Dibble Suspended Four Games For Hitting Fan With Ball

-- NEW YORK - Rob Dibble of the Cincinnati Reds was suspended for four games by National League President Bill White today for throwing a ball into the center-field stands at Riverfront Stadium and hitting a woman fan.

It was the second suspension of year for the right-handed reliever, who last month was set down for three days and fined $1,000 by White for throwing behind Houston's Eric Yelding April 11 in an incident that set off a bench-clearing brawl.

Dibble also was fined in the latest incident, but the amount was not disclosed.

The pitcher, who appealed the first suspension, has been allowed to play pending a hearing which is expected to take place next month. There was no immediate word on whether he would appeal today's suspension.

Dibble, angry at himself for a poor performance against the Chicago Cubs Sunday, threw the ball into the stands after the final out of a 4-3 Reds' victory.

The ball struck Meg Porter, 27, a first-grade teacher who suffered a bruised elbow.

Dibble visisted Porter on Wednesday. Her lawyer, Don Moore, said she was "very appreciative."

But Dibble, 27, one of the Reds' "Nasty Boys," acknowledged that he has to put an end to his temper tantrums.

"I have to mature. I have to come to grips with it. I have to come to grips with handling the pressure," he said

Suspension reduced -- NEW YORK - Kevin Mitchell's suspension was reduced from two games to one by Bill White today after the NL president heard the San Francisco Giants outfielder's appeal.

Mitchell originally was suspended for two games for charging the mound on April 10 against San Diego. He will miss tonight's game against the New York Mets.

In the game against the Padres, Mitchell homered in the second inning off Bruce Hurst and was brushed back off the plate by a high, inside pitch in the fourth. The next pitch bounced in the dirt and hit Mitchell in the foot.

He then charged Hurst, knocking down the pitcher before first baseman Fred McGriff tackled Mitchell.

Harkey out until August -- CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs said right-handed pitcher Mike Harkey won't be able to throw again until at least August.

Harkey had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder and Dr. Michael Schafer discovered a cartilage tear in the joint.