Back Injury to Sideline Hart’s Shields for 2 Weeks

Jamie Shields of Hart High, one of the top pitchers in the nation, will be sidelined for about two weeks with a strained back, Coach Jim Ozella said.

Shields is only one of several injuries saddling the Indians, who are defending the Southern Section Division II title.

Center fielder Matt Friedrichsen is expected to be out for at least three weeks with a broken hand. And the versatile Mike Miller, who can play first, third and the outfield, has a badly sprained ankle.

* Notre Dame High holds its alumni game today at 11 a.m. A home-run hitting contest begins at 10 a.m.

* Chatsworth High’s alumni baseball game is scheduled for noon today at Chatsworth.

* The L.A. Men’s Senior Baseball League is looking for players and teams.

The league is for players 30 and older. Former professional players are allowed if it has been more than three years since they played.

The MSBL has more than 300 leagues and held its 12th World Series in Phoenix last year with six divisions: 30 and over, 40 and over, 50 and over, 60 and over, 18 and over and a Father/Son division.

Information: Jack Provost, (626) 583-4266.

GYMNASTICS

* The 2000 Friendship Gymnastics Challenge is March 3-5 at the Burbank Airport Hilton.

More than 650 female gymnasts are expected to attend, including elite competitors from the U.S., Mexico and England.

Scheduled to attend are three-time U.S. Olympian Linda Methany, former U.S. national team member Cindy Tom, Pan Am Games gold medalist Janine Creek, three-time Chinese Olympian Lee Yeijia and Dick Mulvihill, who has coached 17 Olympians.

The meet, sponsored by Golden State Gymnastics of Verdugo, begins at 8 a.m. each day. The elite gymnasts are scheduled to compete the afternoon of March 5.