FOR DEVIL RAYS, IT'S NOTHING PERSONAL, IT'S ONLY BUSINESS

          The Devil Rays give "all prospective vendors" the
     "opportunity to buy season-tickets.  And those who don't buy
     are occasionally shown the door," according to Adam Smith in
     the ST. PETERSBURG TIMES.  Corporate Interiors Inc., which
     handles corporate suites design, was informed last fall by a
     Devil Rays ticket salesman that, "If you are not a season-
     ticket holder, we will not do business with you."  The
     Clearwater, FL-based company "never did buy tickets, nor did
     it get any business from the team."  Corporate Interiors
     President Marilyn Frank: "It's extortion.  They're strong-
     arming businesses."  Devil Rays General Counsel John Higgins
     said the team "does not apply a steadfast season-ticket rule
     to everything it buys," but that Managing Partner Vince
     Naimoli "wants the team to do business with those doing
     business with the team."  Higgins: "This is a community-
     based team, and Vince and our ownership group are looking
     for people that support the team" (ST. PETE TIMES, 4/23).