Hall will honor 'Centerfield'
Associated Press
John Fogerty's "Centerfield" has logged more time in baseball stadiums than most Hall of Famers. Now, the classic song is about to get its due in Cooperstown.
The Baseball Hall of Fame said that "Centerfield" will be honored at this summer's induction ceremonies, the first time a musician or a song has been celebrated as a part of the festivities.
"As a little boy I loved baseball. I dreamed about being a major league player. Of course it didn't work out that way. But to be associated at all, in any way, is a wonderful honor," Fogerty said.
Already in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Fogerty will perform the song at the sport's shrine in New York on July 25. That weekend, thousands of fans will jam a field in the upstate village to see star Andre Dawson, manager Whitey Herzog and umpire Doug Harvey be inducted.
"Centerfield" marks its 25th anniversary this year, and it has been woven into the game's fabric ever since its debut.
Fogerty said he drew his inspiration from the game's most famous ballpark — Yankee Stadium.
STRASBURG WATCH
NATIONALS PROSPECT ALLOWS TWO RUNS
Washington Nationals prospect Stephen Strasburg finally has an earned run average in Triple-A ball.
Strasburg, who had not allowed a run in winning his first three starts for the Syracuse Chiefs, went five innings last night against the Toledo Mud Hens, allowing five hits and two runs, one earned.
He threw 52 pitches, 36 for strikes, did not walk anyone and struck out five, departing with the game tied 2-all.
The right-hander had allowed only four hits and no runs in 18 1/3 innings in his first three starts.
Strasburg was the top pick in the 2009 amateur draft out of San Diego State.
ELSEWHERE
Cardinals: St. Louis pitcher Kyle Lohse has undergone an MRI exam of his right forearm that revealed inflammation but no structural damage. The team said yesterday the right-hander would have further evaluation and there was no timetable for his return.
Mets: New York pitcher John Maine has tendinitis in his right rotator cuff and there's no timetable for his return. The Mets made the announcement yesterday after the righty had an MRI exam.
Reds: Cincinnati has put right-hander Homer Bailey on the 15-day disabled list after tests found inflammation in his pitching shoulder.
Nationals: Washington catcher Ivan Rodriguez is going on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.