MARINERS OWNERS MAKE TRIP TO THE MOUND TO MEET WITH GOVERNOR

     A group representing Mariners ownership met with WA state
political leaders yesterday in Gov. Mike Lowry's office to
emphasize that they will put the team up for sale if there is no
new stadium plan in place by the end of the month.  Michael
Paulson reports in this morning's SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER the
team also stressed its willingness to contribute $45M toward the
cost of a new ballpark and that they plan to sign a 20-year lease
and share any profits with the community.  Lowry still hopes to
call a special session of the legislature to deal with the
stadium issue next week, but has made no progress toward a
possible bill (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 10/3).  A key lawmaker
told the TACOMA NEWS TRIBUNE that a loss by the team yesterday
"could have taken some of the momentum away" from the stadium
effort.  The Mariners won their first division title over the
Angels (Turner & Callaghan, TACOMA NEWS TRIBUNE, 10/3).