FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Minor-league infielder Jerry Hairston broke open yesterday's exhibition game in the fourth inning with a three-run, inside-the-park homer. He can enjoy the moment now, knowing there were no serious injuries, but that wasn't apparent as he rounded the bases.
A violent collision between Los Angeles left fielder Hiram Bocachica and center fielder Trenidad Hubbard left both players on the ground for several minutes in the Orioles' 10-0 victory at Fort Lauderdale Stadium.
Hubbard, going full speed with his glove extended, appeared ready to make the catch just as Bocachica plowed into him. Trainers from both teams and assorted coaches and players raced from the dugouts and Dodgers' bullpen. Bocachica was the first to rise and walked to the clubhouse with Orioles trainer Richie Bancells. Another minute passed before Hubbard got to his feet.
Dodgers manager Davey Johnson said Bocachica may have suffered a cracked rib and was taken for X-rays. Hubbard had X-rays taken on his right thumb and wrist.
"I knew the heads missed," said Orioles manager Ray Miller. "The ones that really scare you are head-to-head contact."
The Orioles scored seven times in the inning. In a repeat of Sunday's victory over the Florida Marlins, the rally included two bases-loaded walks and a sacrifice fly, this one from Mike Bordick. Hubbard, battling a strong wind, misplayed a fly ball by Brady Anderson that let another run score, and Hairston followed with his drive in the gap.
Otanez's power play
Willis Otanez hit his second homer in three games, a two-run shot in the seventh inning that cut through the wind and easily cleared the fence in left-center field.
Otanez, who's out of options, also homered in his only at-bat in Saturday's opener in Fort Myers.
"I heard 105 people say nobody's hitting one out of here today. He did," Miller said. "I know one thing -- the ball makes a real nice sound when he hits it."
Said Otanez: "I know I'm out of options, but I'm trying to put that out of my mind. If they give me a chance to play, I'm going to have fun and not put too much pressure on myself."
Pickering progressing
Miller shaved a few years off the right side of the infield. Hairston started at second base for Jeff Reboulet, and Calvin Pickering took over for Will Clark at first.
Pickering's defense has been suspect in the past, but he's made impressive strides in camp since working exclusively with third-base coach Sam Perlozzo.
"We had too many people talking to him about fielding. Sammy has done a good job with him," Miller said.
The hitting comes more naturally, as he demonstrated again yesterday. With a runner on third and one out in the first inning, Pickering lined a single up the middle to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead.
DiMaggio tribute
A moment of silence was observed before the game for Joe DiMaggio, who died yesterday morning at his home in Hollywood, Fla. Flags flew at half-staff, and many players watched the tributes being shown on the clubhouse television.
"He's synonymous with everything that's good about baseball. He lived a long life and certainly a fruitful one," Miller said.
Miller recalled one of his early visits to Yankee Stadium, when DiMaggio was part of a pre-game ceremony.
"It was my first or second year," Miller said. "He walked on the field and it was like Babe Ruth walking out there. The place went crazy. I was just amazed by the reaction."
Cuba details
Orioles and major-league officials continue to negotiate details of the team's trip to Cuba.
John and Lou Angelos are expected to be part of a contingent that will travel to Havana tomorrow to work out the final details of the home-and-home exhibition series. Major League Baseball vice president Sandy Alderson and other representatives of MLB also will be on the trip.
The game in Havana is set for March 28. The date of the game at Camden Yards is still under discussion, but will likely take place on a day off in May.
Sun staff writer Peter Schmuck contributed to this article.
Pub Date: 3/09/99