HIGHLIGHT

Dick Russell

August 12, 1968

Haul out the Little Red Book of baseball records, gentlemen, a new entry is in order: "Most unassisted triple plays and grand-slam home-runs by right-handed shortstops who are also traded in the same week—1, Ron Hansen, Washington-Chicago, July 30-Aug. 2, 1968." An examination of the R. Hansen diary for his week that was might reveal the following. Tuesday. Caught a line drive, stepped on second, tagged out other runner coming down from first. Wednesday. Received call from Hall of Fame, requesting shipment of glove used in first inning last night. They say a glove like this comes along only once every 41 years but, on close examination, it's the same Spalding model used in second through ninth innings as well as through 90 games and 14 errors this season. Then got call from Indians' Jose Azcue, who hit the triple-play line drive, wondering if Cooperstown wanted his bat, too. After all, nobody has hit into an unassisted triple play since 1927 either. Thursday (approximately 8:30 p.m.). Just struck out for sixth straight time, not making good contact with ball. Thursday (approximately an hour later, same place). Just hit grand-slam home run in fourth inning, Senators' first such hit all year. Batting average up to .185. Senators win, 37th such happening in 101 games. Friday. A funny thing occurred on way to play White Sox. Got traded to White Sox, where had set previous records of fewest stolen bases in season (0), fewest triples in season (0) and most chances accepted by shortstop in doubleheader (28). Sunday. Hit .454 in three games for new/old (choose one) club; playing third base now. White Sox lost two of three to Senators. Got to bed early, pondering strange events of week.