The greatest service an athlete can perform now is to serve as a distraction, a release . . . Maybe it's a small part of the healing process. Tony Gwynn took batting practice early in the afternoon, spraying balls to all fields. Jim Edmonds homered and had three RBI as the St. Louis Cardinals regained the division lead by defeating the Houston Astros, 10-6, yesterday at St. Louis. He drew more cheers than a former President, baseball's commissioner and several players already in the Hall of Fame.
Baseball is a team game played by nine individuals.
Gabe Paul, who ran the Indians for so many lean years, said that all the time. Never was it more evident than last week. On a night to remember, Bonds hits 71 . . . Barry Bonds wasted no time. The Atlanta Braves clinched their 10th straight division championship with a 10-spot.