlton, who did not speak as a player and only signed autographs for a fee, is the spokesman for FanFest at the All-Star baseball game in Philadelphia. In that case, it's too early to rule out Marge Schott as a spokesperson for multiculturalism.
This little piggy: Because he still isn't well enough to pitch, Mets space cadet Bill Pulsipher stays busy painting his toenails blue. ``I'm trying to get as close to the Mets' colors as I can,'' he says.
Idle thought: With more expansion coming, Ozzie Smith could play until he's 50.
Baltimore's bandbox: While it once seemed quaint and intimate, Oriole Park at Camden Yards turns out to be too small for the new-age powerball being played today. A lot of routine flies end up in the seats.
Too close for comfort: Of course, Orioles owner Peter Angelos is trying to protect his investment with a study showing that major league baseball in Northern Virginia would severely damage the Birds' attendance. It's also true that he's got a case - a team in the Washington metro area would make Baltimore the smallest TV market in the big leagues.
And more to come: With 37 Sports Illustrated covers, Michael Jordan is putting distance between himself and Muhammad Ali (33).
Famous last words: Tempted to believe everything you hear from hoop magpies in the wake of the lastest NBA draft? Then recall what Rod Thorn, former general manager of the Chicago Bulls, said on the day he drafted Michael Jordan in 1984: ``Jordan isn't going to turn this franchise around,'' and ``He's a very good offensive player, but not an overpowering offensive player.'' by CNB