Reds Showing Signs of Dissension

An apparent rift has developed between Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott and leaders of the team’s baseball operations, including Manager Pete Rose.

Batting coach Billy DeMars, whom Rose hand-picked in 1985, voiced his his displeasure with the club recently when asked to share coaching duties with first-base coach Tony Perez, and announced he will leave at the end of the season.

“It didn’t come from me,� said Rose, when asked who had first suggested that Perez take over at least part of the batting coach job.

DeMars, one of the best-paid hitting coaches (reportedly making about $80,000 a year), announced his decision to quit last week after General Manager Bill Bergesch asked Perez to help work with some of the team’s hitters.

Bergesch declined to comment when asked if Schott had directed him to restructure the batting instructor’s role.

Schott denied any role in the DeMars matter and refused to comment further.

Said Rose: “She seems like she has never liked Billy because of the money he makes. He’s the highest-paid coach in baseball, if I’m not mistaken. He should be. He’s reached the top of his profession.