FRANCHISE NOTES

          In N.Y., Op-Ed columnist Sidney Zion writes in response
     to a column by Harvey Araton of the N.Y. Times on Yankees
     Owner George Steinbrenner's relationship with the Hispanic
     community.  Zion writes the facts show that the Yankees have
     the third most Hispanic players in MLB.  Zion: "How could
     Araton miss this? ... Say what you will about George
     Steinbrenner, you simply can't label him a racist" (N.Y.
     DAILY NEWS, 10/23)....Hoping to "refocus fans on the ...
     Hornets -- and away from owner George Shinn's troubles," a
     group of Charlotte businesses are putting on an open-to-the-
     public "pep rally" where fans can lunch with the team and
     hear coach Dave Cowens speak at the Charlotte Coliseum. 
     Charlotte Chamber President Caroll Gray: "[W]e want to make
     sure the team doesn't get confused with the other P.R.
     problem they have" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/23)....Only 1,009
     attended the ABL Xplosion-StingRays game in Long Beach, CA
     last night (Earl Gustkey, L.A. TIMES, 10/23).