Assembly Takes Step Toward Drug Testing

Responding to reports of widespread steroid use in baseball, a California Assembly committee voted Wednesday to require professional athletic teams to test their players for performance-enhancing drugs.

“This is what happens when you don’t police yourself,” Assemblyman Tony Strickland said before the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media Committee approved the bill, 11-0.

There has been heightened interest in drug testing of athletes since former baseball MVPs Ken Caminiti and Jose Canseco admitted using steroids and accused other players of doing it too.

The vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee, the last stop before the Assembly floor.

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For the second time in six days, Busch Stadium in St. Louis was a place of mourning as former teammates paid their respects to Darryl Kile.

Dozens of players who have been grieving for Kile in ballparks across the country got the chance to say goodbye together in an hour-long memorial service attended by 5,000 fans Wednesday. Among the speakers were retired pitcher Doug Drabek, Colorado Rockies’ pitcher Pete Harnisch and Cardinal teammates Dave Veres, Woody Williams and Mike Matheny.

“Baseball, more than people would like to think, is a family,” Arizona Diamondback pitcher Curt Schilling said. “Unfortunately, the only time you hear about a DK is when something tragic happens.

“He was a fantastic human being, a great father, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

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Pittsburgh Pirate left-handed starter Dave Williams expects to have season-ending shoulder surgery by mid-July. Williams said rest and exercise haven’t helped to heal a torn labrum in his left shoulder.... The Diamondbacks have agreed to contract terms with first-round draft pick Sergio Santos, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound shortstop who batted .388 with eight home runs and was a standout at Santa Ana Mater Dei High last season.... South Carolina’s Drew Meyer, the 10th overall pick, signed a contract with the Texas Rangers only four days after his last college game.