They Forgot to Synchronize Their Calendars

Stan Wright, U.S. Olympic track coach, took a lot of heat in 1972 when sprinters Eddie Hart and Rey Robinson missed their 100-meter heats because Wright apparently had an outdated schedule, but according to David Wallechinsky’s “Complete Book of the Olympics,” that was nothing compared to the fate of the Russian rifle team at the 1908 Games in London.

The competition was over before the Russians arrived. Why? Because they were still using the Julian calendar and the rest of the world was using the Gregorian.

The two calendars were 12 days apart.

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Trivia time: The Pepsi 400 is being held today at Daytona International Speedway. Who is the last driver to win both Winston Cup races in the same year at Daytona?

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Close call: This was Yankee General Manager Bob Watson’s reaction when pitcher Steve Howe was arrested for carrying a loaded pistol onto an airplane the day after being released by New York:

“If this had to happen to Steve, I’m glad it was as a private citizen and not a member of the New York Yankees.”

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Here’s to you: The rain wasn’t the only thing pouring at Wimbledon on Friday.

The Champagne and Pimms bar at the All England Club enjoyed one of its busiest days, despite prices ranging up to $82 a bottle.

“People have sheltered here all day rather than go out into the rain,” a bartender said. “It’s been nonstop.”

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Squatters’ rights: Catcher Josh Paul, the Chicago White Sox’s No. 2 pick in the June draft, is a fan of former catcher Carlton Fisk.

“It’ll be an honor to squat in his footsteps,” Paul said.

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Architecture: Atlanta’s Olympic Stadium, which will become home for the Braves when the Games are over, didn’t impress Jere Longman, the New York Times’ chief Olympic writer.

“It’s a knockoff of Camden Yards. There is a disposability about it. It’s like it’s the Kmart Olympics.”

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Just wait: Kip Keino, head of the Olympic delegation from Kenya, says his countrymen should quit whining about their pre-Games training camp conditions in Hattiesburg, Miss.

“In Atlanta, the weather will be worse than Mississippi,” the legendary distance runner said.

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Working man: Cincinnati Red General Manager Jim Bowden joined the grounds crew during a game at Riverfront Stadium the other day, sweeping around second base.

“He’s finally earning his money,” pitcher Mark Portugal quipped.

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Filtered sunlight: Jim Eisenreich did not hit a home run in April and May this season, then the Philadelphia Phillie outfielder hit his first two in the same game in Houston’s Astrodome.

“Every once in a while the good Lord sends me down a little sunshine--even if we were playing under a roof,” Eisenreich said.

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Trivia answer: Bobby Allison, in 1982.

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And finally: Reggie Jackson was quoted in 1974 by Time magazine as saying “I’d rather hit than have sex.”

Michael Knisley of the Sporting News asked Roberto Alomar, Baltimore’s all-star second baseman, what he thought of that idea today.

“Better than sex? Maybe for him. He’s a power hitter. I think Reggie is lying a little bit.”