Notes on a Scorecard - May 30, 1995

The trade that sent Jim Abbott to the New York Yankees for J.T. Snow, Russ Springer and Jerry Nielsen after the 1992 season might have been the most unpopular in Angel history. . . .

It might also turn out to be a good one. . . .

Abbott is a remarkable over-achiever who overcame a physical handicap, but the fact is that he has a losing record, 69-75, during his American League career with the Angels, Yankees and Chicago White Sox. . . .

Forget about Springer and Nielsen, but Snow is a big part of California’s surprising start and is about to become a fixture at first base. . . .

He is hitting for average and power this season and always has been an outstanding defensive player. . . .

Of course, getting out of the gate fast is nothing new for Snow. . . .

He hit .343 with six home runs and 17 runs batted in during 19 games in the month of April as a rookie in 1993. His father, Jack, was being congratulated every two seconds on a KMPC talk show. Three months later, J.T. was optioned to Vancouver of the Pacific Coast League. . . .

However, Snow, 27, is more comfortable playing for Marcel Lachemann than Buck Rodgers and now looks very much at home in Anaheim. . . .

If you want to see history in the making, catch Baltimore shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. at the Big A tonight or Wednesday. . . .

With their luck in Montreal, I’m surprised the Dodgers haven’t been penalized for using an illegal stick. . . .

Eric Karros’ four stolen bases this year equal the total for his three previous major league seasons. . . .

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Sure enough, the team that had the ball last won the Indiana-Orlando game Monday. . . .

Talking about the possibility of playing in the 1996 Olympic Games, Hakeem Olajuwon said, “Can you imagine, putting on the USA jersey, No. 34?” . . .

Well, not really, because 15 is the highest number basketball players can wear in the Olympics. . . .

The San Antonio Spurs appear to be tighter at home than on the road. . . .

NBA players look taller but slimmer in street clothes. . . .

I expect some basketball and football games to be decided by officials’ decisions, but not the Indianapolis 500. . . .

The ABC telecast was a visual delight, but I wanted more information about the drivers, especially the comparative unknowns who were in contention. . . .

This would be a great time for George Foreman to retire. He doesn’t need the money, the punishment, or a loss to Axel Schulz in Germany. . . .

If Riddick Bowe defeats Jorge Luis Gonzalez, a third match between Bowe and Evander Holyfield would be likely. . . .

At the news conference announcing his bout against Peter McNeeley, Mike Tyson said, “I feel I could fight the champ right now.” . . .

OK, Mike, but which champ? . . .

Unbeaten junior bantamweight Johnny Tapia might face the toughest test of his career against former Olympian Arthur Johnson July 2 at Albuquerque, N.M. . . .

Jerry Quarry, Melio Bettina, Gaspar Ortega, Johnny Gonsalves, Johnny Saxton and Michael Spinks will be inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame on Oct. 14 at the L.A. Marriott. . . .

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ESPN radio, aired weekends on XTRA, is a good blend of information, interviews and opinion. . . .

Thumbs up to Cleveland Browns’ all-pro safety Eric Turner. The former UCLA All-American will award two $1,450 scholarships to deserving students at his alma mater, Ventura High, every year through 1999. . . .

The Raiders were smart to sign first-round pick Napoleon Kaufman early. Too many NFL rookie seasons have been ruined or slowed by contract disputes. . . .

California, which tore up the artificial turf at Memorial Stadium, is billing its 1995 season as a return to grass-roots football. . . .

Roger Stein, who saddled three winners at Hollywood Park Sunday, had six winners one night when he was a harness trainer. . . .

Sorry all you New Jersey and Chicago fans, but Philadelphia vs. Detroit would be a terrific Stanley Cup final. . . .

Those short conference semifinal series sure messed up the playoff schedule. The Blackhawks and Red Wings will have to sit around until Thursday and the Devils and Flyers until Saturday before getting back into action. . . .

Remember when auto racing and baseball, not basketball, used to be the big sports on Memorial Day? . . .

“Saving Grace” by Lee Smith is not about relief pitching and was not written by an Angel.