LAKELAND, Fla. -- Lou Whitaker is trying to make up not only for a knee injury that sidelined him for the final month of the 1988 season, but also for the embarrassment of the injury.
The Detroit second baseman was injured last year while doing the splits at a dance and missed the final 27 games of the season.
The Tigers went on to finish one game behind Boston in the American League East.
'It's something I never should have done,' Whitaker said. 'I can't dance. I shouldn't have tried. I shouldn't even have gone to that party. My friends feel even worse than I do about it. They wish they never had invited me.'
Whitaker was dancing with his wife at the time. The gathering was small, but he tried a dance step he'll never forget.
'We all make mistakes,' he said, 'and I made a big one. But I feel good now, the knee is strong, and I'm planning on having my best season ever. There aren't many second basemen who do what I do.'
Whitaker, who is in the final of year ofhis contract, reported early to spring training for the first time in his career. Tigers Manager Sparky Anderson believes Whitaker is fully recovered and believes the second baseman is 'headed for his biggest season.'
'Lou is one of those athletes who's never had to do much to stay in shape,' Anderson said. 'I don't see why he can't start another six or seven years. But it won't always be as easy for him as it's been. He knows that, and I like the commitment I've already seen this spring.'
