BY MIKE UNGER

Many people have heard of the famous baseball player, turned author, turned baseball player, Chico Escuela; but very few have heard of Rodrigo Gomez.

Gomez started his career throwing rocks through windows in beautiful downtown San Juan. His batting style was developed by smashing bulls over the head with logs. It seems Rodrigo's uncle was a local matador who had less trouble when the bulls were already dizzy (no thanks to Rodrigo). But seriously, this fine Latino youngster grew up playing stickball on busy street corners. When his brother was mowed down by a blue '67 Chevy with decals, airshocks, and fringe balls while diving headfirst into the sewer cover that represented second base, Rodrigo vowed that he would become the best ballplayer to emerge from the streets. This vendetta was all the motivating force Gomez needed.

After a brief appearance in the Mexican Little League (where, by the way, they take a seventh inning siesta) Rodrigo moved up to the Mexican minors. Batting .450 and having one error in two seasons, Gomez was unanimously chosen athlete of the century by the local honchos. Rodrigo was forced to refuse thousands of offers to turn pro because he wished to participate in the San Chepopa Park District amateur Tourney of Teotan. Each member of the winning team received an authentic copy of a stainless steel plated statuette of the cactus god, Teotan.

After a thrilling 47‑2 victory in the tournament over the Plajaja Players, Rodrigo turned pro. The Yankees paid him a $750,000 a year, on a 20‑year, no‑cut contract. Their efforts appeared to be in vain as Gomez pulled every ligament in his knees in the first game of spring training. Twenty‑three operations could not save the 17‑year‑old ballplayer. Thus ended Gomez' career. This reporter had a chance to talk to Rodrigo as he rested in his 40‑room mansion. His only comment was, "Bazeball has been berry, berry, good to me."