Reynolds Stops By to Bid Farewell

R.J. Reynolds showed up in the Dodger clubhouse before the game to pack up his gear and bid farewell to teammates and friends before heading for Pittsburgh today as one of three players acquired by the Pirates in the Bill Madlock trade.

The Pirates made Reynolds’ acquisition official Monday; first baseman Sid Bream and shortstop-outfielder Cecil Espy are believed to be the other players involved.

“I talked to Joe Brown (the Pirates’ general manager) this morning, and he said he was looking forward to seeing me,” Reynolds said. “I should be in the starting lineup tomorrow (Tuesday) night.

“I’m happy; why shouldn’t I be happy? At first I had mixed emotions--this is the first time I’ve been traded and I spent five years in this organization--but I’m looking at playing every day.”

Reynolds, 25, will be best remembered for his game-winning squeeze bunt against the Atlanta Braves in September, 1983, during the drive to the division title. He batted .266 in 72 games for the Dodgers this season, with no home runs and 25 RBIs. A history of hamstring problems hampered Reynolds’ chances of breaking into the Dodgers’ starting lineup. When Pedro Guerrero was switched from third base to the outfield on June 1, Reynolds’ role was reduced even further.