LOCAL

Boyd Brings Her Brigade To Campaign in Ponca City
Nearly News
Second Robbery Suspect Nabbed

Boyd Brings Her Brigade To Campaign in Ponca City

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

With the governor’s race heating up, Democrat challenger Laura Boyd, brought her “Boyd Brigade” to Ponca City this morning. Boyd met with supporters a Perkins Restaurant for breakfast.

Outlining the differences between herself and incumbent Frank Keating, Boyd said, “The first thing that is most important to me in terms of our differences is that I am committed to Oklahoma and to all of Oklahoma. My aspirations, my dreams are for Oklahoma and Oklahomans. I am not going to Washington I will fulfill my four-year term and whether reelected or not I will be here to be responsible and responsive to not only what we do during our administration but the effects afterwards.

“I am a typical Oklahoman — I am middle class, hardworking — I know what it is like to make it paycheck to paycheck. I know what it is like to save for the electric bill, as well as a college education for our children. I know and have lived the problems, challenges and successes of Oklahomans. Philosophically in terms of our personal experiences those things are very important.”

As far differences in policy, Boyd said, “I am a strong supporter of public education including early childhood education. I believe we must make it affordable for families to have quality early child care as well as affordable to have post-secondary training in or education.”

She added, “I have been a classroom teacher in public schools and taught at university level so I know that field. Another major difference with Laura Boyd is my knowledge and my commitment to small business.”

The candidate said, “I am not a government bureaucrat and not dependent on the government for my livelihood. All these years I have been in the private sector, I’ve been a public school teacher and in the state legislature for six years. I’m not beholden to anybody. I am not bought by any special interests and I think those are some very major differences that appeal to Oklahomans and certainly draw major distinctions between Frank Keating and myself.”

Boyd predicted a win on Nov. 3 — if people turn out to vote. She said she has been endorsed by the education community, Women Business Owners, many of the allied medical providers, labor and others.

According to Boyd, “One of the sidelines that I would be most happy to contribute to is to get that burden of that money train off of the backs of the good candidates, who want to run and to serve but can not raise one, two or three million dollars. That is not good representative democracy.”

Nearly News

Information has been received by Nearly News that the road crossing Kaw Lake dam will be closed Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Signs will be posted on Lake Road as a reminder.

Second Robbery Suspect Nabbed

Police have arrested a second suspect in connection with a robbery Saturday evening.

The suspect, a 34-year-old Ponca City man, was arrested Monday afternoon by police from the 1900 block of North Twelfth Street.

According to police a man in the 200 block of Elm Street called police after he was reportedly robbed by two men armed with a Bowie knife.

Another suspect was arrested early Monday morning after police received a call alerting them of a man “covered with blood” hiding nearby. Police located the man hiding under a vehicle in the 300 block of East Detroit.

Both men are in the Ponca City jail and awaiting a court hearing.

The incident was first reported in The News as happening late Sunday night. The News apologizes for any confusion this may have caused.

DEATHS

Ralph Lester Bobbitt
Charles Cecil Griffith
Paul Howard Finch
Pearl Nottingham

Ralph Lester Bobbitt

LAMONT — Ralph Lester Bobbitt, lifelong Lamont area resident, died at his home in Lamont Monday, Oct. 19, 1998. He was 79.

The funeral is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Lamont First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Leonard officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Vernon Cemetery, southeast of Salt Fork, under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home of Pond Creek.

Ralph Lester Bobbitt was born Dec. 23, 1918, on the family farm east of Salt Fork to George Tyree and Adia A. (Gray) Bobbitt. He attended Consolidated School District 2, Salt Fork, and graduated from Lamont High School. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

He was married to Dorothy Heusel at her parents home in Salt Fork on Dec. 26, 1945. The couple lived and farmed east of Salt Fork until moving into Lamont in 1967. After moving into Lamont, Bobbitt continued to farm and raise cattle. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, Lamont Lions Club, American Legion and all community affairs. He had served on the Grant County Excise Board before retirement.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, of Lamont; one daughter, Carol Vincent of Enid; three sons, John of Owasso, Mike of Lamont and Jerry Lanning of Lamont; one sister, Alice Heusel of Lamont; one brother, George Bobbitt of Wichita, Kan.; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Everett Bobbitt; three sisters, Olive Carson and Ruth and Grace Bobbitt.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Bobbitt’s name to the Mount Vernon Cemetery Association, or Hospice Circle of Love, c/o Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 478, Pond Creek, OK 73766.

