In Toronto, Geoff Baker reported that two replacements
for outgoing Blue Jays mascot BJ Birdy are "said to be
characters with zany personality traits" modeled after
actors Jim Carrey and Goldie Hawn (TORONTO STAR, 12/9).
...The Phillies are increasing ticket prices for next season
by $2.50 for field boxes, $2 for terrace seats and $1 for
gen. admission, upper reserved seats. Tickets will range
from $5-23.50 (CALKINS NEWSPAPERS, 12/9)....In Albuquerque,
Rick Wright wrote that "early data" on attendance for the
IBL Slam is "mixed at best." After their home-opener drew
5,649, only 2,417 attended the second game against the
Rhythm. But Wright wrote, "The product is pretty good"
(ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL, 12/5)....U.K. cable operator NTL has
increased its stake in the English Premier League's
Newcastle United team to 9.9%, after agreeing to purchase a
3.6% stake for $8M. In addition, NTL is loaning Newcastle
$40M to be repaid after five years with another 9.9% share
of the club. The deal also gives NTL control of Newcastle's
media rights for five years (DAILY VARIETY, 12/10).
