41.   Cal Ripken could start swinging a bat for the first time this spring in the next week.

42.   Coming back from season-ending knee surgery, the Houston star has been plunked seven times this spring.

43.   Corn planting and soybean field preparation should accelerate this weekend as the Midwest enjoys several warm, dry days for the first time this spring.

44.   Defense Minister David Collenette has said an inquiry will be held some time this spring.

45.   Everett worked out with the Red Sox for the first time this spring Wednesday, loosening up on the field and practicing his swing against a pitching machine.

46.   However, the terms of the sale and start of bidding were postponed several times this spring.

47.   It was the third time this spring that Sampras has failed to get past the first round of a clay-court event.

48.   Late-arriving star player and strong-willed, no-nonsense manager met for the first time this spring.

49.   Reynolds, who had knee surgery in December, was pitching in a game for only the second time this spring.

50.   That punishment came one day after Everett missed the team bus for the second time this spring.