In L.A., Helene Elliott reports the Clippers last night held a “gathering of season ticket holders and fans” at L.A. Live that was billed as “The Playbook.” The event included a conversation with Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank and Consultant Jerry West, though team Owner Steve Ballmer made it “feel more like a pep rally crossed with a tent revival.” In front of an audience of about 2,500, Ballmer said, “We’re moving to Inglewood come hell or high water. We gotta have a house. So we’re working on a plan to get our own house.” He then “urged fans to contact their Assembly representative and state senator to urge approval of legislation that would accelerate the process” (LATIMES.com, 8/16).
LEARNING CURVE: In Baltimore, Eduardo Encina noted Orioles players will "will receive further instruction" on how to use social media in light of recent events involving Brewers P Josh Hader and Braves P Sean Newcomb. Details of what that training entails "weren’t specified." The Orioles already had "guidelines for players in the organization to ensure responsible social media use" before the recent events. A team source said that the Orioles have "procedures in place, separate from the MLB policy," in which the team "reviews and monitors players’ public social media posts" (BALTIMORE SUN, 8/14).
SILVER BELLS: The NHL Panthers said that they will "honor big names from the franchise's history during its 25th anniversary season this year." In Miami, Jordan McPherson notes the recognitions will "take place during Saturday home games at the BB&T Center and will be called 'Legacy Saturdays.'" The Panthers "will also remember" late exec Bill Torrey. His Legacy Saturday will "take place on Nov. 10" when the Panthers host the Islanders, a team Torrey "helped build into a dynasty prior to joining the Panthers" (MIAMI HERALD, 8/16).
GAME ON: In L.A., James Williams noted the Dodgers will host an Overwatch League Night on Aug. 22 to kick off the esports league’s "inaugural All-Star Weekend." With the purchase of a "special event ticket, fans will receive an exclusive Overwatch League Dodgers shirt." Lane “Surefour” Roberts of the L.A. Gladiators will "throw out the first pitch" before the game against the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Williams noted a group of contest winners on Tuesday were "split into teams" along with members of the Gladiators and the Rams, both teams owned by Stan Kroenke, to "play Overwatch at UC Irvine’s esports arena" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 8/15).
