Tuttle Loses Battle to Cancer

Former major leaguer Bill Tuttle, who lost much of his jaw and cheek to cancer and became a leading spokesperson against chewing tobacco, died Monday at Anoka, Minn.

Tuttle, who was 69, was diagnosed with oral cancer in September 1993. His doctors said the cancer stemmed from his 37 years of chewing tobacco, a habit he picked up in the big leagues.

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Chili Davis could begin a minor league rehabilitation stint as soon as Thursday.

The New York Yankee designated hitter said he expects to join the team’s double-A affiliate in Norwich, Conn., this week.

Davis has been sidelined since April 3 because of a right ankle injury.

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Yankee owner George Steinbrenner said that he is willing to pay part of the cost of a new stadium, but he didn’t say how much. He made it clear he wasn’t happy about the idea of keeping the club in the Bronx.

“I’m not looking for a free stadium,” Steinbrenner said. “We are willing to sit down and negotiate a deal where the Yankees would be responsible for some of the stadium. I wouldn’t feel right just sitting back and saying, ‘I want a new stadium.’ ”