Strange But True

"I'm terribly disappointed," said Larry Laukka, who leads the group developing the $4.5 million walkway. "I'll have to lick my wounds. But I'll get over it."

For weeks, the issue has bedeviled those at the university and beyond who care a great deal about such things. English professors, e-mailers from across the United States and even the Apostrophe Protection Society of England offered advice.

Laukka argued to board members of the nonprofit University Gateway Corp. that an apostrophe would add distinction by suggesting it is owned by those it honors.

That argument didn't work. The board voted 4-1 against the punctuation mark.

The board worried that the apostrophe would make the four-block walkway appear exclusive at a time the university wants to be inclusive. It might even mean adding apostrophes to Regents Professors Square and a Professors Lane.

"Apostrophes would be out of control!" said board member Margaret Carlson.

Baseball player auction

ST. LOUIS - Wanted: Someone at least 18 years old itching to take a crack at playing in a professional baseball game. Glove, shoes and deep pockets required. Chewing tobacco not included.

Minor league baseball's River City Rascals of the independent Frontier League are auctioning off a one-day professional contract on eBay to benefit United Way. The auction, which began April 28, runs through Sunday night.

The highest bidder gets at least one trip to the batter's box and a guaranteed half inning in the outfield May 20 when the Rascals host the Gateway Grizzles. The winner also will receive 20 tickets to the game and a uniform. The jersey - No. 00 - and hat are theirs to keep.

The player, however, is on the hook for his or her own glove, shoes, transportation, meals, any housing or possible groin pull.

Bidders of either gender are welcome, though neither should expect treatment with kid gloves from the opposing pitcher.

If you're a pitcher, "you don't want to take it easy on some schmo and give up a hit," said Allen Gossett, assistant general manager of the Rascals. "They'll bring the heat."

As of midday Wednesday, the only bid was $999.