Charles Cecil Griffith

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Charles Cecil Griffith, father to Cecile J. Johnson of Ponca City, died Monday, Oct. 19, 1998, at the Via Christi Medical Center — St. Joseph’s Campus in Wichita, Kan. He was 79.

The funeral is set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kan. The Rev. Tom Ramsey, First Lutheran Church of Ponca City, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Arkansas City.

Charles Cecil Griffith was born Oct. 22, 1918, in Dale, Ind., to Jerry Frank and Erie Jane (Webking) Griffith. He grew up and received his education in Dale. In the early 1950s he moved with his brother to Arkansas City.

He was married to Dorothy Probst in September 1956, in Arkansas City. He owned and operated the DX Service Station and later a Conoco Station for more than 30 years. After retirement he worked as a Wal-Mart greeter for 10 years. He was a member of the Arkansas City First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, of the home; one daughter, Cecile J. Johnson of Ponca City; three step-daughters, Connie Olson of Arkansas City, Patrice Rhodes of Baldwin, Kan., and Barbara Ann Wright of North Hampton, Mass.; two grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; nine step great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, and one brother, John Griffith.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Griffith’s name to the First Presbyterian Church of Arkansas City or the Arkansas City Recreation Commission, c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 756, Arkansas City, KS 67005.

Paul Howard Finch

Paul Howard Finch, Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Oct. 18, 1998, at Westminster Village. He was 87.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1998, at 11 a.m. at Braman Cemetery in Braman with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor of First Baptist Church, Ponca City, officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Mr. Finch was born Nov. 26, 1910, in Esbon, Kan., to Earnes O. and Al Mary (Clifton) Finch. He attended Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa before receiving a scholarship to Kansas State University where he played basketball and football.

In 1932, he married Margaret Finch and she preceded him in death in 1975. Mr. Finch was employed with the Elk County, Kan., public school system where he was teacher, coach and superintendent. He also worked as a farmer and rancher and raised turkeys.

On Nov. 9, 1988, he married Lois Bryant in Tonkawa. Mr. Finch enjoyed reading, woodworking, and watching sports, especially basketball.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Bryant Finch of the home; one sister, Mrs. Leonard (Leatha) Norris of Tonkawa; and stepchildren Joy Bryant Kerfoot and Jo Ann Bryant Lake both of Ponca City. In addition to his first wife and his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Arden Finch.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to a charity of donor’s choice.

Obituaries

Pearl Nottingham

Pearl Lenora Nottingham, former Ponca City resident died, Friday, Oct. 16, 1998 in the Family Health West Nursing Home at Fruita, Colo. She was 73.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1998 at the church , with the Rev. David Bigger, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Round Grove Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. A meal will be served at the church at noon for all family and friends.

Casket bearers will be John Nottingham, Jim Nottingham, Jeff Nottingham, Bob Wallace, Don Wallace and David Wallace. Honorary casket bearer will be John Wallace Jr.

Pearl was born on Jan. 12, 1925, in Oklahoma City, to Bert Ray and Luella Gertrude (Thompson) Wallace. She graduated from Ponca City High School in 1943, and on June 24, that same year she was married to John Nottingham in Stillwater.

The couple lived in the Ponca City area until 1955 when they moved to Covina, Calif. In 1982 they moved to Fredericktown, Mo., and later in 1994 they moved to Grand Junction, Colo. Her hobbies included traveling, cake decorating, boating, watching football and most of all spending time with family.

Survivors include her husband John “Bobby” of the home; three sons John Ray and wife Sharon of Plano Texas, Jim and wife Teresa of Cedaredge Colo., and Dick and wife Pam of Grand Junction, Colo.; two sisters, Aileen Harden of Newberry Springs, Calif., and Roberta Schofield of Covina, Calif.; three brothers, Bob Wallace, Don Wallace, and David Wallace, all of Ponca City; eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother John Wallace.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Road Closed — Information has been received that the road crossing Kaw Lake dam will be closed Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Signs will be posted on Lake Road as a reminder.

