No More Singles, Also No More Homers

Did you ever feel that you’ve read it before? When Reggie Jackson hit a homer the other day, he said in effect, “No more singles. I’m going to swing the way I always did.” Last month, after his average had dipped, he hit two homers in one game. Then he said: “Gene and I talked it over, and no more singles swinging.”

Unfortunately, he hit neither singles nor homers. With men in scoring position, he is an out, which accounts for only 39 runs batted in. His batting average of .261 is actually 40 points over his average of the last four years.

So, when Scott Ostler says he’s having a decent year, sure, if he bats ninth and is paid $10,000 a year.

SIDNEY LAZAROW

Orange