Michael called Larry Doughty, the Pirate general manager, last week and inquired about Bonds, but talks did not progress.

Jim Leyland, the Pirate manager, was even firmer: "The New York Yankees want Bobby Bonds.

Blass was sitting next to Murtaugh in the dugout at the time, and told the Pirate manager: "If you fine him (Robertson, for missing the bunt sign), I'll pay."

For the record, Murtaugh came back three times as Pirate manager and Weaver once in Baltimore.

While conceding that he spoke on Wednesday with Larry Doughty, the Pirate general manager, Michael said no names had been mentioned from the Yankees' end.

On Wednesday, both Doughty and Jim Leyland, the Pirate manager, said unequivocally they would not trade Bonds.

"He just might be as good as everyone says he was," said Gene Lamont, the Pirate manager.

The first hit by a Pirate was by catcher George Gibson, who eventually became a Pirate manager.

Stargell worked as a coach with the Atlanta Braves before the dismissal of Manager Chuck Tanner, one of his former Pirate managers.

"It has to be obvious, but this one was obvious," the Pirate manager, Jim Leyland, said.