June  25, 1991, Tuesday, FINAL EDITION

SECTION: SPORTS; Baseball; Pg. 7C
LENGTH: 717 words
HEADLINE: Erickson's sinker baffles everyone
BYLINE: Hal Bodley

 BODY:
    This might come as a shock, but when the best pitcher in baseball this summer throws his sinkerball, he has no idea where it's headed. Neither do the batters.

   For Minnesota's Scott Erickson, it's called effectiveness - a key reason why the right-hander has been able to reel off 12 consecutive victories. Erickson pitched a two-hit shutout (his third of the season) Monday against the New York Yankees.

   ''I try to throw it down the middle and it ends up going in or out,'' he said. ''I can't plan where it's going to go. I'm just fortunate. Junior (Ortiz, catcher) does a great job mixing up the pitches and I try to get as close (to his calls) as possible.''

   Oakland right-hander Dave Stewart says batters know Erickson doesn't know where the sinker is headed and that keeps them guessing.

   The sinker comes naturally for Erickson, normally a pitch custom-made for left-handed pitchers.

   Another plus for his effectiveness. On the mound, Erickson is 23 going on 36. It's called poise. But there are times when he acts unconscious.

   ''I just go out there (to the mound), take it one game at time and try not to get too caught up in what's going on around me,'' he said. ''There are a lot of things that can bother you.''

Don't mind the Mets, Astros and Blue Jays if they drool a little as Erickson marches toward the American League Cy Young Award. He was drafted once by each of those clubs but turned them down. College was his priority then and he has never regretted his decision.

   ''I figured I was better off to get my education,'' he said. ''Baseball isn't going to last forever and I've got to be able to do something after that. I think the fact I was able to play college ball for three years before signing has had a lot to do with my success.''