BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : WORLD SERIES

The World Series is passed from fathers to sons in different ways. Dick Schofield, the former Angel shortstop who is a reserve infielder with the Blue Jays, is reminded of it every time he sees a tape of Bill Mazeroski circling the bases after his Series clinching home run for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve seen that tape,” Schofield said, “and I expect I’ll see it again this weekend. If you look closely, down in a corner, one of the guys waiting at home plate for Mazeroski is my dad (Ducky Schofield). He’s No. 11.

“If you didn’t know he was No. 11 you wouldn’t know anything about him even being there, but I see him every time I see that tape.

“Maybe someone will hit a home run in the ninth inning of this Series and I’ll be out there and in the picture.”

*

The honorary first ball assignment went to a vice president of the Kansas City Royals named George Brett, who was worried about it.

“I hope I don’t embarrass myself,” he said. “I didn’t play in the field all year.”

The Royals’ former infielder and designated hitter said he never participated in a first-ball ceremony before.

“I guess it’s the first indication I’m really retired,” he said.

*

Lee (Mad Dog) Thomas, the Phillies’ general manager, was asked if he would have fit in with the zany team he has put together. “In every way except ability,” he said.