Piniella tirade turned Cubs
Seven weeks ago, Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella charged out of his team’s dugout and unleashed one of his famous dirt-kicking tirades after third-base umpire Mark Wegner had made a close call in a game against the Atlanta Braves.
Since then, they have been the best team in the National League, playing themselves right into the thick of the N.L. Central race.
The Cubs came back from the all-star break and won seven of their first eight games. Entering Saturday, they were 29-13 since June 3, the day after Piniella’s explosion.
Pirates honor Waner
Only a handful of players in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 121-year history produced statistics to rival Paul Waner’s, yet the club never got around to retiring his No. 11.
They corrected that long-standing oversight by making him the sixth former Pirates player whose uniform number will not be worn again.
Waner joins a list that previously included only Hall-of-Famers Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Pie Traynor and Bill Mazeroski.
Phillies flatten facility
Jack Russell Memorial Stadium, the Philadelphia Phillies’ longtime spring training home, was demolished.
The Phillies played exhibition games at the quirky ballpark from 1955-2003 before moving into Bright House Networks Field.
Sosa celebrated
Sammy Sosa was honored by the Texas Rangers for hitting his 600th career home run last month.
Juan Marichal and Rico Carty, former baseball stars from Sosa’s native Dominican Republic, were on hand for the ceremony the Texas Rangers held prior to their game against the Cleveland Indians.
Clearing the bases
Troubled pitcher Scott Olsen of the Florida Marlins was arrested after refusing to pull over and getting into a fight with police officers in Aventura, Fla. … David Ortiz was out of Boston’s starting lineup because of a left shoulder strain that is not considered serious. … New York Yankees slugger Jason Giambi took batting practice for the first time since hurting his left foot and is hoping to rejoin the team by early next month.