We circle April 15 on our calendars in bold, red strokes, making the day stand out like a swollen thumb.

Over the first four games of 1993, Young, who was hindered by a swollen thumb on his throwing hand, threw eight interceptions, more than he had thrown during the entire 1992 season.

Zelepukin bruised his left shoulder and was left home, and Holik had a swollen left thumb, but he played tonight.

He raised his knife to sever the short length of cord that was still knotted around both of Mason's swollen thumbs.

Asked whether she would be ready for tomorrow night's game, Weatherspoon looked at the swollen thumb, shrugged and said: "I'll be ready in about five minutes.

Holik, 22, played with a swollen thumb Saturday night in Boston as the Devils lost to the Bruins.

He drew his Colt, cursing as he worked the safety with his swollen thumb.

He pitched to three more batters before leaving with a swollen thumb, and the Mets later lost, 6-4, in the 10th inning.

Piazza missed two games of the 1999 National League division series with a swollen left thumb, and he was sidelined for a few days at a time on several occasions last year.

When Scott saw Douglas's swollen thumb at halftime and asked him if he was O.K., Douglas simply said, "I'm fine."