Did Umpires Sell Baseballs?

The possibility of umpires selling balls used in David Wells’ perfect game is under investigation by major league baseball.

The balls used by the New York Yankee pitcher in the May 17 game reportedly were sold to a Long Island sports memorabilia dealer.

Kevin Hallinan, baseball’s top security official, told the New York Times that the AL asked him to investigate, but he did not provide details.

Mark Lewis, the memorabilia dealer, said he bought 14 balls, each carrying Wells’ signature and a note that each was used against the Minnesota Twins, from umpire Al Clark, the Times said.

Baseball’s policy bars umpires from seeking autographs from players. In this case, it was unclear who obtained the autographs for the balls.

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The Cleveland Indians extended Manager Mike Hargrove’s contract another year, through 2000, with a club option for 2001.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Hargrove’s contract had been set to expire at the end of the 1999 season, with a club option for 2000.

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Kansas City Royal right-hander Hipolito Pichardo was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a right elbow injury that will probably end his season.

Royal Manager Tony Muser said an MRI indicated Pichardo (7-8, 5.13 ERA) suffered a strained ligament in his throwing elbow Thursday, but added a second MRI will be performed after swelling decreases.

The Royals have recalled right-hander Jose Santiago from double-A Wichita. Santiago was 3-4 with 22 saves (3.61 ERA) in 52 games.