N.Y. art dealer Jeffrey Loria was the "behind-the-
scenes man who would have bankrolled" K.C. banker Jerry
Green's purchase of the Royals. However, Green said
yesterday that it's "highly unlikely" he'll be able to bid
for the club, as he has "been unable to find another
partner" (K.C. STAR, 3/11)....The Angels will bring back a
live organist for their home games this season. Last year,
the team played recorded rock music during games (O.C.
REGISTER, 3/10)....49ers President Carmen Policy "made it
clear" his team is not interested in an exhibition game
against the Raiders. Policy: "We don't really want to deal
with them. It's always a one-way street when you deal with
them." The Raiders "are willing" to play such a game (S.F.
CHRONICLE, 3/11)....MLS Fusion President Ken Horowitz "has
no doubt" Sunday's home opener will be played in a "finished
facility," following 15 weeks of renovations to Lockhart
Stadium. As of yesterday, "just more than" 10,000 tickets
had been sold to the game. Lockhart's capacity is 20,000
(MIAMI HERALD, 3/11)....The USBL awarded an expansion
franchise to Washington, DC, to begin play this season.
Larry Arnold, President of DC-based International
Associates, will be the team's President & CEO (USBL).
Arnold said he is "in the midst of negotiations to find an
arena for the team," and will meet with Washington Sports &
Entertainment President Abe Pollin today to discuss
possibilities at MCI Center (WASHINGTON POST, 3/11).
CHECK THESE DUDS! THE HOCKEY NEWS' first-ever ranking
of secondary minor league logos featured 41 teams in the
WPHL, West Coast, United and Central Leagues (HOCKEY NEWS,
3/13 issue)...The Tigers changed their road uniforms and
will return to a more "traditional" road cap, featuring an
orange Old English "D." Changes to the road jersey include
the addition of blue piping down the collar and button line,
with similar piping added to pant sides (Tigers).