In L.A., Bill Plaschke notes Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer has "become the force" of the franchise. With the Clips "requiring remodeling, he has torn down the walls." Ballmer has "erased all traces" of former Owner Donald Sterling while "finally beginning to write a legacy of his own." He has also "overseen the creation of an unlikely basketball team that has found its way into playoff contention despite starting 30 lineups in 63 games." Ballmer said, "Who wants to tank, I don't want to tank. Our fans deserve to have a team that competes all the time" (L.A. TIMES, 3/7).
FIRST CALL: In Cleveland, Kevin Kleps noted the Indians put single-game tickets on sale yesterday, but the home opener on April 6 against the Royals "wasn't available." The team indicated that its "expanded season-ticket base, combined with the strong demand of the home opener, meant that all of the seats ... were sold during the exclusive window given to season-ticket holders." That led to "some complaints on social media ... from fans who have been accustomed" to the Indians holding back some seats for the home opener (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 3/6).
CLASS ACT: In Chicago, Phil Thompson notes the Blackhawks yesterday made 12-year-old Mason Berg, who has muscular dystrophy, an "honorary Blackhawk for a day after the team received a request from Make-A-Wish Illinois." Blackhawks teammates and coaches skated with Berg at practice, who was "rolled onto the ice in a wheelchair." Berg at one point pulled C Jonathan Toews "down by his jersey and gave him a few playful shots." Berg and his parents also were set to attend last night’s game against the Avalanche (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/7).
