CHIEF WAHOO LANDS ON WALL STREET: TRIBE TO FLOAT IPO?

          In a "historic move that could trigger a significant
     financial realignment" of MLB, the Indians "are expected to
     announce plans to make the ballclub a publicly traded
     company," according to Jones & Rogers of the CHICAGO
     TRIBUNE.  MLB owners last summer "approved the Indians'
     proposal" to issue two classes of stock, with Indians Owner
     Richard Jacobs maintaining control of voting interests.  An
     announcement could come "within the next week or so."  Jones
     & Rogers write that "the move may be a partial response to
     the increasing big corporate influence in baseball. ... This
     would be a remarkable departure in the operation of
     professional baseball, a very public game governed by the
     very private dealings of a select group."  Rogers & Jones
     add that the Indians would be the "first free-standing team"
     in MLB to go public (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/27).