Buena Park Man Called to Testify in Rose Investigation

The owner of a Buena Park company that specializes in baseball memorabilia shows has been subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury in Cincinnati that is investigating Reds Manager Pete Rose for possible tax evasion.

Randy Thyberg, owner of Thyberg Sports Marketing Co., has been subpoenaed, Kevin Mann, Thyberg Sports’ director of promotions, told the Associated Press Wednesday. Mann said Thyberg did not testify Wednesday.

A source, who asked not to be identified, said the grand jury is looking into whether Rose reported sales of his sports memorabilia on his tax returns, and whether he correctly reported earnings from gambling.

The Cincinnati Post quoted an unnamed source as saying that among those called to testify were a business partner of Rose, a former Rose friend and an official of Turfway Park in northern Kentucky and River Downs race track in Cincinnati.

Baseball’s investigation into Rose’s alleged gambling will be completed next week when a report is submitted to Commissioner Bart Giamatti.

Rich Levin, a spokesman for the commissioner, said that John M. Dowd, the Washington lawyer heading the inquiry, would submit his findings to Giamatti, who will then decide if any action will be taken against Rose.

There was no indication when Giamatti would make a decision.