ALCS NOTEBOOK : WITH EXTRA WORK, WILLIAMS SOWED SEEDS FOR FALL HARVEST.

Alone behind home plate and away from the commotion near the batting cage, Bernie Williams placed a ball on a tee and swatted it into a net.

The Yankees center fielder was getting in some solitary extra work before New York faced Baltimore in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.

A few hours later, that work would pay off.

Williams' homer leading off the 11th inning gave the Yankees' a 5-4 victory Wednesday over the Baltimore Orioles. It was the switch-hitter's fourth homer of the postseason, and it finally showcased some of the talents Williams has been showing New York fans all year.

``He keeps getting invitations for Thanksgiving dinner as far as I'm concerned from me,'' New York manager Joe Torre said. ``He is a special person and he just keeps doing it.''

Quiet. Focused. Diligent. Composed. Those are some of the words used to describe the 28-year-old Williams. He's been a steadying force for the Yankees during 1996 on the field and in the clubhouse.

``I heard about Bernie Williams' ability before I saw him for the first time and it just keeps getting better when you watch what he is capable of,'' Torre said. ``I think I've mentioned it a few days ago that I don't think he knows how good he can be. He's trying to improve in more ways that just the baseball function. He understands a lot of things which I appreciate.''

In the interview room following the game, it was hard to tell if Williams had played on the winning or losing team. He answered questions matter-of-factly and when he was asked how we would celebrate, he said: ``Not now. Still a long way to go.''

Excuse me, Mr. Ripken? Cal Ripken is always in demand.

As Ripken made his way to the players' entrance nearly four hours before Game 1, he stopped to sign autograph after autograph for fans lined up along barricades outside Yankee Stadium.

Ripken, wearing a three-quarter-length black leather jacket, smiled as some fans yelled ``Go Yankees'' while he signed balls, bats and caps. Even some New York cops asked for the Baltimore shortstop's signature.

To the rescue: For the fourth straight game this postseason, the Yankees fell behind and had to call on their relievers to keep them in the game. And once again they came through.

With four scoreless innings Wednesday night, New York's bullpen has allowed just one earned run over the last 23-2/3 innings and hasn't given up a run after the sixth inning.

``I think when our bullpen comes into the game it's like our team's confidence grows,'' said Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera, who earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief. ``They feel strong, they don't give up and and they know we'll keep them in the game.''

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Photo

Photo: At the plate in the first inning, Baltimore's Robert o Alomar was not safe from the jeers of Yankees fans.

Associated Press