The AFL has been "positioned nationally as an up-and-
coming sport under" Commissioner David Baker's "watch,"
according to Mark Emmons of the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, who
wrote, "[Baker] could be the prototype for a new breed of
sports executive who understands what the common fan wants
-- fast-paced entertainment, affordable ticket prices and a
little respect." Pilson Communications President Neal
Pilson, on Baker: "Dave is one of the outstanding
commissioners, and I've worked with all of them over the
last 25 years. I know Paul Tagliabue, David Stern, Bud
Selig and Gary Bettman, and Dave ranks with the best."
Baker, a former GOP politico, "considers himself apolitical,
but he's not averse to climbing onto the soapbox." Baker:
"What does it say when people are more interested in what
color Dennis Rodman's hair is than the value of effort and
integrity? That's why I respect how our players, even after
they've lost a game, will go over and face fans by signing
autographs." Emmons said that several nets are "interested"
in the AFL's TV rights and that there are plans for a video
game and an AFL-themed movie (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 8/17).
