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Pace20• PLArSPEAl KR-HEKAU). FRIDAY . JAM AR1 25.1983 Sports Keith Moreland Plstndesler Herald photo by Robert Gordon Moreland: Cubs will be contenders IMaindealor Herald photo by Robert Cordon By Chrii Juzwik Plslndeeler-Hersld sports editor JOHNSBURG - Keith Moreland may be known for his aplomb in hitting a baseball -- and hitting it hard, and far. But the Cubs' right-fielder's biggest claim to fame is probably his heart, his desire, his pride and his hard- nosed attitude. Moreland was just one of the guests of honor at the 9th Annual Johnsburg Oldtimers Club Baseball Banquet Monday night, but his talk was as much an­ ticipated as any other. Everybody likes a winner, and Keith Moreland fits the bill. Moreland, who has toiled at every position except pitcher in his major-league career, was lost in the shuffle of outfielders as the Cubs began 1984 and asked to be traded. But dealing Mel Hall, Joe Carter and Bill Buckner made room for the gritty Moreland and the Cubs haven't regretted it. The red-headed slugger had praise tieaped on him from all angles Monday night. Former Sox great Minnie Minoso, also known for his hustle, said to Moreland: "You're my kind of ballplayer," while Cub announcer and master of ceremonies Vince Lloyd added: "Keith Moreland isn't the most talented ballplayer, but he's as hard a working one as you'll see. He's made himself into a damn good outfielder, not because of his anything God gave him, but because he's got pride." MORELAND, WHO makes his home in Deerfield, spoke openly about everything from salary Baines' bat speaks for him By Steve Metsch Plslndesler-Hersld News Service CRYSTAL LAKE - The legend grows. An extra-inning game against California in 1983 is stalled by a two-hour rain delay. At 1:15 a.m. in Comiskey Park, now nearly empty, a home run into the right- field stands decides the outcome. The Chicago White Sox blow a 3-1 lead in the top of the ninth and Seattle forges a tie. With the buses, and ballpark's seats, load­ ed. a fly ball to center field br­ ings home Julio Cruz with the 198:1 division clinching run The longest game < eight hours, six minutest in major league history ends on May if, 1984, when the 7f>lst pitch of (he tilt wind* up in the p»nterfield bullpen All three (eat* were peormed by I he same man, the Hux' silent Mar. Harold liaineu He'd rather have his teammates grab the spotlight. The 25-year-old prefers to quietly go about his business of winning ballgames. "It doesn't bother me (the lack of notoriety) because I know the organization beleives in me. That's what's important to me," said Baines in a quiet hallway at Crystal Lake South High School Monday afternoon. He, pitcher Richard Dotson and manager Tony LaRussa v i s i t e d S o u t h a n d R a x Restaurant to begin a five-day promotional tour of Illinois and Iowa. While LaRussa told jokes and Dotson drew the girls' atten­ tion, Baines spoke only when spoken to. But after what he's done In five seasons, is there really a need to talk? He hit 304 last season, the only C'hlsox better than ,300, He clouted 29 home runs, drove in 94 BAINES--Page 19 negotiations to beanball wars, hit- tirig on just about everything in between, as he engaged in witty and intriguing repartee with the crowd of 300. "I've always been a winner," Moreland, who played roverback for the University of Texas foot­ ball team, said. "We won a na­ tional championship while I was at Texas. When I was with the Phillies, we won a world cham­ pionship my second year, and a National League pennant the next year, and nOw with the Cubs this year. "I have a lot of friends who have never had the opportunity to be on a championship team," Moreland continued in his soft Southern drawl, "and I tell ya, there's no greater feeling than to know MORELAND-Page 18 LaRussa: White Sox will make up for 1984debacle By Steve Metsch last four yeaft, we've been a pisindesier-Hersid Newsservice good team. Last year we weren't as good, but we won't be that bad in 485," be said. With that, LaRussa heads into a new season. He, pitcher Richard Dotson and right- fielder Harold Baines, were at Rax for a luncheon sponsored by WXET FM-105.5 Radio. They later chatted .with Crystal Lake South students before starting a five-day tour through Illinois and Iowa. THE TOPICS on a cold win­ ter's day would please the most diehard Hot Stove League members. Baseball, baseball, baseball - a sure way to warm up