Marlins President Don Smiley said yesterday that he
will resign at the end of the year, according to Dave
Sheinin of the MIAMI HERALD. Prospective Marlins Owner John
Henry said that there are "no immediate plans" to replace
Smiley. Smiley said that he doesn't see himself running
another sports franchise in the future, but that he was
"pursuing some options" and would take his time in deciding
his future. Smiley, on Henry: "He has his own ideas and
philosophies. There can only be one chief and he's going to
be it" (David Sheinin, MIAMI HERALD, 12/17).
BIG BUCKS, SHOW WAMI: Also in Miami, Barry Jackson
reports that SportsChannel FL has sold Marlins broadcast
rights to Barry Diller's WAMI-TV for six years, effective
next season. WAMI, which will carry 50 games in '99 and "as
many as" 55 in future seasons, paid "in the range" of $3.5M
annually. SportsChannel FL will be allowed to sell "about"
10% of the ads during Marlins games (MIAMI HERALD, 12/17).
The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Jonathan Davies writes that WAMI
adds the Marlins' broadcast rights, along with the Heat and
SEC football. WAMI will develop its own Marlins pre- and
post-game shows with in-house "Sportstown" anchors Mark
Jones and Brad Steinke (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 12/17).
