SIDELINES : Leiper Suffers Heart ‘Flutter’

Pitcher Dave Leiper, who suffered a mild heart attack in 1988, was hospitalized early this week after experiencing what Oakland Athletics’ officials described as “a flutter” in his chest.

“It brings up the same issues as Hank Gathers at Loyola Marymount,” said a concerned Sandy Alderson, general manager of the A’s, referring to the college basketball star who died two weeks ago after his heart gave out during a game.

Leiper spent Monday night in a Scottsdale hospital and was released on Tuesday. Alderson said he would meet today with the 27-year-old pitcher and consult with team physician Dr. Alan Pont.