Schedule Revamped by Owners

Baseball owners approved a 1999 schedule format Thursday at Chicago that will increase interleague games for some teams and switch the American League to an unbalanced schedule for the first time since 1976.

The Dodgers and Angels will play six games against each other next year, an increase of two. Other rivalries increased to six are the Mets and Yankees, Giants and Athletics, and Blue Jays and Expos.

But because of scheduling difficulties in both Central divisions, it appears the Cubs and White Sox will still only have three games against each other, Katy Feeney, NL senior vice president said.

Under a balanced schedule, each team plays approximately the same number of games against each opponent in its league. Under an unbalanced schedule, there are more games against rivals in the same division.

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The Milwaukee Brewers’ John Jaha pleaded guilty Wednesday night to drunk driving and speeding charges in suburban Elm Grove, Wis., on May 15.

Jaha was fined $783 and his driving privileges were suspended for six months.

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Controversy surrounds the Historic Commission in Kennett Square, Pa., which wants to erect a statue of former Phillie General Manager Herb Pennock commemorating the 50th anniversary of his induction to the Hall of Fame.

Some people in town don’t want to see it happen because Pennock’s Phillies were regarded at one time as among the most racist teams in baseball, hurling racial insults at Jackie Robinson during their first trip to Brooklyn in 1947.

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Right-handed pitcher Jason Bere, who was unhappy about a move to the bullpen, was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox have 10 days to trade the pitcher, release him, or send him to the minors.

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The St. Louis Cardinals activated Royce Clayton from the disabled list and put second baseman Delino DeShields on the disabled list because of an injured left knee.

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New York Met reliever John Franco was suspended for three games and fined for bumping an umpire during a game against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. Franco is appealing the decision.

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After nine months of discussions, baseball boosters in Charlotte, N.C. have given the Minnesota Twins 30 days to decide if they want to stay in Minneapolis or head south.

Charlotte-area officials need to know the team’s plans by month’s end to prepare Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, S.C., by next season and to put together a deal on a downtown Charlotte ballpark, partnership chairman Johnny Harris said.