League

Joe Schooley stepped into the batter's box and into the biggest moment of his life. It was the bottom of the sixth inning. The game was tied, 6-6. The 1983 Little League state baseball championship was on the line. Talk about pressure for a 12-year-old. To make matters worse, Schooley had to wait. Playing for Cherry Hill American, Schooley watched as Morristown brought in a new pitcher to face him. The pitcher was uncomfortable with the mound, causing a five-minute delay that felt closer to 45 minutes for Schooley.

The NFL's dispute with retired players over the risks and impact of concussions unfolded Tuesday in Philadelphia on two distinct, but perhaps equally important, battlegrounds. The first was a seventh-floor courtroom at the federal courthouse, where lawyers for the league and players sparred over if, when, and how the NFL bears responsibility for head trauma that players may have suffered during years of violent collisions. The second emerged in a hotel conference room several blocks away.

LITTLE EGG HARBOR, N.J. - Opening Day had all the usual signs of a good time for youth baseball and softball for the Bay Shore Athletic Association here Saturday. The weather was nice - 50s and sunny - the mayor threw out the first pitch, teams raced onto the field for the opening ceremony, "Call Me Maybe" boomed from the loudspeakers, and volunteers grilled burgers and franks. But there was something extra this year: boxes full of free helmets, gloves, hats, cleats, and other equipment donated by a Harleysville, Pa., nonprofit that is helping youth leagues affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The Union League of Philadelphia wants to buy Cherry Hill's bankrupt Woodcrest Country Club and continue to operate it as a golf course, an attorney for the Center City institution said Monday. Edmond George said the league planned to bid on the club at a public auction scheduled for May 20. A Marlton real estate group has entered into an agreement with a bankruptcy trustee to buy the club for $6.25 million, an offer that will serve as the minimum bid. Under terms approved Monday by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Judith H. Wizmur, interested buyers will have to bid at least $100,000 above the offer made by Cherry Hill Land Associates L.L.C., a subsidiary of First Montgomery Group.

HOUSTON - Rick Ankiel and the Houston Astros made an impressive debut in the American League, trouncing the Texas Rangers, 8-2, on Sunday night in the major league opener and giving Bo Porter a win in his first game as a manager. Ankiel launched a pinch-hit three-run shot for the first home run this season, Bud Norris pitched well for the win and Erik Bedard threw 31/3 scoreless innings for his first career save. Having switched from the National League to the AL in the offseason, the Astros earned their first opening-day victory since 2006 and the 4,000th regular-season win in franchise history.

The Union League of Philadelphia wants to buy Cherry Hill's bankrupt Woodcrest Country Club and continue to operate it as a golf course, an attorney for the Center Center institution said Monday. Attorney Edmond George told U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Judith H. Wizmur the League intends to bid on what was known as a traditionally Jewish country club when it is sold at public auction, now set for May 20. A Marlton real estate group has already entered into an agreement with a bankruptcy trustee to buy the club for $6.25 million, an offer that will serve as the minimum bid for the auction.

  Price could be pricey Justin Verlander set the market with his $200 million contract. So what does that mean for David Price, who edged him for the Cy Young last season? And a better question may be, what does it mean for his budget-conscious employer, the Tampa Bay Rays? Price, 27, will be a free agent after the 2015 season. If the Rays believe they can't afford a long-term extension, they may dangle him in the trade market this season to maximize their return. A midsummer bidding war for Price could turn the season upside down.

Capital concerns Unburdened by expectations, the young Washington Nationals rolled to baseball's best record last season, arriving to prominence ahead of schedule. They won't get a free ride this time. A Washington newspaper ran a picture of the World Series trophy on the cover of its season preview, along with the words, "World Series or Bust. " The heat will be on phenom Bryce Harper to avoid a sophomore slump, and Stephen Strasburg's rebuilt right elbow will have to last an entire season, and maybe deep into October.