BASEBALL NOTES

Catcher Scott Hatteberg and the Boston Red Sox agreed to a $1.05-million, one-year contract.

Hatteberg, who is eligible for free agency after the 2002 season, had sought $1.1 million in salary arbitration while Boston had offered $1 million. It was the smallest difference between player and team among the 63 arbitration cases in which figures were exchanged last week.

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A domestic abuse case filed against New York Met pitcher Armando Benitez by his former girlfriend was dismissed by a Baltimore prosecutor.

The former girlfriend, Stacey O’Neill, accused the Met reliever in separate police complaints of punching and scratching her in October and slamming a door against her during an argument in November.

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A spectator sued the Florida Marlins, claiming he sustained permanent eye damage when he was struck by a rolled T-shirt shot into the stands with an air cannon by the team’s mascot.

Saul Shechter, 76, says he was in Pro Player Stadium’s upper deck last July 20 when he was struck by a T-shirt fired by a person in the Billy the Marlin outfit.

Shechter walked out of the stadium after being treated by paramedics. He says he has blurred and double vision. He is seeking at least $15,000 in damages.

The Marlins, who have twice lost million-dollar lawsuits filed by spectators hit by balls during batting practice, declined comment.

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A funeral for former Met center fielder Tommie Agee will be held Friday in Mount Vernon, N.Y.

Agee died of a heart attack at age 58.