Apology Issued by Petroskey

The baseball Hall of Fame president issued an apology Friday, saying he was sorry he failed to call Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon last week before canceling a “Bull Durham” celebration because of the actors’ anti-war stance.

In an open letter to the 28,000 people who called or sent a letter or e-mail to the Hall, Dale Petroskey blamed himself for bringing politics into the shrine.

“I inadvertently did exactly what I was trying to avoid,” the former Reagan administration official wrote. “With the advantage of hindsight, it is clear I should have handled the matter differently.

“I am sorry I didn’t pick up the phone to have a discussion with Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon rather than sending them a letter,” he said.

Petroskey made no mention of whether he still believed the decision to scrap the event was the right one.

This latest letter was faxed to Robbins and Sarandon before it was posted on the Hall’s Web site.

“Because Petroskey’s actions resulted in a bipartisan, nationwide affirmation of free speech and the First Amendment, he has inadvertently done us all a favor,” Robbins responded in a statement.

Robbins and Sarandon were scheduled to appear April 26-27 in Cooperstown, N.Y., to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the popular baseball movie.

Instead, Petroskey surprised the co-stars last week with a letter sent via Federal Express, telling them he’d called off the festivities because they’d criticized the war in Iraq.

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New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter has resumed throwing as part of a rehabilitation program at Tampa, Fla. for a dislocated left shoulder he suffered in the season opener.

Jeter took part in workouts on the field for the second straight day Friday. Although he is not yet permitted to catch the ball, Jeter made 60 throws and did sprints in the outfield. He is expected to be out at least another three-to-four weeks.

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Yankee closer Mariano Rivera reported no problems after throwing batting practice for the second time in four days.

Rivera, on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin, might pitch in a minor league game early next week, and could rejoin the Yankees later in the week.

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St. Louis Cardinal outfielder Albert Pujols has a sprained right elbow that could reduce him to a limited role as a pinch hitter for the next three weeks.