Hey, They’re Outfielders, Not Rocket Scientists

In a report in Science, the journal of the American Assn. for the Advancement of Science, Kent University and NASA scientists explain that outfielders move to catch a fly ball by running along a curving route that gives them the optical impression that the ball is following a straight line.

Speeds and directions vary to make the ball appear on that path, say Michael K. McBeath and Dennis M. Shaffer of Kent and Mary K. Kaiser of NASA, who tested their theory by having students track flies with video cameras.

“If you’re running along a path that doesn’t allow the ball to curve down, then in a sense you’re guaranteed to catch it,” McBeath said.

Somebody explain that to Jose Canseco the next time he plays right field.

Trivia time: Over the last 15 years, jockey Pat Day has ruled Churchill Downs, setting records for most victories, stakes victories and victories on a single card. How many Kentucky Derbies has he won?

Just a hunch: Looking for a horse to bet in this year’s Derby? Try Knockadoon, ridden by Chris McCarron, who rode Go For Gin to victory in the Derby last year. Go For Gin had finished second with McCarron in the Wood Memorial as a Derby prep. Knockadoon was second in this year’s Wood.

International opinion: George Foreman’s victory by a decision over Axel Schulz was not hammered only in Germany. In a phone poll conducted during “Tuesday Night Fights” on USA network, 86% of more than 10,000 respondents said Schulz should have won.

Social note: Avoid talking about your golf game on first dates or when trolling for companionship in a bar, according to a paper entitled “You Are What You Play,” delivered to the American Psychological Assn.’s 102nd annual convention by psychologists at Arizona State. Apparently you run the risk of being perceived either as a total bore--admitting to being a bowler is also discouraged--or ending up in an argument with somebody with a better handicap.

A little perspective, please: Washington Redskin quarterback Heath Shuler took a look at first-round draft choice Michael Westbrook and mused they could have “someday like a (Joe) Montana slash (Steve) Young-(Jerry) Rice era.”

Redskin fans would be satisfied with a Doug Williams/Mark Rypien-Art Monk era.

Too slim, too fast: Cleveland pitcher Charles Nagy had a rare problem when he reported to spring training. An off-season program of diet and exercise had the Indians concerned he was 10 pounds too light.

Numbers game: Much has been made of Michael Jordan leaving his No. 23 in the rafters in Chicago and wearing No. 45 in his comeback, but little has been made of it being his third NBA number. He is shown wearing No. 12 on a Sam Vincent 1990-91 trading card, on a day in which his No. 23 had been stolen from his locker and he borrowed another jersey for the game.

Poor prophet: Cleveland pitcher Orel Hershiser on the condition of pitchers after a short spring training: “Somebody’s going to throw a complete game on opening day, because somebody’s going to be in such great shape or be nuts enough or have a perfect outing.”

Wrong. Only Kansas City’s Kevin Appier went more than six innings (he went 6 2/3 and left with a no-hitter).

Trivia answer: One, on Lil E. Tee in 1992.

Quotebook: George Foreman, who loves sportswriters: “What made George Foreman was the writers. They tell people about you. Without those guys, you’re dead. One thing, though. They lied about my waistline.”