HE'S GOT SOME FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES: BROOKS EYEING PIRATES?

          Country singer Garth Brooks spent two days with the
     Pirates in Philadelphia, taking batting practice, chasing
     fly balls and signing autographs, according to Paul Meyer of
     the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE.  Meyer: "Brooks is a longtime
     Pirates and Steelers fan.  Which makes one wonder if Brooks
     will become more involved with the Pirates -- as in
     financially."  Pirates CEO Kevin McClatchy: "I don't know.
     That wasn't why we did this.  It's all been very low-key. 
     If it leads to anything else, that would be great, but
     that's not the plan."  Bill Allen, one of the team's limited
     partners who set up Brooks' visit, thinks Brooks will become
     "more involved" with the team (POST-GAZETTE, 9/14).