American Notes BASEBALL

Few fans of the embattled New York Yankees are inclined to be merciful toward the team's loudmouthed and intrusive owner, George Steinbrenner. But last week Steinbrenner was officially forgiven and rehabilitated by an old sportscaster -- Ronald Reagan. In one of his last official acts as President, Reagan pardoned Steinbrenner for illegally funneling $100,000 to Richard Nixon's 1972 presidential re-election campaign, for which the boss had been fined $15,000 and banned from the Yankees' management for 15 months. Said Steinbrenner, who is better known for berating players and managers than offering thanks: "I am very grateful."