SINGLE-ENTITY OWNERSHIP: In Columbus, Bob Hunter
criticizes the concept of single-entity ownership and its
effect on MLS and the ABL. Calling the system "un-American"
he adds, "There's something wrong when a team knows the
league office will play favorite with another franchise
because it believes that team's success may be good for the
league as a whole." Hunter: "But ultimately, decisions like
that will erode the league's credibility and drive away
fans. ... Until both leagues get out of the player
manipulation business and adopt a system where a franchise
succeeds or fails on its own merits, it's always going to be
difficult to take them seriously" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 4/22).
MLB: USA TODAY's Michael Hiestand reports that MLB
"marketing is up and about. From Beanie Babies giveaways to
Tax Night to Arizona's new stadium pool, a number of clubs
again are selling themselves with non-baseball hype." MLBP
President Bob Gamgort: "It's not debatable we're going in
the right direction." Hiestand also listed each team's
marketing highlights for this season, which includes
comments by local marketers (USA TODAY, 4/22)....MLB and the
Caribbean Baseball Confederation, who have been under a
contract since '80, have extended their deal for five more
years beginning with the '98-99 season (MLB).
NOTE: In Orlando, L.C. Johnson reports that the NBA
Board of Governors "is expected to name Orlando as one of
two" WNBA expansion teams for '99. League sources suggest
Chicago and Philadelphia also have been under consideration
to the join the 10-team league (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/22).
