Sports briefs

San Jose State's Tomey is retiring

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Dick Tomey created countless long-term relationships during his 29 years as a head football coach.

The Gold Room in the Simpkins Center was overflowing Monday with his latest friends, colleagues and players when Tomey announced he was retiring from coaching, effective following San Jose State's game against Louisiana Tech on Dec. 5.

The 71-year-old coach said this was an opportunity for him and his wife, Nanci Kincaid, to "open a new chapter."

Coghlan, Bailey earn top rookie honors

NEW YORK — Chris Coghlan and Andrew Bailey both agreed to change, then quickly got their chance in the majors. Now each has a rookie reward that will last forever.

Coghlan, the pesky Marlins leadoff hitter, won the National League Rookie of the Year award in a close vote Monday and Bailey took the AL honor after an outstanding season as Oakland's closer.

"I couldn't have written it better," Coghlan said during a conference call.

A second baseman in the minors, Coghlan made a hasty shift to left field in May and found a home atop Florida's lineup. Bailey also switched successfully, going from struggling Double-A starter to All-Star reliever in a year.

"I think the move to the bullpen allowed me to get back mentally to who I was," Bailey said, explaining that he began challenging hitters again. "Just took the opportunity and ran with it."

Coghlan edged Philadelphia pitcher J.A. Happ, receiving 17 first-place votes and 105 points.in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Happ, the only player picked on all 32 ballots, garnered 10 first-place votes and 94 points.

—Deseret News staff and wire reports