THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 25, 1996 TAG: 9610250817
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Bob Molinaro
LENGTH: 54 lines
Wondering: How could this World Series be better? Maybe if Don Mattingly were still in a Yankees uniform.
Reality check: As a country, America spends more time fretting about the TV ratings for the World Series than about how many people watch the presidential debates, probably for good reason.
Numbers nonsense: Those ``postseason'' baseball records being set under the expanded playoff system couldn't be more bogus. Imagine the stats Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle or Reggie Jackson would have hung up with the benefit of an extra round or two of games.
Wait and see: Interleague play is scheduled to begin in the major leagues next season, but won't if the owners and players fail to complete a new labor agreement soon. No great loss, it says here.
Futureshock: When the Braves' almost forgotten free-agent lefty Steve Avery says ``Baltimore obviously would be one'' of the teams he'd consider joining next season, it shows he's yet to acquaint himself with Camden Yards' leftfield porch.
Living right: When the Indy Colts come to RFK Stadium without injured Zack Crockett and quarterbacked by a banged-up Jim Harbaugh, you have to wonder if somebody other than the NFL schedule maker is looking out for the Redskins.
Recovery time: If the Chicago Bulls get off to a slow start, it can be attributed to Scottie Pippen's decision to postpone minor ankle surgery until August in order to play in the Olympics.
Grrrr-eat: Going into Thursday's first round of the Tour Championships in Tulsa, Okla., Tiger Woods had played 27 rounds as a pro and had shot in the 60s 21 times. His worst score was 73.
For what it's worth: Two women have been refereeing NBA exhibition games. No word on whether they are trading makeup secrets with Dennis Rodman.
Gimmick: Division I-A football doesn't need the overtime tie-breaker procedure introduced this season. It just doesn't feel like football.
Quick hit: The trouble with the NFL is not enough Dolphins vs. Cowboys and too much Cardinals vs. Jets.
Net results: Sure, it seems strange that Gabriela Sabatini would retire at 26, but, remember, tennis players age in dog years.
Upon further review: Brad Nessler shouldn't apologize to Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez, but to the viewers who know the ESPN announcer got it right the first time.
Whoa there: Eddie Pope, the D.C. United rookie who scored the winning goal in the Major League Soccer championship game, said, ``It's a dream come true to get to play in a game that is equal to the Super Bowl and World Series.'' And some people say heading the soccer ball doesn't damage the brain.
Wet and wild: What was remarkable about the MLS title game was that the players managed to make it entertaining despite the torrential downpour and large puddles on the field. I've seen synchronized swimming meets that were held in less water. by CNB