Sports Snapshots; January 30, 1967

The Boston Celtics, winners of an incomprehensible eight consecutive titles, continued to surge with their tenth straight victory, whipping the San Francisco Warriors behind 32 points from Sam Jones (pictured). Rick Barry matched him with 32 for the Warriors. The Philadelphia 76’ers, due to the dominance of Wilt Chamberlain, remain atop Boston in the Eastern Division with a sizzling 47-6 mark. Though his point totals are down, Wilt appears to be relishing his new role as a playmaker. He’s on track to break his own record for assists by a center, and is still averaging a monstrous 24.2 rebounds per game. The Big Dipper's third in scoring, behind Rick Barry (36.3 ppg) and Oscar Robertson (30.9). Barry’s net scorching has helped bring the Warriors to the top position in the Western Division.

UCLA, on the strength of its 15-0 record under John Wooden, kept its stranglehold of the top spot in both polls, while Texas Western—the reigning champion—moved up to fourth. North Carolina’s Tar Heels remained runnerup to the Bruins, who are led by 7-2 sophomore sensation Lew Alcindor.

Cassius Clay continues to prepare for his title defense against WBA champ Ernie Terrell Monday in the Astrodome. Meanwhile, Championship Enterprises, Inc. has purchased $300,000 in life insurance on Clay.

Yankee Stadium, the “House That Ruth Built,” will be modernized and refurbished, Yankee president Michael Burke announced. Included in the plans are a complete repainting, new sound system, bleacher seats rebuilt, and an entirely new field. The first row of outfield seats are to be removed, preventing overzealous fans from interfering with play. Meanwhile, to keep the strong traditional focus, a telephone Hall of Fame will be installed in the lobby, allowing fans to pick up the phones and hear former greats’ voices.

Frank Robinson (video) of the world champion Baltimore Orioles and Bill Toomey—two-time winner of the decathlon, were presented awards as the pro and amateur athlete of the year from the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association.

Arthur Ashe was decisively handled by Roy Emerson, Australia’s veteran Davis Cup star in the men’s Australian Tennis Championships, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. Emerson's now captured five straight ATC titles.

Arnold Palmer is back on top after his five-stroke victory in the Los Angeles Open. Palmer, the biggest money winner of all time, took home the $20,000 first prize. Gay Brewer and Bob Goalby followed up Palmer at Palm Beach Gardens.

Chicago Black Hawks’ super center Stan Mikita is on track to become the first NHL player to ever break 100 points in a single season. Teammate Bobby Hull holds the mark with 88 points. He currently leads the league with 30 goals as well. With such combined scoring prowess, it's no wonder the Black Hawks own a comfortable first-place edge on the pack.