WCW/NWO Halloween Havoc only on Pay Per View. Sunday,

October 25th at 7:00 pm, $29.95. For advance ordering 762-6684, Cable ONE. adv.

Tires Slashed — At 7:47 a.m. Monday a man in the 100 block of West Hazel Avenue reported two slashed tires. An officer was assigned.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday 6-8

p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 8:40 a.m. Monday from the 1900 block of North Fifth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay, speeding, no insurance and transporting an open container.

Halloween Sale ; 40 % off small and large scarecrows, wonderful

copper pumpkins, ( grand size to small) and fun candle sticks,

great for decorating. Layaway for Christmas. Christy’s 3005 North

14th. adv.

Burglary — At 9:19 a.m. Monday police were notified of a damaged unit at Fort Knox Mini-Storage, 1301 East Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned and a burglary report was taken.

Carpet Cleaning Most Modern method of cleaning. recommended by Major Carpet Manufactes most completely trained personal and finest service. Reasonable prices referances. Call Floorcraft 762-8381. adv.

Arrest — A 37-year-old woman was arrested at 11:28 a.m. Monday from South Ash Street and West Central Avenue for driving under suspension and speeding.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes, shoes and purses except

priced items. Check our Daily Specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe,

First and Central. adv.

Therapeutic Massage Center Now open Regular Hours. Call

for an appointment, 762-9807. adv.

Forged Check — At 2:43 p.m. Monday a stolen and forged check was reported at Lowe’s, 3500 North Fourteenth Street.

Juvenile Arrest — A 17-year-old boy was arrested at 2:45 p.m. Monday at the police station for embezzlement.

Accident — A minor accident at Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue was reported to police at 2:47 p.m. Monday.

Garden Council — The Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs will meet at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 4 at the Cann Memorial Gardens. Wes Rice will give the program about “Pecans in Oklahoma.” The public is invited to attend.

Arrest — Police arrested a 34-year-old man at 3:25 p.m. Monday from the 1900 block of North Twelfth Street for armed robbery

Instant Passport Pictures. Graham Photo, 201 North First, 765-4348. adv..

Arrest — At 3:49 p.m. Monday a 32-year-old man was arrested from North Elm Street and West Highland Avenue for driving under restriction, no insurance, and no seat belt.

Arrest — A 26-year-old woman was arrested at 4:02 p.m. Monday in Blackwell on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Juvenile Arrest — Police arrested a 12-year-old boy at 4:02 p.m. Monday for molestation and indecent exposure after reportedly exposing himself.

Vehicle Damage — At 4:48 p.m. Monday police took a report on a truck that was damaged in a parking lot in the 2200 block of North Ash Street.

Vehicle Vandalism — Extra police patrol was requested at 6:25 p.m. Monday at Peachtree Landing, 501 West Hazel Avenue, after a report of vehicle vandalism was received.

Juvenile Altercation — At 7:26 p.m. Monday police received a report of a juvenile in the 900 block of North Osage Street being assaulted by three other juveniles trying to take his bicycle. An officer was assigned.

Possible Gunshots — At 3:34 a.m. Tuesday police were called to the 5300 block of South Union Street after a resident reported hearing gunshots. However, the noise was reportedly due to fireworks being shot in the area.

LIFESTYLES

Watch Industry Has Suggestions For Time Change

Watch Industry Has Suggestions For Time Change

NEW YORK — Before you turn your timepiece back one hour on Sunday, Oct. 25, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry offers some Standard Time Change tips that may save your watch from a trip to the repair center on Monday.

“The Standard Time Change creates one of the busiest watch repair days of the year,” says Peter Laetsch, the Federation’s president. “Due to mishandling, countless watches end up in the hands of a watch repairman whenever America turns back time.”

To avoid such consequences, Laetsch recommends following these simple guidelines:

Never turn a watch in the reverse direction or you’ll risk jamming the mechanism. Turn the hands in a clockwise direction only.

