It Had To Happen: Johnson Commits Error
Florida Marlins catcher Charles Johnson, whose perfect defense set a major-league record this season, committed his first error of the year Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves.
When Kenny Lofton bunted leading off, Johnson picked up the ball at the edge of the grass, and his low, hurried throw bounced past first baseman Jeff Conine.
Lofton was credited with a single and took second on the error, Johnson’s first since June 23, 1996.
Johnson’s major-league record streak of 171 consecutive errorless games in the regular season remains alive. He had only one passed ball this year and is expected to win his third consecutive Gold Glove.
Cal sets record
Baltimore’s Cal Ripken recorded six assists against Cleveland to tie an ALCS record for third basemen. Ripken cleanly fielded all five grounders hit his way, and in the sixth inning he snared a line drive from Bip Roberts to start a double play and match the record.
Around the majors
The New York Yankees team physician has recommended that pitcher David Cone undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. Dr. Stuart Hershon examined Cone at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center on Wednesday and an arthrogramm and CAT-scan revealed no further damage to his pitching shoulder. Cone will obtain a second opinion next week… . Anaheim Angels outfielder Tony Phillips might plead guilty to a cocaine possession charge and enter a diversion program that could leave him without a criminal record, his attorney said. Such a plea could be entered at a hearing Oct. 21, Allan Stokke said at a pretrial hearing Tuesday. The plea could qualify Phillips, as a first-time offender, for a program that includes drug counseling and testing.
San Diego Padres left fielder Greg Vaughn had his right knee cleaned out during arthroscopic surgery and is expected to be ready by the start of spring training. Vaughn had a disappointing season, hitting .216 with 18 homers and 57 RBIs. He was traded to the New York Yankees on July 4, but flunked the Yankees’ physical and was sent back… . The Cincinnati Reds cut $8.2 million off of next year’s payroll by choosing to let pitchers Kent Mercker and Mike Morgan and first baseman Hal Morris become eligible for free agency. The Reds decided not to exercise contract options on the three, whose salaries didn’t fit the club’s cost reduction plans. Mercker and Morris were set to make $3.5 million each in 1998, while Morgan’s option was for $1.2 million… . Outfielder Sherman Obando of the Montreal Expos refused outright assignment and opted to become a free agent… . The Milwaukee Brewers named former outfielder Larry Hisle their minor league hitting coordinator.