Kahn Cancels Appearance at Hall of Fame in Protest

The baseball Hall of Fame’s decision to cancel a celebration for the movie “Bull Durham” has resulted in another cancellation.

Author Roger Kahn, whose “Boys of Summer” is considered among the best baseball books ever, has called off his August appearance to speak at the Hall in protest. Kahn was to speak about his new book “October Men” about the 1978 New York Yankees team that won the World Series.

In a letter Thursday to Petroskey, Kahn wrote:

“By canceling the Hall of Fame anniversary celebration of ‘Bull Durham’ for political reasons, you are, far from supporting our troops, defying the noblest of the American spirit. You are choking freedom of dissent. How ironic. In theory, at least, we have been fighting this war to give Iraqis freedom of dissent.

“But here you, through the great institution you head, have moved to rob Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon and Ron Shelton of that very freedom. In support of the American right to dissent, I have no choice but to cancel my August speaking appearance at the Hall.”

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Pittsburgh Pirate left fielder Brian Giles sprained a ligament in his right knee and will be put on the 15-day disabled list today. The Pirates will recall Adam Hyzdu from triple-A Nashville, team spokesman Jim Trdinich said.

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The San Diego Padres transferred closer Trevor Hoffman to the 60-day disabled list after purchasing the contract of right-handed pitcher Matt Herges. Herges, 33, has appeared in four games for triple-A Portland of the Pacific Coast League, giving up one run in five innings with a 1.98 earned-run average.

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Right-hander Joey Hamilton agreed to a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds.... New York Yankee closer Mariano Rivera will throw in the bullpen today as he recovers from a groin strain. He might pitch in a minor league game next week.... The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled right-hander John Patterson from triple-A Tucson and sent down right-hander Scott Service.