by John Kekis

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP)—Andre Dawson left a lasting impression on the ballfield with his true grit and sense of integrity. His eloquent speech upon entering the pantheon of baseball’s greatest stars likely won’t soon be forgotten, either.

At his induction July 25 into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Dawson charmed the audience with a series of jokes, praised the game that gave him a chance in life, chastised those who tarnished its image, and lamented that many loved ones were not present to share his joy.

‘HAWK’ ENSHRINED—Andre Dawson delivers his Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech during a ceremony at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y., July 25.

“Thank you for welcoming this rookie to your team” said Dawson, who played for a decade in Montreal before signing with the Chicago Cubs in 1987 as a free agent. “It’s an honor beyond words. I didn’t play this game with this goal in mind, but I’m living proof that if you love this game, the game will love you back. I am proof that any young person who can hear my voice right now can be standing here as I am.”

(AP)—The first thing to remember about the trial unfolding this week in Louisville is that Rick Pitino is a witness, not a defendant.

The next thing to remember is that Pitino is no saint, either.

Oh, sure, he looks like one on the University of Louisville website, where he was pictured in action earlier this month shaking hands with soldiers returning from Iraq. The troops seemed awfully impressed that Pitino would take a break from sitting in a gym watching potential recruits to welcome them home.

(AP)—Pimps?

Really, Nick.

If agents are no better than pimps, what does that make you and all those other suddenly sanctimonious college coaches who lie to kids while recruiting them in the first place?

Nick Saban took home $4 million or so last year from Alabama, which has collected more probation-worthy violations (three) than any other high-profile football program in the country over the last two decades. The SEC used to be the runaway leader in the category but was doing a pretty good job cleaning itself up.

SEC MEDIA DAY—Alabama coach Nick Saban talks to the media during the Southeastern Conference Media Days July 21, in Hoover, Ala.

PITTSBURGH– UPMC Sports Medicine will host a single session of pre-season physical examinations for high school athletes participating in the 2010-11 fall, winter and spring sports seasons. The exams will be conducted by UPMC primary care sports medicine physicians with the assistance of certified athletic trainers. Physicals will begin at 8 a.m., Sat, July 31, at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine, 3200 S. Water St., South Side.

The cost is $30 for UPMC-contracted schools or $35 for non-contracted schools. Payment is by cash or check only.

Physical examinations, required by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association for high school sports participation, can help to identify any pre-existing medical conditions for musculoskeletal problems in young, growing athletes.

To participate, individuals must pre-register by calling (412) 432-3770. Students must attend with a parent or guardian and bring any paperwork required by their respective schools.