frozen folks -- was the main serving. LaRussa had plenty of answers. LaMarr Hoyt, the 1963 Cy Young winnter, had been the LaRUSSA--Page 19 CRYSTAL LAKE - Three years ago, Tony LaRussa climbed out on a limb. The White Sox manager boldly predicted during spring training that his team would win the 1982 American League West Division title. The Sox tumbled off that precarious perch with a thud. They eventually fulfilled LaRussa's prophecy, albeit a year late, and made the 1963 playoffs. Monday afternoon at Rax Restaurant, LaRussa steered clear of any limbs. He did, however, make a vow to Sox fans who filled the Crystal Lake eatery. "We will not let you down again. We weren't * very good club last year. In three of the Johnsburg Oldtimers Dinner, as usual, a complete delight The 9th Annual Johnsburg Oldtimers Baseball Dinner was held last Monday evening at the Johnsburg Community Club. A tip of the fedora to the committee for another job well done. It was good to see old friends. Upon entering, was greeted by Leo Smith, along with ticket captain Bill Oeffling. Harry May and Phil Bartmann -- as usual -- were busy seeing that everyone was in good hands. Dick Hiller, who still looks like he could play a few- innings, was on hand, along with good friends the Dobbertins, Sr. and Jr. On the . Sideline Dick Rabbitt A lot of former Warriors were on hand. John Smith, Tom Hur- ckes and Gary Fairchild, and more -- Doug Oeffling, Scott Letz- ter, John and Jeff Meyers, Don Bentz, Jr., Wayne Hil^pr, Dave Miller and Buddy Smith. The Warrior coaching staff was represented by Brian Wilson and Ken Ludwig. Tom Bolger had a group from the McHenry State Bank. Phil Oeffling (I wonder if he gets his material from these dinners), Rick Lane, Ambrose Kittel, Twig Miller and the smiling man from the west side, Don Wattles. WITH NO BASKETBALL games on tap, John McGee and Ron Conway, along with Frank Cuda and Tim Reilly talking sports. Former Richmond Rockets were in attendance -- Bob Christensen, along with Dennis and Leon Schmitt. Tom Blake and Rick Jaeger were talking over old MCHS days. Cooney Heights had a good turnout. Ed Condon, Jake Wegener, and John Huff. Still talking Badger football was Herb Reihansperger, and Wayne, Jim and Tim Frantz made it once again. They never miss. The legal profession was represented by Judge Hermann, along with attorneys Bill Carroll from Woodstock and Chuck Reilly. The political arena was out in force. County Auditor A1 Jourdan, Mayor Joe Stanek, aldermen Bill Bolger and Frank McClatchey and "Murph," the mayor of Volo. Several who were glad to be inside were Jeff Lehman, Dave Oef­ fling and Larry Winkelman, all mail carriers. Sib Whiting had S.I.H. and George Harker in line, and it was a tough job for Sib. Tom Fowler was a busy fellow and Matt Nier- man stopped by for a short chat. THE FOLLOWING WERE not talking baseball at all: Mike Rudi, Stan Freund, Wally Smith and Terry Oeffling. Heard something about a tee time. It was good to see Archie Fletcher and long-time friend Fred Meyer and son Dave. Good to see Fred up and around. Tom Huemann, along with Chris Wirtz, and from Green Street, Jerry Freund and City Rec man Pete Merkel. ^ o Ron Creutz put away another fine meal, and Lloyd Freund put on another fine performance as emcee. He presented an award to Jerry Wakitsch, who because of illness could not be present, which was accepted by sons Joel, Rick, Tom and Bob. Another son, Ran­ dy, was away at college and unable to attend. The program was taped and we hope Jerry will enjoy it from his hospital bed. Jim Meyers, athletic director and baseball coach at Johnsburg, presented the 1984 scholarship award to Joe Majerclk. Bob Swartzloff, Norb Wolter and Mike Kelly from McHenry High were in attendance as well. AREA RESIDENT JACK Perconte, a second baseman for the Seattle Mariners, spoke briefly. He had quite a year for Seattle, breaking the club record for base hits in a season. He spoke of the rumor he may be headed for Baltimore. Old White Sox favorite Minnie Minoso spoke of his early, childhood, and how grateful he is to baseball for his wonderful life. Keith Moreland, who looks as if he could still play linebacker, gave remarks on the Cubs' big 1984 campaign. Chris has a full report. ^ Our old friend Bill Swanson, a referee in the NFL, had a few good football stories. Mentioned for all to watch #38 Sunday at the Pro Bowl. He will be the field judge at that game in sunny Hawaii. Too bad for Bill. Again