RANGERS SEE GATE AS A WAY TO GET BACK IN BLACK

     Despite the best start in franchise history and a "surge in
attendance," Rangers President Tom Schieffer is not ready to
count this season as "a financial winner," according to Richard
Alm of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS.  Team management went into '96
figuring the team had to draw 2.5 million to break even, but
Schieffer notes the figure now is somewhat higher "because the
team signed an unusual amount of amateur draft picks."  If the
team maintains an average attendance of 35,017/game for the rest
of the season, they will draw a club record 2.8 million.
Merchandise sales are up 27% and TV ratings on their carriers are
up at least 30% over last season (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 7/9).