Recreation And Parks

Ralph Vincent Chase Sr., a former Baltimore City Recreation and Parks official who had been manager of the old Memorial Stadium, died Sunday of heart failure at Sinai Hospital. He was 71. Mr. Chase, the son of a federal worker and homemaker, was born and raised in Washington. After graduating from Spingarn High School in 1956, he attended what is now Morgan State University on a football scholarship. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1961 in physical education. After serving in the Army as a military policeman, Mr. Chase was honorably discharged in 1963 and then began his 28-year career with the city's Recreation and Parks Department.

Shiretta Henderson can step outside her front door and see the front door of what used to be Rosemont Police Athletic League Center in West Baltimore. Her children, ages 16, 9 and 5, used to head over there and play, do their homework and get an after-school snack. They knew the two police officers assigned there by their first names. The signs are still there, but the doors are locked, permanently, and on Monday the mother of three guarded her front door to make sure her children stayed inside.

Joey, a 6-year-old Brittany spaniel, was having the time of his life. He sprinted around the emerald expanses of the 2.7-acre Worthington Park Off-Leash Area on a recent visit, tracing a circuitous path through the manicured yet somewhat lumpy lawn. When Genie the English shepherd romped over, Joey switched into an impossibly higher gear. In the meantime, three dozen owners relaxed on scattered benches and chairs, enjoying a few moments of social time before the sun slipped below the park's wooded perimeter.

Pro cantare auditions Columbia Pro Cantare is holding auditions for all parts for the coming season. Tenors and basses are especially welcome. Among the works to be performed with soloists and orchestra are Mozart's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, Faure's Requiem, and "An American Celebration." Rehearsals begin Sept. 1 and are held from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays at Hammond High School, 8800 Guilford Road in Columbia. Call 410-730-8549, 410-799-9321 or go to procantare.org for more information.

The Eagle Baseball School, geared toward boys ages 9-14, will hold a camp July 31 through Aug. 4 at Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Lane. The camp offers: * Station instruction and drills that emphasize improvements in throwing, hitting, fielding, base running, pitching, catching and strategy. * Coaches to analyze players' skills on an individual basis. * Modified scrimmages and contests. * Demonstrations from top players and coaches in the area. Cost is $165. Call 410-750-6709 for more information.