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World Series notebook Intense O'Neill not happy despite another solid effort
Updated: Wednesday October 25, 2000 2:45 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Paul O'Neill had another big night at the plate in the Subway Series, but after Game 3 Monday night the fiery right fielder was far from satisfied. "The bottom line in the playoffs is whether you win or lose," O'Neill said after the Yankees lost 4-2 to the Mets. He was especially upset because the Yankees wasted their escape from the Mets' bases-loaded no-out jam in the sixth inning. "Getting out of a bases-loaded jam should win the game for you," he said. For O'Neill, his second 3-for-4 game in a row in the World Series was also wasted. He gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning with his first triple since July 23, 1999. It's been some turnaround for O'Neill. The 37-year-old struggled through a deep September slump, slowed by a hip pointer, and his future with the team became more uncertain. However, O'Neill is 7-for-12 in the World Series with several clutch at-bats. He had a crucial 10-pitch at-bat to start the game-tying rally in the ninth inning of Game 1. In Game 2, he drove in a run and set up another as the Yankees beat the Mets 6-5 for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Never satisfied, O'Neill grumbled as he got ready to shower: "I just wish we scored some runs."
BattyFox broadcaster Keith Olbermann got himself an intriguing souvenir from the World Series. After signing off following Game 2 Sunday night, Olbermann found himself in the Mets' dugout while the bat boys were cleaning up. He asked if there was anything left, and one of the bat boys held up a piece of one of the most famous bats in World Series history: the one Mike Piazza had shattered by Roger Clemens. "It was the inoperative part of the bat. Just the handle," Olbermann said. He asked if he could use it as a prop and the bat boy told him to keep it. Piazza has the jagged barrel -- the part Clemens threw at him -- and told Fox he will auction it off to charity. A bat boy gave the third part of the bat to a fan. Olbermann said he might give the handle to the Hall of Fame, charity or sell it to his own company and donate the money to BAT, an organization that represents retired baseball players. He admits it's an odd prize -- although not the most bizarre he's seen. "Some guy has George Brett's jockstrap bronzed. That's pretty strange," he said.
Moving onNow that Roger Clemens has been fined $50,000 and the World Series has resumed, the Mets hope to move past Game 2 and the infamous bat-throwing episode. "We can at least get back and have the focus on baseball," Mets general manager Steve Phillips said. Phillips wouldn't mind talking about Clemens again later, because that would mean the Mets had extended the Series until at least Game 6. "Maybe we can put some of this aside until after Game 5 and preparation for Game 6," Phillips said. "I guess it might come up again at that point."
Silent SteinbrennerYankees owner George Steinbrenner made his way through the throng of reporters 90 minutes before gametime with just one thing on his mind. He just wanted to inspect his seats in the temporary field box next to the visitors' dugout. The often blustery owner had nothing to say on a day everyone wanted to hear what he had to say. "I'm just here to see a ball game," he said from the empty box. Steinbrenner was more concerned with his and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's seats than offering his opinion on the fine levied against Roger Clemens by Frank Robinson, baseball's chief disciplinarian.
Jose can you seeJose Vizcaino, leading off and playing second base for the Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series, welcomed his return to Shea Stadium, where he played three seasons for the Mets. "I have fond memories," he said. "When I came in, people who work here in the offices and on the field hugged me. They said, 'We love you, but we hate you now."'
Award winnerNew York Mets left-hander Al Leiter won the annual Roberto Clemente Award for combining outstanding skills on the field with community service. "To have my name associated with his is a very special honor," Leiter said of the late Pittsburgh Pirates great before Game 3 of the World Series. Three players were nominated by each team, before local panels of community representatives selected one nominee to represent the club. Derek Jeter was the Yankees' nominee. A panel of baseball dignitaries, including Vera Clemente and commissioner Bud Selig, selected the winner. John Hancock will make a donation to Leiter's charity, Leiters' Landing, an organization that helps needy children. It will also make donation to the Roberto Clemente Foundation in the name of the winner.
Around the hornThe Olympic gold medal baseball and softball teams from the United States were honored on the field before the game. ... A NYPD bomb-sniffing Labrador retriever wearing a Mets bandanna visited the Yankees' clubhouse before the game. ... The bases in the World Series feature the "Subway Series" logo as well as the Major League Baseball logo.
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