LONGTIME UMP KEN KAISER DIES OF DIABETES AT AGE 72

N.Y.» Former major-league umpire Ken ROCHESTER,

Kaiser died this week at age 72.

The World Umpires Association announced Thursday that Kaiser died Tuesday in Rochester, his hometown. Kaiser suffered from diabetes.

Kaiser was a colorful figure during more than two decades on the diamond. His big-league career abruptly ended nearly two decades ago during labor talks. He joined a group of umpires who submitted their resignations in 1999 during negotiations. The gamble by the Major League Umpires Association failed, and Kaiser wasn’t rehired. Kaiser was an American League umpire from 1977-99. He worked two World Series, one All-Star Game and several playoff series.

Seattle’s Martinez ready for jersey retirement.

SEATTLE» Mariners hitting coach Edgar Martinez, a former star player with the franchise, has found enough time to get his speech ready for Saturday night when his No. 11 is retired by the club.

Martinez, a career .312 hitter with 309 home runs and 1,219 RBIs in 18 seasons, all with the Mariners, will be the second former Seattle player to have his number retired. Ken Griffey Jr.’s number (24) was retired a year ago after his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Footnotes.

The Rangers received right-handed reliever Jhan Marinez from the Pirates on a waiver claim. … The Cardinals are looking for their “Rally Cat” after it went missing late Wednesday night in St. Louis. — The Associated Press