
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 28, 1990                   TAG: 9003280213
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PHILADELPHIA                                LENGTH: Short

UMPIRES RETURNING TO WORK

Major-league umpires will report to work Friday, ending a week-long boycott of baseball exhibition games.

The umpires' union and the league presidents agreed Tuesday to let an arbitrator resolve their differences, including whether umpires should be paid for spring games canceled during the owners' 32-day lockout.

"We're delighted to see the umpires go back to work," said Richie Phillips, head of their union. "They need some work, particularly behind the plate, to get ready for the openers April 9."

The agreement was reached after prodding from U.S. District Judge Norma L. Shapiro, who was scheduled to hear arguments in the leagues' request for an injunction forcing the umpires to work.

The umpires began their boycott Monday to protest the way regular-season games were rescheduled after the lockout ended, saying they should have had a say in the process.

by CNB