– Oops: The Cubs already angered many in Chicago`s Jewish community by scheduling a night game for April 9, when Passover starts at sundown. But now, they`re going to hear even more complaints because that game with Philadelphia has become the season-opener, and-at last word-it`s remaining a 7:05 p.m. start. It`s a good thing Kenny Holtzman is no longer the Cubs` pitching ace.
– Changing Sox?: If the White Sox wait to work in their extra games later this season, they`re left with a home-opener for the afternoon of Friday the 13th. Bad luck? Maybe, but it`s the first home game on their schedule after everyone starts playing April 9. Interestingly, the game on the 13th with Cleveland already was scheduled to be a day game on WGN-TV. That`s perfect for a home-opener.
– Making his point: Is B.J. Armstrong`s maturation as a point guard in the National Basketball Association inhibited by having Michael Jordan as a teammate? You sort of got that feeling listening to B.J. at Monday`s weekly sports dinner in Red Kerr`s Restaurant. Armstrong said he feels ”most comfortable” on the floor as a point guard when Jordan is out of the game.
”It`s a big transition not only coming to the pro ranks, but playing with the greatest player in the world,” said B.J. ”He can do everything. How do I tell him, `Pass the ball.` ”
– Jumping Jim: Nike officials say they`ll terminate their $150,000 endorsement contract with Jim Valvano if he`s no longer basketball coach at North Carolina State. But, hey-and here`s a big surprise-they`ll be willing to work out a new deal with Valvano if he gets a job in the NBA or becomes a broadcaster. Meanwhile, ESPN will announce soon Lyle Alzado has replaced Valvano as host of its ”Lighter Side of Sports” show. The network and the coach had decided to part company before anyone knew of a possible point-shaving scandal, but insiders say N.C. State`s probation didn`t help ratings.
– A real Boiler: Let`s hope Gene Keady`s parents didn`t see film clips of his angry fist-slamming exhibition after Purdue`s NCAA loss. At a press conference several weeks ago in Chicago, Keady said: ”My folks in California bought a satellite dish and whenever I get out of line I can always expect a call from them, telling me: `We didn`t raise our son that way.` ” The coach knows he has a temper. ”Sometimes after a game, I`ll be sitting on the bus 10 minutes later and wonder why I acted the way I did,” he said. He`s trying, folks. Honest.
– Top banana: Sometimes it`s hard to believe outdoor pro-soccer games in the U.S. regularly drew crowds of more than 40,000 in the now-defunct North American Soccer League. With the U.S. finally in a World Cup, will it mean a comeback for an outdoor pro league? Rick Davis, once considered top banana among U.S. players as a member of the NASL`s New York Cosmos, isn`t so sure.
”The outdoor game is growing in every phase, but it`s hard to say whether
(qualifying) will mean a strong pro league. I just don`t see the big crowds like we used to get happening for a long, long time.” Davis, a former U.S. team captain, was in Chicago to make an appearance for Chiquita Soccer. How will we do in the Cup? Said Davis: ”We might take some serious lumps, but for now it`s just important we`re there and finally competitive in our region. Who knows? It`s the American way to dream. Maybe we can do something like the hockey team did in the Olympics.”
– Big D: The Cowboys` quarterback situation is getting juicier than the
”Dallas” TV show. Troy Aikman, supposedly the club`s QB of The Future, is said to be upset over QB coach Jerry Rhome`s flight to the Cardinals. The situation was compounded by David Shula, son of Dolphin coach Don Shula, being named Rhome`s replacement. The younger Shula is tight with backup QB Steve Walsh-and nobody ever has been able to figure out satisfactorily why the Cowboys shelled out millions for Aikman and then picked up Walsh in the supplemental draft. If you`re still with me on this, here`s an added element: The Cowboys shopped Walsh around the league, but he nixed a trade to the Vikings.
– Scribbling: Michael Chang is a late entry into the Chicago Volvo tennis tournament March 27-April 1 in the Pavilion. His interest in coming may have a little something to do with the fact he recently signed with Pro-Serv, which is running the event. . . . Pacers star Reggie Miller hosts ”Teen Talk,” a locally produced cable TV show in Indianapolis dealing with topical teen subjects. Said Miller: ”The hardest part for me is ad-libbing the 45-second monologue.” Guests have included Magic Johnson, New Kids on the Block and Florence Griffith Joyner. . . . Mike Ditka, honorary chairman of Leon`s QEM National Championship Triathlon, is scheduled to announce details of the Aug. 12 event Tuesday at his restaurant in Merrillville, Ind. . . . Former White Sox announcer Don Drysdale returns to Chicago to sign copies of his new book, ”Once a Bum, Always a Dodger,” on Friday in the Kroch`s & Brentano`s at 29 S. Wabash Ave. The book is co-authored by The Tribune`s Bob Verdi.
– And finally: No matter which four teams make it to the NCAA finals in Denver, here`s a warning. Earlier this month, the McNichols Arena roof sprung a leak and so far one Nugget game has been delayed because of dripping water.
