Los Angeles Times - 04.04.2020

D2 SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020 LATIMES.COM/SPORTS

TIME EVENT ON THE AIR BASEBALL 6 a.m. 1980, Dodgers at San Francisco TV:SNLA 7 a.m. 2014 All-Star game, at Minneapolis TV:MLB Network 8:30 a.m. 1995, San Francisco at Dodgers TV:SNLA 9 a.m. 2015, Home Run Derby TV:MLB Network Noon 2001, World Series, Game 7, N.Y. Yankees at Arizona

TV: 11

12:30 p.m. 2004, San Francisco at Dodgers TV:SNLA 1 p.m. 2016, Home Run Derby TV:MLB Network 3 p.m. 2016 All-Star game, at San Diego TV:MLB Network 4 p.m. 2009, San Francisco at Dodgers TV:SNLA 4 p.m. 2001, World Series, Game 7, N.Y. Yankees at Arizona

TV:FS

BASKETBALL 8 a.m. 2006, Western Conference semifinals, Game 7, Dallas at San Antonio

TV:NBA

11 a.m. 2008, NBA Finals, Game 6, Lakers at Boston TV: 7 2 p.m. 1998, Eastern Conference semifinals, Game 7, Indiana at Chicago

TV:NBA

5 p.m. 2010, NBA Finals, Game 7, Boston at Lakers TV:NBA 7 p.m. 2016, Utah at Lakers TV:SpecSN 7:30 p.m. 2019, Oklahoma City at Clippers TV:Prime 8 p.m. 2000, Western Conference finals, Game 7, Portland vs Lakers

TV:NBA

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 10 a.m. 1997, NCAA final, Arizona vs. Kentucky TV:CBSSN Noon 2012, NCAA final, Kentucky vs. Kansas TV:CBSSN 2 p.m. 1988, NCAA final, Kansas vs. Oklahoma TV:CBSSN 4 p.m. 2003, NCAA final, Syracuse vs. Kansas TV:CBSSN COLLEGE FOOTBALL 10 a.m. 1982, USC at UCLA TV:Pac- 1 p.m. 2009, Arizona at Arizona State TV:Pac- 3 p.m. 1988, USC at UCLA TV:Pac- GOLF 10 a.m. 2019, Women, Augusta National Amateur Championship

TV: 4

12:30 p.m. 2019, Valero Texas Open, third round TV: 4 2 p.m. 2019, LPGA ANA Inspiration Championship, third round

TV:Golf

6 p.m. 2019, Women, Augusta National Amateur Championship, final round

TV:Golf

HOCKEY 9 a.m. 2018, N.Y. Rangers at Buffalo TV:NHL 2 p.m. 2020, St. Louis at Vegas TV:NHL 7:30 p.m. 2020, Ottawa at Kings TV:FSW HORSE RACING 10:30 a.m. America’s Day at the Races TV:FS 1 p.m. Trackside Live! TV:NBCSN 6 p.m. The Quarters, Los Alamitos TV:TVG PREP FOOTBALL 3 p.m. 1998, Division I championship, Long Beach Poly vs. Santa Ana Mater Dei

TV:Prime

PRO FOOTBALL 4 p.m. 2010, Pittsburgh at Baltimore TV:NBCSN 6:30 p.m. 2011, New Orleans at Green Bay TV:NBCSN SOCCER 8 a.m. 2019, Germany, Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen

TV:FOXD

8 a.m. 2006, Spain, Barcelona vs. Real Madrid TV:beinES 9:30 a.m. 2020, England, Liverpool vs. West Ham TV:Unvso 10 a.m. 2012, Spain, Real Madrid vs. La Coruna TV:beinES Noon 2013, Spain, Atletico Madrid vs. Valencia TV:bein 1 p.m. 2019, Mexico, Tijuana vs. America TV:FOXD TENNIS Noon 2019, Miami Open, men’s singles final, women’s singles semifinals

