Notes on a Scorecard - April 14, 1994

Update on Ila Borders, the freshman left-handed pitcher for Southern California College: She is 2-3 with a 3.20 earned-run average, has been bombed only once and is attracting attention from pro teams. . . .

“I would do it all over again and will if another lady comes around with her ability and attitude,” said Coach Charlie Phillips, who took some heat when he awarded Borders a partial scholarship to the NAIA school in Costa Mesa that doesn’t give full athletic grants. “In fact, her sister Leah looks like a prospect, a right-hander who is pitching well in Little League.” . . .

Phillips said he has received calls from independent teams “who would sign Ila in an instant.” . . .

But he would like to see the 5-foot-10, 165-pound, 19-year-old develop upper body strength and pitch another two or three years in college. . . .

“Then I’m confident she would be able to compete professionally,” Phillips said. . . .

Thumbs up to Donna Candiotti, who was seen on television practicing the lost art of scorekeeping during husband Tom’s victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. . . .

One reason so many ballclubs have changed cap styles is that it gives them another merchandising opportunity. . . . Highest average ticket price in the major leagues is $14.44 at Yankee Stadium. Lowest is $7.90 at Mile High Stadium in Denver. Anaheim Stadium is third lowest ($8.06) and Dodger Stadium ninth lowest ($9.68). . . .

If the Minnesota Twins’ slide continues, look for them to dangle closer Rick Aguilera as trade bait. . . .

This is as deceiving as time of possession: Boston and Kansas City each got 15 hits Tuesday. The Red Sox got twice as many runs, 22-11. . . .

Mack Calvin should be considered for the Pepperdine basketball coaching job. . . .

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Think the Clippers stink? Without Joe Dumars and Isiah Thomas, the Detroit Pistons lost by 27 points on their home court to the Philadelphia 76ers. . . .

Three sophomore defensive players--inside linebacker Jeff Ruckman, outside linebacker Phillip Ward and free safety Paul Guidry--have been impressive during spring football practice at UCLA. . . .

When Norm Andersen graduated in 1975, he ranked fourth on the all-time Bruin career reception list with 61 catches. Now that he is back on campus as an assistant coach, one of his pupils is J.J. Stokes, who caught 82 last season. . . .

Among items to be auctioned off at the annual UCLA athletic department golf tournament April 25 at Industry Hills are a gold basketball uniform that Don MacLean wore once and Troy Aikman’s letterman’s jacket. . . .

Most fighters dread going to training camp. Oscar De La Hoya is so eager to begin work at Larry Goossen’s Gym in Big Bear that he will leave town Sunday instead of May 1. . . .

“I’m running five miles a day, but I want to get started sparring again,” said De La Hoya, who will make the first defense of his World Boxing Organization junior-lightweight title against Giorgio Campanella of Italy May 27 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. . . .

Also on the card are Roy Jones Jr. and Rafael Ruelas, but the scene stealer could be 19-year-old flyweight prospect Danny Romero of Albuquerque. . . .

Romero, who will make his local debut May 5 at the Olympic, is 15-0 with 13 knockouts, but says, “My main asset is defense.” . . .

“It’s not about world titles for me anymore,” Pernell Whitaker said after retaining his World Boxing Council welterweight championship against Santos Cardona. “It’s about defending the pound-for-pound title.” . . .

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If trainer Randy Winick and his veterinarian say Brocco is fit, that’s good enough for me. . . .

A sleeper in the Kentucky Derby picture could be Presently, a full brother to Flawlessly who is trained by Allen Jerkens and will run in the Wood Memorial. . . .

The Wood will be shown on monitors at Santa Anita on Saturday, and wagering will be offered on simulcasts of the Blue Grass, California Derby and Oaklawn Handicap. . . .

The New York Jets are expected to sign quarterback Steve DeBerg to a one-year contract and drop Browning Nagle. . . .

Those who remember the Broad Street Bullies find it difficult to believe that the Philadelphia Flyers have missed the NHL playoffs for the fifth consecutive time. . . .

Also failing to qualify for the playoffs are all the former World Hockey Assn. teams--Edmonton, Hartford, Winnipeg and Quebec. . . .

Will the Atlanta Braves win more games than the San Diego Padres lose this season? . . .