The Ducks on Sunday held a jersey-retirement ceremony for former NHLer Teemu Selanne, part of a four-day celebration of his career. The club eclipsed $500,000 in merchandise sales, eclipsing its gameday sales record by 28%. More than 10,000 people also visited the team store and tent over the four-day celebration (Ducks).
WHO'S ON FIRST? In San Jose, Mark Purdy wrote A's fans wonder if GM Billy Beane could respect them "by keeping around more of their favorite players for longer than just one or two seasons." One of the reasons fans "like to take a ride with their team" is the ability to "develop a connection with a favorite player or two or three." Beane: "I’ve been here when we’ve had a lot of favorite players on our team and we didn’t win. People come to watch their favorite team win games over and over. People come to watch their favorite player once." Given the A’s "miserable ballpark situation -- which means people don’t just go to games to enjoy the atmosphere -- Beane is probably correct" (MERCURYNEWS.com, 1/12).
MAGIC'S MEN: In Orlando, Josh Robbins notes the Magic selected F Tobias Harris to serve as the team's rep to the NBPA, while G Victor Oladipo "will serve as the team's alternate." Harris said that the role offers "a 'great opportunity' to learn more about another side of sports and to help players get better benefits." Oladipo said that he is "looking forward to attending the union's meeting at the All-Star Game next month" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 1/13).
