Acting MLB Commissioner Bud Selig told reporters yesterday
that he was "pleased" with the way MLB has progressed since last
year's All-Star Game in Arlington, TX. Selig: "Attendance is
up, TV ratings are up, maybe modestly in some cases, but there is
a much more positive atmosphere. On balance, we are in the early
stages of what I feel will be a very, very powerful recovery. I
think a labor agreement is something that will be a huge part of
finishing that off" (Dave Van Dyck, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/10).
Selig, on attendance, which is up 5.4% over '95: "I was sort of
hoping for a 6 to 6 1/2 percent increase. But knowing what
happened with the weather early in the season, a lot of clubs
have been hurt by the weather. Given that, I think we're about
where we are" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/10).
FANFEST IS FILLED: The Pinnacle All-Star Fanfest had drawn
80,000 fans by noon Tuesday, with MLB's Carole Coleman expecting
to break the record of 100,000 set in '93 in Baltimore.
Pinnacle's Laurie Goldberg noted the high number of young people
present, adding, "If this is any indication, baseball is back"
(Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY, 7/10).
