Sports in brief: Sandberg has major ambition

Baseball: Ryne Sandberg’s goal is the same now as it was in 1978: Get to the majors.

He was 18 then and trying to prove himself as a player. Now the Hall of Fame second baseman from Spokane’s North Central High is back where he started, trying to prove himself as a manager.

“I think the goal of anyone in the minor leagues – you hope – is to get to the majors,” Sandberg said in Sevierville, Tenn.

Twelve years after retiring from the Chicago Cubs, Sandberg remains in the organization as manager of the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. He got that job after two years with the Class A Peoria Chiefs.

Sandberg is 49 and reserved by nature. But as he grew more comfortable in the dugout, he became more vocal. He was thrown out of only one game as a player but was tossed from 13 in two seasons with Peoria.

He’s led the Smokies from the middle of their division during the first half of the season to the top of the standings.

The players like Sandberg because he knows the game and keeps things relaxed on the field.

Associated Press

NCAA ruling gets UM off hook

College sports: The NCAA has clarified its sports wagering policy, which now specifically exempts Montana’s sports pools and ends concerns that the state’s NCAA universities might not be eligible to host postseason playoff games or tournaments.

The NCAA issued the new policy after a meeting of chancellors and presidents in Indianapolis.

The University of Montana has hosted football playoff games for the past 10 seasons.

In May, an NCAA spokeswoman said UM should not have been allowed to host football playoff games last season because the state allows some forms of legalized sports gambling.

Associated Press

WSU extends deal with FSN

TV: FSN and Washington State University announced an eight-year extension of their existing rights agreement that provides continued exposure for Cougars athletics through the 2016-17 academic year.

Beginning this season, FSN will also produce a 30-minute weekly show focused on WSU athletics. “Cougars All-Access” will give fans a unique look at campus life for Washington State’s student-athletes.