The fear that the field for next week's Greater Baltimore Classic would be negatively affected by its proximity in both time and place to the U.S. Senior Open did not become a reality.

Tournament director Brian Thompson and executive director Ray Doue announced yesterday that the $1.45 million event, which is scheduled for June 21-23 at Hayfields Country Club in Hunt Valley, has attracted eight of the top 10 players and 21 of the top 25 on the senior tour money list.

"We're thrilled to death with our field," Thompson said yesterday. "At the end of the day, having the Open helped our field."

The Senior Open will be held June 27-30 at Caves Valley.

Aside from defending champion Allen Doyle, the field for the Greater Baltimore Classic will include Bruce Fleisher, who lost to Doyle in a playoff last year, as well as Jim Thorpe, John Jacobs, Gary McCord, 1999 champion Christy O'Connor Jr., Gary Player and Chi Chi Rodriguez.

Thompson said 80,000 tickets have been distributed and that a number of locally based companies - primarily MBNA, Aegon and McCormick Foods - have joined MasterCard to help foot the bill for a tournament that lost its title sponsor, State Farm, after last year's event.

"They stepped up and really made it work," said Thompson.

There will be several activities in conjunction with next week's tournament, including a youth clinic given by Thorpe.

Thompson said there will also be a "Heroes Weekend." during which anyone showing identification as an emergency-service worker, firefighter, police officer or member of the military will be admitted free, along with a guest.

Greater Baltimore Classic

When:June 21-23

Where: Hayfields Country Club, Hunt Valley

Par: 36-36-72

Length:7,031 yards

Purse:$1.45 million, with $217,500 to winner

2001 winner:Allen Doyle

Tickets:1-day grounds badge, $30; 5-day pass including Pro-Am events, $85. For information: 410-584-9382.