STRIKE MORE THAN JUST A MEMORY FOR RAWLINGS

     Leading makers of baseball products "are still trying to
recover" from the '94-95 strike, as witnessed by Rawlings' report
of lower profits for its most recent quarter, according to
REUTERS.  The St. Louis-based Rawlings said profits have dropped
to $890,000 from $1.77M a year ago (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 1/5).
Rawlings Chair Carl Shields said sales were up in apparel, which
has a lower profit margin, and down in baseball equipment, which
has a higher margin.  Rawlings' heavy investment in a Cal Ripken
Jr. commemorative baseball reportedly "cut into profits" (KNIGHT-
RIDDER/TRIBUNE BUSINESS NEWS, 1/5).  This morning's USA TODAY
features a full page ad for the Rawlings Ripken commemorative
baseball (USA TODAY, 1/5).