BASEBALL PLAYERS LOOK TO JOIN FRATERNITY OF TEAM OWNERS

          As sports salaries continue to increase, "it's no
     surprise that some players are eyeing second careers ... 
     owning a piece of a franchise," according to Mark Hyman of
     BUSINESS WEEK.   Although active players cannot own teams
     under present MLB rules, former players are "already on the
     hunt."  Agent RON SHAPIRO says that client KIRBY PUCKETT
     would "like to have ownership in a franchise -- Minnesota if
     the opportunity presents itself."  TONY GWYNN calls
     Charlotte "a place primed for baseball right now," and CAL
     RIPKEN, JR. says he would like to utilize his "acquired
     expertise in baseball."  One reason to add a retired player
     to an ownership group is "image.  A hometown hero could
     reclaim fans alienated by strikes and lockouts."   Bringing
     ex-players in would "also likely mean more Hispanic and
     African-American investors -- a development considered
     overdue by many" (BUSINESS WEEK, 3/24 issue).