Lasorda backs Piazza

It's going to take more than accusations from former players to make
Tommy Lasorda doubt Mike Piazza.

The former Dodgers catcher was one of a handful of players singled
out as a steroid-user in a new book by Sports Illustrated columnist
Jeff Pearlman. But when told of the accusations Sunday, Tommy Lasorda
rushed to his defense.

``I don't believe that at all,'' Lasorda said. ``He worked so hard. I
saw him in the weight room working out all the time. Whatever (is in
the book) is hearsay. I just don't believe it. He comes from a family
that's full of good people.

``I wouldn't comment on it if I didn't feel strongly about it. He has
too much to lose. And he's such a nice young man. He goes to church,
he's got a nice family. I know him. I know what kind of man he is and
I just don't believe it.''

Piazza, a 12-time All Star generally regarded as a certain
Hall-of-Famer who holds the record for most home runs as a catcher
(396), was drafted by the Dodgers in the 62nd round of the 1988 draft
partly as a favor to Lasorda, who is godfather to one of Piazza's
brothers.

Pearlman quotes former major-league first baseman Reggie Jefferson
and another anonymous player in his book, ``The Rocket that fell to
Earth.''

In the book, Jefferson says, ``He's a guy who did it, and everybody
knows it. It's amazing how all these names, like Roger Clemens, are
brought up, yet Mike Piazza goes untouched."

Another anonymous player is quoted as saying, ``There was nothing
more obvious than Mike on steroids. Everyone talked about it, everyone
knew it.''

There is no scientific proof, nor did Piazza comment or confirm
anything. Lasorda said he was saddened to hear of the accusations.

``This is a guy that should be in the Hall of Fame. He's out-homered
every catcher that's in there,'' Lasorda said. ``I just don't believe
it. Mike Piazza? No way. He worked too hard. I saw him.''