DODGERS : Memories Not Enough to Satisfy Candelaria

After he pitched two hitless innings during a Dodger intrasquad game Tuesday, reviving memories of a lanky young left-hander with the delivery of a slingshot, John Candelaria was asked about the ball.

“The ball?” he said, wiping his lined forehead.

Yes, the game ball from his no-hitter against the Dodgers Aug. 9, 1976. It was one of only three no-hitters against the team since it moved to Los Angeles for the 1958 season.

Candelaria lowered his voice.

“Some people might think this was rude,” he said. “I was pitching for the (New York) Yankees. It was the winter after the 1988 season. I was living where I live now (in south Orange County).

“I wanted to work out. But I couldn’t go to Dodger Stadium or Anaheim Stadium.”

He continued, “And so I went up to a school near my house. Just blacktop and a concrete wall. I started throwing against that wall.”

He paused. “I didn’t have anything else to throw with,” he said. “So . . . there went that game ball.”

After 16 seasons, Candelaria, 37, thinks mementos of personal achievements are not worth the horsehide they are sometimes wrapped in.

“I don’t care about any of that stuff, what I care about is getting one more chance to win,” said Candelaria, who claims he accepted the Dodgers’ invitation to spring training despite receiving guaranteed offers from other teams.

“I remember being on an airplane after winning the 1979 World Series with Pittsburgh, and I was thinking, ‘Yeah, this is going to happen a lot more,’ ” said Candelaria, who hasn’t played in a World Series since. “I don’t think I appreciated what it took to get there. Now I want one more chance to go there again. I think this team has a chance.”

The Dodgers think Candelaria’s ability as a setup reliever who primarily would face left-handed hitters can help them get there.

Candelaria split time last season between the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays, compiling a 7-6 record with a 3.95 earned-run average and five saves.

Dodger Notes

Ramon Martinez looked sharp while pitching his first batting practice Tuesday. . . . Orel Hershiser is expected to simulate a couple of innings Thursday in what could be the biggest step yet in his shoulder rehabilitation. For the first time since his surgery in April, he will pitch for several minutes, rest for several minutes, then throw again. . . . The leading competitors for the fifth spot in the bullpen have both fallen behind schedule. Mike Hartley is experiencing soreness in his left side. His 1990 season ended a couple of weeks early when he suffered a strained muscle there. Mike Morgan has yet to participate in fielding drills because of his sore right hip. . . . Tim Crews, who is assured of a bullpen spot, is suffering from a sore left elbow.