Notes on a Scorecard - June 23, 1993

Tom Lasorda says Mike Piazza is the only player he has managed who is capable of hitting a ball over the pavilion roof and out of Dodger Stadium, something only Willie Stargell has done. . . .

“Piazza will do it on a Sunday afternoon with the temperature about 90 degrees and the Santa Ana winds blowing,” said ESPN commentator Jerry Reuss, getting more specific. . . .

Piazza is making no such predictions. That wouldn’t be his style. He is off to the most sensational start of any Dodger rookie since Fernando Valenzuela, but he is not boastful. He prefers to talk about the importance of being consistent. . . .

“The true test is what you do over a season and then a career,” said Piazza, who is on pace to threaten the National League rookie home run record of 38, set by Wally Berger of the Boston Braves in 1930 and equaled by Frank Robinson of the Cincinnati Reds in 1956, and the runs-batted-in record of 119, set by Berger. . . .

Besides, Piazza, 24, takes more pride in what he does behind the plate than at the plate. . . .

“Catching is the one position where what you do with the bat is a bonus,” he said. “The most important things for a catcher are to play well defensively and handle the pitching staff. I think I’m a good catcher now, but I can’t put myself on a level with some others. That’s what really keeps me going.” . . .

Of course, it has been his tape-measure homers that have helped to bring the excitement back to Dodger Stadium. . . .

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At 6 feet 3 and 197 pounds, Piazza derives most of his power from his wrists, forearms and hips, just like on the golf course, where he lettered four years for the Phoenixville, Pa., high team and often drives the ball more than 300 yards. . . .

“He’s got some other things going for him,” Hall of Fame pitcher Don Drysdale said. “He’s very patient. He doesn’t get flustered. And he reminds me of Gil Hodges and Roy Campanella the way he takes advantage of pitchers’ mistakes.” . . .

You have to understand that this is a guy who transferred from Miami to a junior college after being a third-string first baseman, was drafted lower in 1988 than Chicago White Sox General Manager Ron Schueler’s daughter was earlier this month and nearly was released by the Dodger organization after two years in the low minors. . . .

“I’m not out to prove anybody wrong,” Piazza said. “I’m just trying to prove something to myself.” . . .

Piazza is among the National League leaders in batting average, too, but won’t contend for the league rookie record of .373 by George Watkins of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1930. . . .

George Watkins? He was 30 when he set his record. He hit .312 two years later and had a seven-year career with an average of .288. . . .

Country and western singing star Billy Ray Cyrus took fielding and hitting practice with the Dodgers before Monday night’s game against the Houston Astros and wasn’t afraid to get himself or his uniform dirty. . . .

“I’ve been waiting 31 years for this, and I wanted to take some of Dodger Stadium home with me,” Cyrus said. . . .

How’s this for a lineup of former San Diego Padres: C--Sandy Alomar Jr. 1B--John Kruk. 2B--Roberto Alomar. SS--Ozzie Smith. 3B--Carlos Baerga (moved from 2B). LF--Kevin Mitchell. CF--Shane Mack. RF--Joe Carter. Pinch-hitter--Dave Winfield. . . .

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Don’t underestimate the contributions of shortstop Gary DiSarcina to the Angels’ surprising success. . . .

Aaron Sele, the young pitcher who has been called the next Roger Clemens by Boston optimists, replaced the injured Clemens on the Red Sox roster. . . .

Shonin Davis, an outfielder who is the son of former Dodger center fielder Willie Davis, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies. . . .

Despite the long-term contract signed by Charles Smith recently, the Knicks reportedly are shopping the power forward. . . .

Sam Bowie will be the first former Kentucky Wildcat to play for the Lakers since Pat Riley. . . .

The Mighty Ducks would be wise to draft Dave Taylor, who is popular in Southern California and would be a good influence on the younger players. . . .

The Chicago Bulls have gone 8-1 on the road during the last three NBA final series. . . .

Former Raider defensive back Mike Davis has been named executive director of NFL-Youth Education Town, a state-of-the-art educational and recreational center in South Central L.A. . . .

The Ram highlight film, “The Best Is Yet to Come,” will be shown at Anaheim Stadium Saturday during an open house that will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. . . .

Injuries, such as the one to Troy Aikman, are what can keep the Dallas Cowboys from repeating as NFL champions.