Sports briefs for August 20, 2004

Friday, Aug. 20, 2004 | 9:32 a.m.

Race driver Baldwin killed in crash

Race car driver Tommy Baldwin was killed in a crash at Thompson International Speedway in Thompson, Conn., during a Featherlite modified race.

Baldwin, 57, of Moriches, N.Y., is the father of Tommy Baldwin Jr., the crew chief for Nextel Cup rookie star Kasey Kahne. The elder Baldwin died at Hubbard Hospital in Webster, Mass., after Thursday night's accident.

Tommy Baldwin Sr. tried to avoid a collision with several cars coming out of a turn, state police said. His car went into the infield and struck three cement blocks near a light post.

State police said Baldwin's car was struck by a second car, driven by Ronald Silk, that had gone out of control and ended up in the infield. The 150-lap NASCAR race was postponed after 10 laps because of the accident and late hour.

Police said they would work in with NASCAR officials in the investigation. Both vehicles were taken to the state police barracks in Danielson.

Stanford going fast

Stanford won't need to use Santa Clara University as their temporary home court in December after all. Athletic director Ted Leland said Thursday the $30 million renovation of Maples Pavilion is ahead of schedule and basketball games will be held there in December.

Teen charged

A 15-year-old boy was charged with murder in the shooting death of a high school football star in Richmond, Calif., last week. Darren Ray Pratcher was expected to be arraigned today in Contra Costa Superior Court for the shooting of Terrance Kelly, according to Contra Costa Deputy District Attorney Tom O'Connor.

Comeback for Bowe

Former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe is coming out of retirement after a 17-month prison stint, with a scheduled return to the ring Sept. 25. His first fight since December 1996 will be against low-ranked heavyweight veteran Jeff Lally (23-23-1, 10 KOs) at Fire Lake Casino in Shawnee, Okla.

Weights decision off

The California Horse Racing Board heard two hours of discussion Thursday about which weights American jockeys should ride and then agreed to postpone any decision until its September meeting.

Cink has the lead

Stewart Cink made five birdies on his first 10 holes and led by one shot over Rod Pampling before the rain-delayed first round of the NEC Invitational at Akron, Ohio, was suspended by darkness.

Agassi advances

Andre Agassi breezed into the quarterfinals of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington with a 6-4, 6-2 victory against Kristian Pless.