Kirby Stands Out in Celebration of Robinson

Dodger outfielder Wayne Kirby never has been a World Series hero.

He never has been to an All-Star game, hit a dramatic home run or been the focus of attention.

Tonight, it could all change.

The Dodgers will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, and they will walk onto the field with only one black American: Kirby.

He is expected to be swarmed by many of the 700 reporters in town for tonight’s game against the New York Mets.

“It’s not something I look forward to, but I’m not going to back away from it,” Kirby said. “I like talking about Jackie Robinson. He made it possible for all blacks to play baseball. It’s just right now, there are fewer and fewer black players.

“Sometimes I go around and count. You can’t help it. People know I’m the only black on the team. It’s not like it takes a whole lot of time to count us up.

“It’s kind of disappointing to see what’s going on in baseball, but racism will always be there, just like it will always be in society.

“There’s really nothing you can do but go out and do your job, keep your mouth shut and hope it gets better.”

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The game, which will be stopped after the Dodgers bat in the top of the fifth inning, will be highlighted by a speech by President Clinton.

The Mets--and the city--also plan to name a street near Shea Stadium in Robinson’s honor.

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Nelson Liriano, who replaced Chad Fonville on the roster, played first base for the first time in his seven-year major league career in Sunday’s game.

“It just feels good to be back,” said Liriano, who opened the year on the disabled list. “It felt strange being in Florida when the season started. It was like, ‘Man, what am I doing here in April?’

“But I’m here now. I’m healthy. And I’m ready to go.”

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Left fielder Todd Hollandsworth, who wasn’t allowed to face left-handed pitching until September last season, hit his first homer off a lefty, Jeff Granger, in the third inning of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“I always felt I could hit lefties once I got some experience doing it,” he said. “It felt good. But really, it just felt good for our offense to finally break out. It was about time.

“Our pitching staff has been outstanding, and we wanted to pick up our end of it.”

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First baseman Eric Karros, who went four for four with three RBIs in Sunday’s game, apparently had a little inspiration.

Karros talked with Met first baseman John Olerud about Olerud’s 1993 season, when he won the American League batting title with a .363 batting average. Olerud mentioned how his weight was balanced at the plate the entire season.

“Eric took that into the game with him,” said Reggie Smith, Dodger hitting coach. “It made Eric think about it. When you feel good up there, you’ve got a chance.

“He really felt good with his hands and everything coming together. He finally felt balanced. And you see the difference it made.”

Karros raised his batting average from .211 to .286.