League Notes

PEEKING INTO THE FUTURE: In Milwaukee, Tom Haudricourt notes the Brewers yesterday held a news conference to unveil the '02 MLB All-Star logo, which "prominently features" Miller Park's retractable roof. The logo, which does not have the word "Milwaukee" on it, was designed by MLB VP/Design Services Anne Occi with ideas from the Brewers. Meanwhile, Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau Senior VP Dawn Poker said that the event would add $21M to the local economy and upwards of $60M for southeast WI, "thanks to the tourism boost" (JOURNAL SENTINEL, 7/24).

HAMM A BIG DRAW: In CA, Jennifer Starks noted the WUSA is averaging nearly 8,500 fans per game. But when Freedom MF Mia Hamm plays, that figure increases to 13,997 (CONTRA COSTA TIMES, 7/22). CyberRays GM Marlene Bjornsrud, on the Freedom-CyberRays game drawing 16,174 fans last Sunday at Spartan Stadium: "Thank God for Mia. Every time we looked, there was just a steady stream (of people) flowing in" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 7/24). In San Jose, Mark Gomez wrote that there was "little doubt" Hamm "was the main attraction" at the game (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 7/23).

NTRA COMMISSIONER CARVING HIS NICHE: USA TODAY's Tom Pedulla writes that there "are signs" NTRA Commissioner Tim Smith "is starting to make a difference." Pedulla: "Although Smith has endured some stiff opposition since taking leadership of a sport plagued by graying demographics and too few fans in the seats, recent developments are encouraging" (USA TODAY, 7/24).