Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Bears sign Spencer, dump Kreutz

Football: Olin Kreutz’s 13-year run in Chicago is over after the Bears agreed to a two-year contract with former Seattle Seahawks center Chris Spencer on Sunday.

A six-time Pro Bowl pick out of the University of Washington, Kreutz (pictured) still was an emotional leader and an important piece for a team coming off a run to the NFC championship game even if he was no longer at his peak.

Now, the Bears are turning to the 29-year-old Spencer, the 26th overall pick by the Seahawks in the 2005 draft when the Bears present director of player personnel Tim Ruskell was the Seahawks’ general manager.

Associated Press

Frank Thomas gets statue

Baseball: The Chicago White Sox unveiled a statue in the outfield concourse Sunday to honor former slugger Frank Thomas.

Thomas, who is the White Sox career leader in nearly every offensive category, played 16 seasons for Chicago before wrapping up his career with Oakland and Toronto. He was a two-time MVP with the White Sox.

He was a career .301 hitter with 521 home runs, 1,704 RBIs and 1,494 runs scored over his 19 seasons. He broke in with the White Sox in 1990 and had an injury-shortened final season with them in 2005 when they won the World Series.

Thomas’ No. 35 was retired in August of last year.

Associated Press

Blue Jays retire Alomar’s No. 12

Baseball: Flanked by two red-clad Mounties and soaking in the cheers, Roberto Alomar made his way onto the field Sunday as his No. 12 was retired by the Toronto Blue Jays.

The newly inducted Hall of Famer is a 12-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner. He is the first Blue Jays player to have his number retired in the club’s 35-year history.

Alomar spent only five seasons in Toronto, but those were the team’s glory years. The Blue Jays won the World Series in 1992 and 1993, with Alomar making dazzling plays at second base.

Alomar addressed the crowd before the game against the Texas Rangers and was joined on stage in center field by former manager Cito Gaston, team president and CEO Paul Beeston, his parents and former teammates.

Associated Press