TV:Tennis

TODAY ON THE AIR

In his debut with the Boston Red Sox, former Dodgers
star Hideo Nomo pitched a no-hitter on this date in 2001
against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. He joined
Cy Young, Jim Bunning and Nolan Ryan as the only pitchers
to throw no-hitters in the American and National leagues.
Nomo’s first no-hitter was in 1996 for the Dodgers at Co-
ors Field against the Colorado Rockies.
In auto racing, Mario Andretti, 53, became the oldest
driver to win an IndyCar race when he crossed the finish line
first in the 1993 Valvoline 200 at Phoenix International Race-
way. Although it was Andretti’s last IndyCar race, it made
him the first driver to win in four different decades.
In games involving local teams that were canceled be-
cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, on Saturday the Lakers
were to play the Kings at Sacramento, a team they had beat-
en twice this season, and the Clippers were to host the Okla-
homa City Thunder, whom they had beaten twice in three
games.
The Kings and Ducks would each have ended their regu-
lar seasons, the Kings playing host to the Dallas Stars at
Staples Center and the Ducks finishing up against the
Sharks in San Jose.
And in baseball, the Dodgers were to play a day game
against the Giants in San Francisco while the Angelsand
Houston Astros would have met in a night affair in Anaheim.

::

Here is a look at memorable games and outstanding
sports performances on this date:

8 1937 — Byron Nelson wins the Masters and his first major
by two strokes over Ralph Guldahl, firing a 70 in the final
round at Augusta National. Nelson takes the lead after his
eagle on the par-five 13th hole.

8 1983 —Lorenzo Charles scores on a dunk after Dereck
Whittenburg’s 35-foot desperation shot falls short to give
North Carolina State a 54-52 win over Houston in the NCAA
championship game. Thurl Bailey leads coach Jim Valvano’s
Wolfpack with 15 points.

8 1987 —The New York Islanders’ Denis Potvin, then the
highest-scoring defenseman in NHL history, gets his 1,000th
point when he scores his second goal against the Buffalo
Sabres.

8 1993 —Sheryl Swoopes shatters the women’s champi-
onship record by scoring 47 points to lead Texas Tech to an
84-82 victory over Ohio State. Swoopes makes her first seven
shots, and the Red Raiders hang on to secure the school’s
first NCAA title in any sport.

8 1998 —Mark McGwire ties Willie Mays’ NL record by hit-
ting a home run in each of his first four games. McGwire
drives a towering three-run shot in the sixth inning of an 8-
win over the San Diego Padres.

8 2003 —Toronto coach Lenny Wilkens sets the NBA record
for most career losses when the Raptors fall to the San Anto-
nio Spurs 124-98. Wilkens, who is in his 30th year as an NBA
coach, was already the winningest coach with 1,292 victories.

8 2005 —Dmitri Young becomes the third player to hit three
home runs on opening day, leading Detroit over Kansas City
11-2. George Bell and Tuffy Rhodes also accomplished the
feat, Bell for Toronto in 1988 and Rhodes for the Chicago
Cubs in 1994.

8 2011 —Kemba Walker scores 16 points and Alex Oriakhi has
11 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead Con-
necticut to a 53-41 win over Butler in the NCAA final. Coach
Jim Calhoun wins his third title.

Sources: The Times, Associated Press

SPORTS ON APRIL 4

Nomo tosses no-no

in his Red Sox debut

By John Scheibe

Entering a fourth week without live sports broad- casts you might have noticed a trend when tuning into ESPN or Fox Sports out of habit this weekend. Whether it’s FS1 broad- casting NASCAR iRacing, ESPN televising “NBA2K” games or both networks showing WWE program- ming, the only form of live — or live to tape — entertain- ment resembling sports during this global pandemic are esports and professional wrestling. Of course, pro wrestling is scripted drama with fictional characters and predetermined results, but with sports around the world shut down and everyone stuck at home practic- ing social distancing, there’s something almost cathartic about watching WWE champion Brock Lesnar body slamming Drew McIn- tyre in the middle of aring. This weekend the WWE is hosting WrestleMania, the Super Bowl of pro wrestling, which was origi- nally slated to take place at Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It would have been the 14th consecutive

