It’s a Kind of Hangout That Billy Now Loves

On their exhibition swing along the west coast of Florida, the New York Yankees are being housed in the obscure town of Punta Gorda.

The New York Times reported that the players, upon checking into their hotel, were handed welcoming letters which listed the town’s restaurants--Burger King, Wendy’s and McDonald’s.

Said Manager Billy Martin: “I told the players I’d give a bonus to anyone who stays out late tonight.”

Add Martin: After the Yankees scored a 5-3 win over the Chicago White Sox in Sarasota, Fla., Tuesday, Martin celebrated by drinking a beer in the clubhouse.

“This is my first drink in 2 1/2 days,” he said. “Why don’t you print that?”

More Martin: They said his teams played Billy Ball at Oakland, but Martin says, “I never liked that name. But it sold tickets, so I went along with it.”

He told Shirley Povich of the Washington Post: “We play Yankee Ball. I call all the shots, that’s my job. I’ve got one sign that tells the pitcher to take eight pickoff throws to first, to give our reliever time to warm up, things like that. I call the pitchouts. Butch Wynegar didn’t like looking into the dugout all the time for my signs. He’s no longer with us.”

Trivia Time: Charles Barkley of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jerome Lane of the University of Pittsburgh, last season’s rebound champions in the NBA and NCAA, respectively, have what in common? (Answer below.)

Add Lane: He’s talking about coming out early for the NBA draft, but New York Knicks General Manager Al Bianchi says, “The problem with him is he can’t shoot. If you can’t shoot, you can’t play in the NBA.”

Wonder if he’s seen Manute Bol?

Manager Roger Craig of the San Francisco Giants, on the second homer by Oakland’s Mark McGwire at Scottsdale, Ariz., Wednesday, a shot that cleared a 30-foot high fence 430 feet away in center field: “The public address announcer said he’s never seen anyone hit a ball over that fence, and he’s been here 21 years. He not only hit it long, he hit it straight down the middle of the fairway.”

If Pedro Guerrero balks at moving around to get more big bats in the lineup, Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda could point to the career of Jackie Robinson, who played every infield position except shortstop and also played in the outfield at Brooklyn.

Robinson came up as a second baseman, but the Dodgers already had Eddie Stanky there, so he went to first. When Stanky departed, Robinson moved to second, clearing the way for Gil Hodges at first. When Junior Gilliam arrived to play second, Robinson went to left field. When Billy Cox slowed down, Robinson went to third.

Pete Rose played the same positions at Cincinnati and Philadelphia. He and Robinson both played for six National League championship teams.

Trivia Answer: Both are 6 feet 6 inches. Note: Also standing 6-6 was La Salle’s Tom Gola, who holds the NCAA record for most rebounds in a career.

Quotebook

Dave Parker of the Oakland A’s, on a power-packed lineup that also includes Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco and Don Baylor: “Won’t be too many pitchers watching this team taking batting practice.”