Itzabout Time to Get a New Mascot Altogether, Thatzwhat

Whatizit, the much-maligned mascot of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, has a new name--Izzy.

Children chose the name for the big-eyed blue mascot as part of an effort to refine its image by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. Versions of Whatizit, an unpopular unisex creature, have included Itzaboxer, Itzaswimmer and Itzawrestler.

Itzaflop might have been more appropriate.

Trivia time: Who holds the World Series career record for most hits?

Bad timing: Running back Ricky Watters of the 49ers recently told the San Francisco Chronicle that he is a better receiver and blocker than Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys.

He also said he wants to prove something when the 49ers play the Cowboys today in Dallas.

Not surprisingly, Watters’ comments have been displayed in a prominent place on a bulletin board in the Dallas locker room.

Shrinking man: From an Associated Press story on Manute Bol, the new backup center for the Miami Heat: “Bol, listed at 7-foot-7 but admitting to being 7-6 3/4 . . . “

Shame on him for being so devious.

A standing boo: Retired sportswriter Roy McHugh tells the story of a colleague, Andy Dugo, who claims to be the only man to pinch-hit for Honus Wagner, the Pittsburgh Pirate Hall of Famer.

“It was during a sandlot game in Natrona Heights (Pa.) in 1926,” McHugh said. “Halfway through, Wagner complained of a charley horse and said he wouldn’t be able to bat.

“Wagner selected Dugo to bat for him and when the change was announced the crowd of 6,000 booed for 10 minutes.”

Dugo, who is now 88, flied out to right field.

Yawn: Newsweek says the best part of Pat Riley’s new book is the wide margins.

Long-range plan: John Kruk of the Philadelphia Phillies on his life after baseball:

“What will I do when I quit? I don’t know. I never thought about it. Probably rest for about 10 years and then figure out something to do.”

NFL stable: From David Martindale of the Sporting News:

“Even when Minnesota Viking chairman John Skoglund devotes his attention to another pastime, harness racing, football is never very far from his thoughts. Case in point: Skoglund tends to name the trotters that he breeds after NFL personalities.

“His ‘roster’ includes Kosar, Marino, Testaverde, Esiason, Pastorini, Tagliabue, Herschel Walker (that’s right, a trotter named Walker) and Hail Mary.”

Fame is fleeting: Ronald Reynolds, an usher at Comiskey Park, upon hearing the news of Michael Jordan’s retirement:

“Now the Bulls will be just another team, like the Lakers or the Celtics.”

Trivia answer: Yogi Berra of the New York Yankees, with 71.

Quotebook: Tony Kornheiser of the Washington Post on why he rooted for the Phillies to get into the World Series: “Shawn Bradley (of the 76ers) can act as foul pole.”