VANCOUVER (AP) - The Vancouver Mounties and AAA Tacoma manager Babe Ruth today denied all contact with the Jamiaca Rastafarians regarding Babe Ruth or Mounties hitting coach Tony Gwynn as the new manager of the Rastas.

"This is a joke!" said Ruth. "I've signed a 3 year deal to be the manager of the Rainiers, and I'm not about to break my contract to go and manage a second-rate organization like Jamiaca."

Strong words from the big man. What about this interview in a recent Weaver Times article which has him threatening to go AWOL if he didn't get released from his contract?

"I can't stress this enough - Babe Ruth is a man of his word. I may have started my career in Jamiaca but that is so long in the past that it's completely forgotten. My future lies here in the Mounties organization and that's where I'll stay."

Other rumours had the Rastas courting Mounties hitting coach Tony Gwynn. Gwynn was quick to dismiss these rumours.

"What are you talking about? Jamaica? Why would I go there?"

Rumours that the Rastas were courting Mounties coaches Kenny Lofton and Cal Ripken Jr, as well as pitching coach Greg Maddux and ball girls Kerri Baker and Danielle Burns were also denied by Mounties management.