July 2, 2000
Hubert Mizell
Williams saga develops nicely
WIMBLEDON, England -- In their unique maturation, the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena -- noisy, trademark beads now gone -- are constantly writing new, intriguing scripts for a fresh-era version of Father Knows Best.
Devil Rays
An ignoble first: Coach Hatcher gets thrown out
ST. PETERSBURG -- Devil Rays third-base coach Billy Hatcher never had a chance to see the seventh-inning melee that ended with the ejections of Rays second baseman Bobby Smith and Yankees catcher Jorge Posada.
Tino hopes big game signals big breakout
The Yankees first baseman and Tampa native provides a rare highlight with a bases-loaded double to key rout.
McGriff's play quells critics
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Devil Rays' decision last fall to re-sign Fred McGriff was met with considerable skepticism and some pointed criticism.
Motorsports
Jeff Burton holds on for win
Dale Jarrett can't find a way past in the closing laps after Burton blocks him on a restart at the Pepsi 400.
Bump into wall ends strong run for Elliott
Passes prove car's strength, but untimely wreck halts chance for first victory since '94.
No sponsor is no problem for Benson
DAYTONA BEACH -- Put Johnny Benson on NASCAR's most famous track and give him a dash of sponsor controversy, and he transforms from an afterthought to a major player.
Arena football
Storm keeps Orlando from clinching South Division
In front of 14,047, Tampa Bay upsets the Predators 50-36.
Olympics
Recovery bears tae kwon do Olympian
You must sleep before you can dream. In Barb Kunkel's case, a little anesthesia was required.
Mutiny
Up-and-down Mutiny is down-and-out 2-0
Tampa Bay bungles a chance to take sole possession of the division lead.
Baseball
Burkett on a roll with Braves
NEW YORK -- The cop tries to stop John Burkett in the corridor, wanting to know who he is and what right he has being here. Sometimes Burkett wonders about that himself.
Pinellas teams start road to World Series
This is where dreams begin.
Ex-Tiger proves worth after trade to Houston
Everything seemed to be set up perfectly for Marc Valdes.
Phillie pays big price to live out his dream
Josue Perez is working his way up Philadelphia's system but hasn't seen most of his family in two years.
Outdoors
Captain's corner
Traffic at our already overcrowded public boat ramps is certain to increase during the Fourth of July holiday. Being considerate of others will help keep cool heads even in the hottest conditions.
Sinkings to increase reef activity in area
Scuba divers have long considered the east coast a blue water paradise because of the dozens of ships, barges and airplanes sunk as artificial reefs.
Bait choice matters in fishing big bass
If you are looking for excitement, fish for bass with a topwater bait. Nothing beats the thrill of watching a fat largemouth hammer a plug as it skirts along the surface on a summer morning.