Remove the watch from your wrist when resetting to avoid putting undue stress on the stem.

Watches with a day/date function shouldn’t be reset between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. During these hours, the watch sets itself for the following day and changing the time can confuse the operation.

Use the time change as a reminder to check your watch for loose parts, wear and tear. Fine mechanical watches should be serviced every three to four years and quartz watches should be serviced when a battery change is necessary.

In the event that your watch does need repairs, use only a service center that is authorized by that particular brand. If you need assistance in locating an authorized service center, call the Watchmakers of Switzerland Information Center at (201) 291-9811 or visit the Website of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry at www.fhusa.com.

BUSINESS

Judge Debate To Be Held Monday Night
Conoco CEO Will Ring Bell Friday at NYSE
Academy Offers Goals For Prosperous Future
Doctor Joining Orthopedic Practice Here

Judge Debate To Be Held Monday Night

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

The Ponca City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a live television debate between candidates for the Eighth District (Kay/Noble Counties) Judgeship Monday evening following the City Commission meeting on Channel 11.

Contenders for the position are incumbent D.W. Boyd, who was appointed in January 1996 by Gov. Frank Keating to fill the unexpired term left by the death of Neal Beekman, and challenger Tom Evans, Ponca City attorney.

The candidates will be asked the same questions as were presented in the recent Second Friday Forum, which was not telecast. The moderator for the session has not yet been named and time of the event will be determined by the length of the City Commission meeting, slated to start at 5:30 p.m.

Other details will be announced as they become available. At this point the Chamber has pledged to sponsor the event and CableOne has agreed to televise the event.

Conoco CEO Will Ring Bell Friday at NYSE

Conoco President and CEO Archie Dunham is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange at 8 a.m. Friday when Conoco stock goes back on the market.

Conoco employees will be watching the ceremony live here in Ponca City through a satellite transmission in the company’s gymnasium.

Starting at 8 a.m. the video-cast will run about 35 minutes featuring the highlights of the celebration.

Besides the bell-ringing ceremony, the “Conoco Today” program will feature segments from the street in front of the NYSE, taped coverage of earlier celebration activities and interviews from employee essay writers who have won the chance to see the ceremonies in persons.

Conoco retirees will have the opportunity to join the festivities at a private party at the Fourth Street Club house. The doors open at 7 a.m. and will close when capacity (about 200 people) is reached.

Academy Offers Goals For Prosperous Future

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Academy for State Goals believes that the 21st century economy will demand fundamental educational reform. It is releasing two sets of recommendations.

The first is a set of comprehensive, rigorous education recommendations which, if implemented, will catapult Oklahoma toward a more prosperous future.

The second is a set of far-reaching recommendations focusing on the educational requirements to make Oklahoma competitive in the rapidly growing information and life sciences technology areas. Combine, these two sets of recommendations will enhance employment and income opportunities for future generations, according to Julie Knutson, executive director.

The Academy’s six essentials for education focus on early childhood, rigorous standards, increased student performance, increased instructional quality, maximum technology use, and accountability. The specific recommendations apply to the entire educational system and are viewed by the Academy as the “short-term” goals.

The second set of recommendations result from a different approach the Academy took its April conference on “Technology Applications; Accelerating Toward Prosperity.” The Academy gathered 175 Oklahomans and allowed them to literally “think outside the box.”

Among the 15 recommendations, most of them fall into the areas of education, economic development, and constitutional reform, and he remaining fall into establishing and enhancing private sector/public sector partnerships.

For example, the Academy is recommending full support for passage of SQ 680 and SQ 681 addressing technology transfer. Also recommended is educational reform to reflect a publicly funded pre-K through 14 educational system. Another recommendation is to allow a meaningful state tax credit or rebate for family computer purchases.

Diane Ravitch, editor of the Brookings Papers on Education Policy: 1998 recently wrote “Education is broadly understood as a critical investment, both for society and for individuals; without such investment, societies and individuals limit their prospects, their economic and technological progress, and their developed intelligence.”

