Dodgers Say Giant ‘Clock’ Is Ill-Timed

Although the Dodgers repeatedly declined to participate, the San Francisco Giants plan to proceed with a turn-back-the-clock game Sept. 16 at Pacific Bell Park to commemorate Bobby Thompson’s home run against Ralph Branca to clinch the 1951 National League pennant.

The Giants wanted the Dodgers to wear uniforms resembling the clubs’ styles in 1951 to honor Thompson on the 50th anniversary of the “the shot heard round the world,” but the Dodgers said that would not be appropriate.

“They originally came to us in March and asked us if we would be part of the celebration,” said Derrick Hall, senior vice president. “We told them at the time that it was not something that we wanted to be associated with. To their credit, they continued to try throughout the summer, and we continued to make it very clear that we did not want to be a part of a salute to a Giant, pennant-winning home run.

“It was really shocking that they would ask. We’re in the middle of a pennant race right now with that team. We realize that a man [Branca] suffered for over 50 years, as did Dodger fans. We are just not going to be a part of it.”

The Giants will wear special uniforms for the occasion and the Dodgers will wear their regular road uniforms.

Branca is expected to attend the ceremony.

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Rick Sofield, who managed the club’s triple-A affiliate the last two seasons, will not return in 2002.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

TERRY ADAMS

(11-6, 4.38 ERA)

vs.

ROCKIES’

MIKE HAMPTON

(13-10, 4.96 ERA)

Coors Field, 6 PDT

TV--Channel 5

Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

Update--Adams is coming off his best start of the season last Saturday in a 3-1 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium. The right-hander gave up only three hits and an unearned run in eight innings. Hampton is 5-4 with a 4.11 earned-run average against the Dodgers.