It was a great time, a full house, good friendship, and a great meal provided by Lloyd Smith. Already looking forward to number 10 next January. i WITH DUNDEE-CROWN defeating Woodstock and Jacobs pounding CL Central, the Fox Valley basketball race is up for grabs. The Blue Streaks still have a one-game lead over D-C and Cen­ tral, with the second round beginning this weekend. However, Jacobs and CL South are only two games behind, and with six to go -- anything can and probably will -» happen. The District 156 teacher's strike is still on at this writing,, so all Warrior activities are on hold. In talking with fans and players, all are hoping for a quick end to the strike and a return to school and sports. All Warrior teams will have to get their sea legs when ac­ tivities do resume. Let's hope it's soon. Memory lane takes us back to 1985-66, when the Warriors were 2-12 in the North Suburban. The Warriors defeated Zion-Benton 82- 75 after losing in the first battle, 62-61. Rich Soda had 22 to lead McHenry, while Phil Schmike had 18 and Kit Carstens 17. McHENRY (82) ' Reinboldt 157; Soda 7 8 22; Lossman 000; Schmike 8 218; Kilday 5 212; Evans 102; Carstens 8117; Camasta 124. Totals: 3120 -- 82. ZION-BENTON (75) Hall 0 0 0; Hiatt 7 4 18; Petreman 8 319; Irvin 3 3 9; Barnes 10 2; Rowan 4 816; Ames 000; Leech 5 111. Totals: 2819 -- 75. Total fouls (fouled out): McHenry 18 (none); Z-B 24 (Rowan, Hiatt). McHenry: .15242221-82 Zkm-Benton: . i 20231320 -- 75 • • In Johnsburg Hairs ton: No explanation for '84 Sox By Chris Juzwik PIstadesler-HeraM sports editor JOHNSBURG -- You can do a lot of positive, exciting, outstan­ ding things in your lifetime, but they'll most often be overshadow­ ed by your failures. Take for instance, the Chicago White Sox. Bringing the cham­ pionship fever back to the Chicagoland area in 1983, winning the American League West by 20 games, and showing fans under 21 or so years old that there can be good baseball played in the Windy City. But nobody remembers that now. It's past, over, forgotten. Why? Because the White Sox fail­ ed. They failed their fans, they failed themselves. Badly. The pro­ mise of the '83 campaign dimmed as the Sox dropped game after close game in the summer of '84, and suddenly, the attitude change to 'what have you done for us late­ ly?' Jerry Hairston, the White Sox pinch-hitter deluxe, discussed the tribulations of his team, and the outlook for 1985 at the Johnsburg Oldtimers Club 9th Annual Hit & Run Banquet Monday night. THE SANITY of the Sox management has been questioned of late, after 1983 Cy Young award winner LaMarr Hoyt was dealt to San Diego in December. The tone of Hairston's presenta­ tion was set when master of ceremonies and Cub announcer Vince Lloyd, in introducing, Hairston, said of the Sox: "We'll try to find out from Jerry why the Sox traded LaMarr Hoyt, a Cy Young winner -- because we know you can't always get rid of guys like that." Hairston said he and the White Sojt took great pleasure in the Cubs' success this past season. "The Cubs really showed us how to play," he complimented, and then chided, "but we had seen the Cubs play so bad for so long, we thought we'd give it a try." In attempting to explain the dismal story of the White Sox, HAIRSTON-Page 18 In Crystal Lake Dotson: LaMarr Hoyt will be missed in rotation V 4 By Phil English Ptelndesler-Hersld News Service CRYSTAL LAKE - Chicago White Sox right-hander Richard Dotson has logged a few more miles than his 26-year-old frame suggests. Appearing in Crystal Lake Monday on a publicity tour for the Sox at Rax Restaurant and 'South High School, the six-year profesional veteran, traveling On his first long-distance . publicity caravan, was ; reminded of his days back in Cincinnati and the fast-paced length of his eventual flight to the top. f . And while completing this final high school season on the mound, sporting a less than stunning 2-2 record, a prep agent gave Dotson his much desired shot. Since then, Dotson has earned numerous respect as one of baseball's finest young pitchers. During the Sox' 1983 American League Western Division title season, Dotson, then 24, put together a 22-7 record, making him the youngest member of the organization to win more than 20 games in 70 years. In 19P' he was a member of the American League All-Star team and pitched the 500th strike-out of his professional career But even with such mjeeess at such an early age, DOTSON Page 19 Jerry Hairston