Busch Reapplies to Join Union

Infielder Mike Busch, who was banned from the Major League Players Assn. for playing in spring-training replacement games last year, has reapplied for membership in the union.

Busch met last month with union Executive Director Don Fehr and three players--Todd Worrell of the Dodgers, Jay Bell of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kevin Brown of the Florida Marlins.

“I just reiterated why I did what I did,” Busch said. “My decision was based on my family, and I told them that.”

Last year’s decision to ban replacement players from the union could be a stiff penalty. Although Busch and others still are eligible to receive medical insurance and pension benefits, they will be prohibited from sharing licensing money. Players have received $30,000-$80,000 the last few seasons.

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Right fielder Raul Mondesi has told the Dodgers that he is willing to sign a two-year contract worth more than $3.5 million with an option for 1998 if they continue to balk at his request for a three-year contract worth at least $7 million. . . . First baseman Eric Karros aggravated his pulled hamstring and does not expect to play again until Sunday. . . . Chan Ho Park, vying for the fifth job in the starting rotation, struggled in the intrasquad game, yielding two home runs.