The Oklahoma Academy for State Goals is a private non-partisan think tank and catalyst organization focusing on public policy issues for Oklahoma.

Doctor Joining Orthopedic Practice Here

Central States Orthopedic Specialists Inc. has announced that Dr. Thomas Craven will hold bimonthly clinics at the CSOS office in Ponca City at 417 Fairview, the first and third Wednesday of each month.

He will be joining CSOS physician, Dr. J. Christopher Benwart, who practices full time at the Ponca City office location.

Dr. Craven’s sub-specialties and interests include complex spinal disorders, reconstructive surgery of the spine and scoliosis.

Craven earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City in 1989; Orthopedic Surgery Residency, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan., in 1994, and completed his Fellowship in Spinal Surgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo, in New York in 1995. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in 1997.

CSOS continues to expand its regional presence, providing orthopedic care for many clinics, schools and employers in Oklahoma. According to the news release, “The physician group is pleased to serve the area communities with the addition of spinal care to the Ponca City location.”

SPORTS

Cowboys Look for Return To Early Season Success
New Fight Brewing For Tyson’s Future
Padres Hoping Freeways, Palm Trees Spell Change in Fortune

Cowboys Look for Return To Early Season Success

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — Oklahoma State coach Bob Simmons dismisses the idea that his 2-4 football team is clearly better than the 2-4 team the Cowboys will face this week — Oklahoma.

‘‘Two and four is two and four,’’ he said Monday. ‘‘We are 2-4 because we’ve played good, but the bottom line is winning the ball game. We’ve got to find a way to complete games and not shoot ourselves in the foot and get a W.

‘‘We’re still 2-4. The only way to solve that, for both programs, is to try to get a W to get your kids trying to feel good about themselves.’’

Oklahoma State (1-3 Big 12) felt good about itself after nearly upsetting Nebraska three weeks ago. Those feelings waned a bit one week later in a seven-point loss at Texas Tech. Last weekend, they got hammered 52-20 by Kansas State, a team the Cowboys felt they could stay with.

The biggest disappointment from that game was the play of Oklahoma State’s defense, which was burned for several long scoring plays. KSU quarterback Michael Bishop averaged 36 yards per completion.

‘‘That’s really the first time in several weeks that we haven’t played with a lot of guts and enthusiasm and toughness, and that was disappointing, to see us not execute the way we know we’re capable of,’’ defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said.

‘‘I thought we were ready and obviously we weren’t. Some of it was bad coaching on my part, some of it was just poor execution.’’

Simmons said he feels better about the play of quarterback Tony Lindsay, who helped lead the Cowboys to 21 first downs against the nation’s top-ranked defense. Lindsay had been pressing in recent games, Simmons said, but was more himself against Kansas State.

‘‘I thought he threw the ball well and really had more of an execution of the game plan, so that’s a positive sign,’’ he said.

The Cowboys would love to play Saturday night the way they did the last time they were at home. That was way back on Sept. 19, when they compiled 561 total yards and disposed of then-No. 25 Mississippi State, 42-23.

‘‘You like for your home field to be an edge for you, and that’s what I’m counting on — the fact we haven’t played here in a while, and we’ll be back in front of our home fans, a friendly atmosphere,’’ Simmons said Monday.

‘‘And I count on our kids coming out and playing with that kind of intensity on both sides of the ball, whether it was OU or anybody we were playing,’’ he said.

While Oklahoma has been struggling on offense, using three quarterbacks, and has lost four in a row, Simmons said the Sooners have enough talent to give his team plenty of problems.

‘‘We have to come out and really play and play well, across the board, and I think we’re capable of doing that,’’ he said.

New Fight Brewing For Tyson’s Future

By TIM DAHLBERG

AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The next big fight in Mike Tyson’s life could take place before he steps into the ring again.

It’s a fight for control of the former heavyweight champion’s future career, and it involves such big names as Magic Johnson and Don King.

Tyson barely had time to celebrate getting his boxing license back Monday when Johnson took the podium before an assembly of media to proclaim himself in charge of Tyson’s career.

‘‘I’ll be the closest guy to him, making all the decisions,’’ Johnson said.

