Mr. Facing-Both-Ways

Last month Ray Dumont, president of the National Baseball Congress (semipro teams' trade association), proposed a new rule for baseball. His suggestion: let the hitter take his choice of running to either first or third, then continue on around the bases in the same direction. His reasons: more fun for fans, more action in the infield. Sportswriters hooted.

Publicity-wise Ray Dumont last week swore he was in earnest. He promised that the Congress' National Tournament in August will test his both-ways base running. Said he: "Any new idea . . . always receives a cold reception. . . . They said Alexander Graham Bell had bells ringing in his belfry. . . ."

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