OREN BENTON OFF THE ROCK PILE: PART OWNER STEPS DOWN

          The Rockies announced Monday that Oren Benton has
     stepped down as Vice Chair, ending his association with the
     club, according to Tony DeMarco of the DENVER POST. 
     Negotiations for the purchase of his shares in the club by
     Majority Owner Jerry McMorris and Vice Chair Charles Monfort
     continue.  Benton filed for bankruptcy in February '95,
     claiming he was $400M in debt.  His shares in the team,
     estimated at 23% and worth between $30-40M, "are tied up in
     that litigation."  McMorris said that Benton's departure
     "will not result in a takeover of the principal ownership of
     the club by Monfort, a rumor that has been circulating
     around the club in recent days."  McMorris: "In fact, both
     Charlie and I will take on more (of the team), and there
     will be no change in our roles" (DENVER POST, 9/30).