Not necessarily, said sources close to Tyson, who said fight manager Shelly Finkel will continue in his role as Tyson’s main adviser. Finkel was not at Monday’s hearing, but Tyson met with him afterward.

‘‘Shelly is still the guy,’’ a source said.

Johnson testified on Tyson’s behalf during the hearing before the Nevada Athletic Commission, saying he would teach the former heavyweight champion how to handle his money and his career.

‘‘Hopefully, I’ll handle all of that for him; choose the right team for him,’’ Johnson said.

Finkel wants Tyson fighting by the end of the year, and the date of Dec. 5 has been prominently mentioned. The fight will almost certainly be at the MGM Grand hotel-casino, whose executives attended Tyson’s hearings.

Still to be worked out is the problem of King, who still holds contracts binding Tyson to fight for him. Tyson has sued King to get out of the contracts, but the case is far from being decided.

Reportedly, Tyson’s advisers have been talking with King in hopes of reaching a settlement that will allow Tyson to fight without him. King said Monday he is happy Tyson got his license back.

‘‘I am delighted Tyson will be able to fight again,’’ said King, whom Tyson has accused of stealing millions of dollars from him.

One thing is for sure, however the fight for control of Tyson’s future works out. He will earn millions of dollars once again, much like he did when he was released from prison in 1995 and earned $25 million for his first fight against Peter McNeeley.

Padres Hoping Freeways, Palm Trees Spell Change in Fortune

By BEN WALKER

AP Baseball Writer

SAN DIEGO (AP) — There are freeways outside the ballpark instead of subways. And there are palm trees just beyond the outfield walls rather than monuments to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

Even before the first pitch tonight in Game 3, the World Series has a different look.

But the San Diego Padres and their 65,000 fans are wondering — will a change in scenery from Yankee Stadium to Qualcomm Stadium change their luck?

‘‘What I’ve seen from New York in the first two games, I’ll have to admit, is very impressive,’’ Padres star Tony Gwynn said Monday. ‘‘We’re down 0-2, but we can get back in this thing if we play our game, which is pitching and defense and some timely hits.’’

Gwynn was the first player on the field for the Padres’ off-day workout, checking out the grass in right field torn up Sunday during the San Diego Chargers’ 13-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Gwynn has done his part with four hits in the Series. Yet unless Padres pitching improves, it could be over real soon. The Yankees have tagged San Diego for nine runs in each of the first two games.

Of the 44 teams to take a 2-0 lead in the World Series, 33 have gone on to win the championship.

David Cone will start tonight against former Yankees pitcher Sterling Hitchcock, the NLCS MVP.

Hitchcock already has beaten Houston’s Randy Johnson and Atlanta’s Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine in the playoffs. Now he’s likely to face his toughest challenge, trying to shut down the Yankees.

‘‘They can hit. Bottom line, they can hit,’’ Hitchcock said.

Cone traveled to the West Coast on Sunday, before the Yankees romped 9-3 in Game 2. He was already in San Diego relaxing while watching the victory.

‘‘This is the time of year when pitchers feel a bit fatigued,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m looking forward to closing this out and getting a nice rest.’’

Hitchcock will have a few advantages that Padres starters Kevin Brown and Andy Ashby did not have. For one thing, he’s feeling a little better, aside from some congestion — a flu bug bit the San Diego staff right before the opener.

Hitchcock will have two other factors in his favor — he’ll be facing a lineup that does not include a designated hitter, and he’ll be pitching at twilight.

The DH is not used for games at the NL park, meaning Cone, a career .152 hitter, will be batting. That also could mean Chili Davis will be on the bench, although Yankees manager Joe Torre held out the ‘‘wild card’’ possibility his regular DH might play left field.

‘‘David Cone is sure I picked him for Game 3 because of his bat,’’ Torre joked. ‘‘Without the DH, you have to pay a lot more attention. You have to be aware of double-switches. You have that situation that haunts National League managers — ‘should I try to get a pitcher through an inning because he’s the second or third hitter the next inning?’’’

Game 3 is scheduled to begin at 5:20 p.m. PDT, a time when shadows can make it difficult for hitters to see the ball.