34-YEAR-OLD CANYON HIGH ALUM TO TRY RETURNING TO MAJOR LEAGUE.

Byline: Associated Press 

Cory Snyder expected to wear a major-league uniform last season. Instead, his uniform read ``Dan Smith Plastering.''

After not getting a single invitation to spring training, the nine-year veteran found himself playing professional slow-pitch softball. He hit 75 home runs and was selected an All-World third baseman, but it wasn't quite the same as hitting a home run in Dodger Stadium.

``It was a lot of fun,'' the 34-year-old Canyon High School graduate said. ``It kept me in shape. And I had a batting cage at home, so I was hitting all the time. I looked at it as a way to stay in shape.''

That's because Snyder, who graduated from high school in 1981, never let go of his hope to return to the major leagues one day. After appearing in 73 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1994, Snyder played with the Triple-A Las Vegas Padres and Pawtucket Red Sox in '95.

But when there were no takers for his services last year, Snyder began to wonder what was wrong with him.

``After last season, I almost thought it was over,'' Snyder said. ``I couldn't get an invite anywhere. I felt good. I was in good shape, but I couldn't get an invite.''

Snyder began preparing for life after baseball. He started a sporting goods store in Laguna Hills called Pro Image Team Sports. He traveled all over the country with his softball team.

But all the while he kept hoping for the phone to ring. In January, he got a tryout in Arizona for several baseball scouts. Weeks passed before Snyder heard anything.

``I was in Atlanta for a convention, and when I got to my hotel room the message light was blinking,'' Snyder said. ``It was from my agent, and he said the Cardinals were interested. All I could think of was, this is great.

``And not to sound corny or anything, but (Cardinals manager) Tony La Russa is the one guy I wanted to play for. I'd been with the Indians when he was with the A's, and it just seemed like he was a click or two ahead of everyone else.''

The Cardinals think Snyder is worth a second look.

``We think he might be able to provide a lot offensively,'' Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty said. ``He's been away from baseball for two years, so we'll have to see.''

Snyder's best year was in 1987, when he hit 33 homers for the Indians. He hit .272 the next season for Cleveland.

But his batting average dipped to .215 in 1989, and he was traded to the White Sox in 1991. Three years and three teams later, Snyder was out of baseball.

``I don't want to have any regrets,'' he said. ``I'm going to do the littlest drill at full speed. I'm going to work as hard as I can. I think things happen in life for a reason. So if I give everything I have and it doesn't work out, at least I'll know I tried and I can move on.''