WrestleMania held at a football stadium with a capacity of at least 70,000. Next year’s event is slated to take place at SoFi Stadium, the new home of the Rams and Chargers under con- struction in Inglewood. With the COVID-19 pandemic, though, WrestleMa- nia will take place on closed sets in and around the WWE’s training facility in Orlando, Fla., this weekend. The two-night event will be hosted by former New Eng- land Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. The spotlight currently turning to esports and wrestling has been interesting to watch for WWE stars Cesaro and Xavier Woods. Both wrestlers have spent most of their time away from the ring playing video games for years and have their own Twitch channels they use to stream themselves playing games to a global audience. “What we do in wrestling is we travel the world and connect with people and I think video games and esports does the same thing,” Cesaro said. “It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, we can play games together and we can watch wrestling together.” Woods feels like this could be a moment for the rest of the world to discover the same passion for video

games and wrestling that he and many of his fellow “nerds” have enjoyed for years. “So many people are wondering what they’re going to do at home, but my basement is pretty much an arcade so I haven’t gone stir crazy at all,” Woods said. “If you liked video games and wrestling as a kid, when you became a teenager and got to high school, everyone wanted to party. If you’re watching wrestling or playing video games you probably got made fun of. People who are die-hard fans of both now are people that got through that and continued doing what they love. “We’re all the same kind of nerd. Now something that we’ve enjoyed our whole lives is the only live enter- tainment option.” Cesaro hasn’t just spent time at home playing video games. He and Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward recently invested in Tribe Gaming, a mobile- gaming company founded by gaming influencer Pat- rick “Chief Pat” Carney in 2017. “Gaming is in a really interesting spot right now,” Carney said. “Not just from a television standpoint but we’ve been seeing with people working from home, playing ‘Fortnite’ together is the new happy hour. I think

that’s fascinating that gaming has become the new ‘let’s grab a coffee or drink’ during this time.” Not only are esports and pro wrestling getting prime placement on sports networks during this social- distancing period, but sports wagering sites, which are looking for any events that fans can wager on, are placing odds and taking bets on both with fairly low limits on each, especially with the WWE’s predetermined results. “We have been working day and night to get up as much as we can for people to have some fun with during these isolation times,” said BetOnline sports book manager Adam Burns. “ ‘NBA2K’ has seen an in- credible amount of bets. Limits are not huge. It’s $ for ‘NBA2K’ and $100 for WWE. But people are having fun with it.” Woods is hopeful that new fans of esports and pro wrestling during this time will continue to follow both when normality returns and traditional sports come back. “I hope after everything settles down people remem- ber what video games and wrestling did,” Woods said. “When everything else was gone, video games and wrestling were still there for you and entertaining you.”

Pro wrestling and esports

get moment in the spotlight

ARASH MARKAZI

I was confused. It was my understanding that, during this dangerous time, COVID-19 tests would be given only to patients exhib- iting extreme symptoms of the disease, due to the pau- city of testing kits and lab facilities. But then The Times explained to me that Anthony Davis and his symptom-free teammates were all given the test, because of players on another team they played who tested positive, which they all slam-dunked. Thank you, L.A. Times, for helping me to understand how the testing protocols have changed. Bob Lentz Sylmar ::

Nice that all Lakers are COVID-19 symptom-free. Do the two Lakers who tested positive and never identified themselves know that they still may be carrying the virus and possibly may be infecting anyone who comes in contact with them? I sure hope so. Robert Bubnovich Irvine ::

The example that Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli are setting by paying full salaries to their over 2, full- and part-time employees during this terrible time is just tremendous leadership, and indicative of the first- class organization they are. I am proud to be a Ducks season-ticket holder since inception. It’s not just about the product on the ice, or on the field. It’s about how you treat people. Skeptics might say, “Well, hey, they are bil- lionaires, that’s easy to spend $10 or $20 million.” Many pro sports owners are cheaper than a 10-cent suit and treat their employees accordingly, and fellow NHL Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs is at the top of the list. Being rich doesn’t reflect what is in one’s heart. In times of stress, charac- ter rises to the top. The Sam- uelis’ heart is off the charts, and we are blessed to have them in our community. I hope other pro sports owners will follow their lead. Bob Kargenian Yorba Linda ::

The starting bid for lunch with Bill Walton might be steep at $7,500, but it is going to a good cause, COVID- relief. The greater challenge will be if you win, trying to get a word in edgewise during your meal. Wayne Muramatsu Cerritos ::

It would be fun to lunch with Bill Walton provided he was stillseated at least 6 feet away and out of earshot. David Marshall Santa Monica

::

