1.   His knee-joints cracked with the effort and he stretched his stiff back, feeling old, spent.

2.   Doubtless there were a few stiff backs and aching muscles to contend with after it was all finished.

3.   Although Hoch officially listed a stiff back as his reason for withdrawal, he did not mention that to tournament director Lon Fellenz.

4.   Angels second baseman Luis Alicea, who has missed the previous four games with a stiff back, was eligible to play but was not in the lineup....

5.   -- BOB CARPENTER missed practice because of a stiff back, but said he would play against the Flyers.

6.   About three years ago, Yardley had a stiff back.

7.   But it was Brown who continued to shine despite a stiff back and other ailments.

8.   Clemens left his last start with a stiff back, but the back did not bother him Monday.

9.   DH Jose Canseco missed his second game in a row with a stiff lower back.