FRANCHISE NOTES: HOUSTON LAW FIRMS SHOWS ASTROS SPIRIT

     The law firm of H.D. Caldwell, Jr. & Associates, LLP, has
declared its support of the Astros by donating four season
tickets to the Texas Children's Hospital and creating an employee
incentive plan that could generate up to 2000 additional fans
during the '96 season (Caldwell & Assoc.). ....In L.A., Helene
Elliott notes Stars Owner Norm Green will not be missed:  "He was
brash and rude and cried over the terms of his lease at Reunion
Arena from the moment he arrived in Dallas.  The NHL needs owners
with deeper pockets -- and stronger credentials -- than Green"
(L.A. TIMES, 11/28)....A FINANCIAL WORLD report examines large
companies owning sports franchises.  Pablo Galarza examines
Viacom's sale of the Knicks and Rangers and Anheuser-Busch's
intention to sell the Cardinals (FW, 12/5 issue)....The IHL Grand
Rapids Griffin announced ticket prices for their inaugural season
in '96-97.  Single game prices range from $5-22.  Season tickets
range from $258-946 (Griffins)....The Orioles and NationsBank
have teamed up to give fans a "Birdwatching Loan" to pay for
season tickets (WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL, 11/30 issue).