I shared Bill Shaikin’s commentary on starting the season with the All-Star game at Dodger Stadium with my friend and Chi- cagoan, Harlan Stern. His reply: “Of course, the reporter seems a bit L.A.-centric, but that disguises the actual points of debate. Unlike 1981, when there had been some criteria, based on games already played that season, to legitimately choose All-Stars, no such criterion exists this year. Last year’s success or popularity is not usually the standard for rewarding a current season’s efforts. A showcase, maybe, but not with the Hollywood-compro- mised extravaganza that is suggested here. “The larger problem, here and everywhere, is the un- known. What happens if this too gets postponed, or if players, in various stages of shape, illness, etc., unlike 1981, are not all on board. Prema- ture position, at best. Silly, on a smaller scale, like Trump’s suggestion that all will be well by Easter.” Lou Pupich Newbury Park ::

Regarding the article of Andrew Heaney and games with no fans. Here is my response to taking in a game as though we’re kinda there. To feel like we’re at the game and watching the Dod- gers without fans we should: 1) Park in our driveways and charge ourselves $20. 2) Stand up and remove our hats for the national anthem. 3) Have peanut vendor Roger Owens throw bags into the empty stands. 4) Reinstate the phantom double play for social distancing. 5) Take a seventh-inning stretch and have Dieter Ruehle play “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” 6) Sit in our cars after the game for 45 minutes without moving. Gary Mandell Los Angeles ::

What I’d give right now for

the soothing, beautiful voice of Vin Scully. Hell, I’d even settle for Ross Porter. Marcelo Barreiro Manhattan Beach

It’s time for ... When the news first broke that the Dodgers could once again be seen on TV by the 70% of us who don’t either subscribe to or live in an area where Spectrum exists, I thought it to be a cruel April Fools joke. After all, during the course of the six-year blackout, those of us without access had endured not only the arro- gance and greed of the Dod- gers organization that could have righted the situation in year one, but as well with the deceit of those equally culpa- ble. There was Charter Com- munications CEO Thomas Rutledge who, in 2015 stated, “We want the Dodgers on every outlet and we are committed to making that hap- pen.” And then didn’t do it. There was MLB Commis- sioner Rob Manfred, who stated, “The Dodgers’ mas- sive fan base deserves to be able to watch Dodger games regardless of their choice of provider.” And then did nothing. So now that it appears that, if and when we have a baseball season, at long last we will be able to watch the Dodgers once again. You’ll forgive me if I say, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” Bill Waxman Simi Valley ::

After six years, the Dod- gers’ television blackout was finally lifted. However being the pessimist that I am, I have to believe that Spectrum was anticipating the possibil- ity of the season being canceled and committed to only a one-year deal. Jeff Hershow Woodland Hills ::

The Rams returned to Los Angeles after 37 years. Who cares? The Chargers returned to Los Angeles after 56 years. Who cares? The Dodgers will be on most TVs after seven years.

Who cares? Bob Munson Newbury Park ::

Who woulda thunk it? After six years as a DirecTV customer I can finally watch the Dodgers on TV. I am sorry to say that after six years I am now a loyal Angels fan. I may tune in to an occasional Dod- gers game, but after six years of no Dodgers games I will tune into Mike Trout and Joe Maddon. Bob Sands La Habra

Extra time Kudos to the NCAA for granting an extra year of eligibility for spring sports athletes. Apparently, however, many schools are con- cerned about the estimated $500,000 to $900,000 addi- tional costs the athletic departments will incur. Wouldn’t it be refreshing if the exorbitantly paid head football and basketball coaches volunteered to subsidize these deserving athletes? The coaches are always extol- ling how virtuous they are in creating a family environ- ment for student-athletes. Let them behave in a manner that reflects their rhetoric. Considering the millions they earn per season, their lifestyle would certainly not suffer. Dave Sanderson La Cañada Flintridge

Added to the list A book by Tim Tebow? Has no one among your many fine sportswriters ever read: “Bang the Drum Slowly,” by Mark Harris? “The Team- mates,” by David Halber- stam? Or “The Professional,” by W.C. Heinz? Gordon Cohn Long Beach ::

I think you missed a few titles that might be just a tad better than “Plaschke” by Plaschke: “Shoeless Joe,” by W.P. Kinsella. “Positively Fifth Street,” by James McManus. “Commander in Cheat,” by Rick Reilly And I’m guessing your avid readers will come up with a few more. Rhys Thomas Valley Glen ::

The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseud- onyms will not be used.

Mail:Sports Viewpoint Los Angeles Times 2300 E. Imperial Hwy. El Segundo, CA 90245 Email: [email protected]

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This will be a test for everyone

Los Angeles Times - 04.04.2020

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