"APOLOGY" FROM ROYALS BRASS (PLUS FREE TIX) AVERTS BOYCOTT

     Royals CEO David Glass, President Mike Hermand and GM Herk
Robinson met with the K.C. STAR editorial board to announce a
form of apology to fans:  free general admission to the first
four home games, a free "baseball meal" (hot dog, soda) to fans
who buy other than general admission seats, and an open house at
Kauffman Stadium on April 22.  Subsequently, columnist Jason
Whitlock and several radio stations called off their boycott.
Whitlock writes, "Our goal was to get the Royals to make a
significant gesture that they respected and appreciated Royals
fans.  They have done that."  Glass also told the editorial board
that he believes the plight of small-market teams will be
addressed in any new deal:  "It doesn't do the game of baseball
any good if we don't survive" (K.C. STAR, 4/13).