Frank Leaves the Frank
Mons Trade for Robinson
ST. MIRREN, Scotland -- Washington Monuments GM Doug Aiton--apparently not satisfied with three pennants and two UL championships in the last three years--sent a strong signal today that his Washington Monuments are out for more glory in 1973 by trading for the league's highest paid player, slugging outfielder Frank Robinson.  Robinson was signed to a $17.1 million/2 year deal by the Brooklyn Superbas last season, in a speculative deal that Superbas' fans claim crippled the club's finances without any tangible gain on the field or in the standings.

Robinson, 37, ruptured a ligament in his leg on the next to last day of the 1971 season, and played only 96 games last year, hitting .277-19-53, but finishing strong.  He bolsters a Washington lineup that was slightly above average in overall run production, but fourth from the bottom in home runs.  He also brings 17 years of UL experience to one of the youngest clubhouses in the circuit.  The Mons gave up their first round pick (10th overall), a fourth round pick, and three minor league pitchers, most notably 29-year-old reliever Chuck Hartenstein.

Washington was in the enviable position of coming into 1973 with a championship caliber roster and plenty of money in the bank, with which to improve it.  Speaking in a press conference from his home in St. Mirren, Scotland, Aiton said the trade will "hopefully give us a boost in holding off my rivals until the great expansion shakeup."  For his part, Robinson is thrilled to back on a contending team.  Frank played 16 seasons in Los Angeles, including the 1968 pennant-winning side, before going into exile at Frank Thomas Memorial Stadium last season.
 

Voyageurs Unveiled
Montreal Breaks Ground on Ballpark
MONTREAL, Que. -- Montreal sports legends
Maurice "Rocket" Richard of the NHL Canadiens and Pierre Desjardins of the CFL Alouettes were among the dignitaries present today when Charles Bronfman and other principal owners of the UL's 13th club held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new home.  The Stade Parc Jarry will seat 28,456 when it is completed next March in an urban park in the Villeray neighborhood 4km northwest of downtown Montreal.  The stadium will feature symmetrical dimensions--103 meters down the lines, 112 meters in the gaps, and 128 meters to hit a "coup de circuit" to straightaway center--and a swimming pool in the city park just beyond the right field fence.

The owners also unveiled the name, logo and colors of the club.  The Montreal Voyageurs--named after the fabled fur-traders of colonial New France--will wear claret and sky blue.  The master of ceremonies for the event was Jean-Pierre Roy, a French-Canadian pitcher who appeared in three major league games in 1946 and who will be the Francophone play-by-play man for radio and television.  The club has already sold nearly 4,000 season tickets through its "Club Arrêt-court" or "Shortstop Club".  Brooklyn GM Glen Reed, who will take the reins of the Voyageurs at the end of this season, could scarcely contain his enthusiasm.  "Claret and blue kicks ass!" he exclaimed, to no one in particular.