Fan Is Sentenced to 90 Days

A fan who jumped out of the stands at Milwaukee’s County Stadium and onto the back of Houston outfielder Bill Spiers was sentenced Friday to 90 days in jail. Berley W. Visgar, of South Beloit, Ill., also was fined $1,000.

Visgar, who drank vodka and beer before the Sept. 24 game and had at least three more beers at the ballpark, told fellow fans he would run onto the field naked or jump onto a player’s back if they would pay his fine, according to a criminal complaint.

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Kerry Wood threw 74 pitches in an extended spring training start Saturday for the Chicago Cubs, another step in his comeback from a torn elbow ligament.

Wood, the National League’s rookie of the year in 1998, made his fifth rehabilitation start exactly one year after he had reconstructive surgery performed on his elbow by Dr. James Andrews.

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Seeking the revenue of higher-priced seats, the St. Louis Cardinals announced plans for a 47,900-seat ballpark that would cost $370 million and open in 2004.

“For the Cardinals to be a great franchise, a new ballpark is critical,” owner Bill DeWitt Jr. said.

While the new ballpark would have 1,800 fewer seats than Busch Stadium, which opened in 1966, Cardinal President Mark Lamping said there would be “more premium seats,” which cost more money.

The ballpark would be funded through tax-exempt revenue bonds.

“This building will pay for itself,” Lamping said.

A sales pitch to local, county and state politicians will be the next step for team officials.

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A record 57 home runs were hit in the major leagues Friday night, two more than the previous mark set last Aug. 13. The record last year was set in 17 games. There were 15 in the major leagues Friday night. . . . Tampa Bay put pitcher Juan Guzman on the 15-day disabled list because of tightness in his right shoulder and recalled reliever Jeff Sparks from triple-A Durham.