In K.C., Sam Mellinger notes the many execs who worked for outgoing Royals Owner David Glass over his nearly 20-year tenure "retain a fierce loyalty, even those who are now in other places." His reputation "remains the boss who not only asks about your family but remembers the answer and follows up the next time." He is "known for a sturdy handshake, a whack on the arm and a friendly greeting for players." Glass is also "obsessed with the game." He was a "leading voice for increased revenue sharing and chaired the committee that started MLB’s Advanced Media" (K.C. STAR, 9/5).
GET THIS PARTY STARTED: The Lightning from Sept. 13-15 will stage Lightning Launch Weekend. Friday will "feature a Family Fun Night at Sparkman Wharf" that will include "programming and music at the renovated retail area east of Amalie Arena." Events will include "trivia contests, bubble hockey tournaments and social contests." Saturday will include a "free public skate at Amalie Arena" before the weekend culminates with the annual Fan Fest on Sunday. Fan Fest is "free and open to the public, but fans must obtain a mobile ticket" by visiting the team's website (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 9/4).
FISH TANK: In Orlando, Mike Bianchi wrote the Dolphins are the first NFL team to "actually go into a season with the objective of tanking in what will inevitably be a futile attempt to make themselves relevant again." What makes the Dolphins’ strategy "even worse is that many fans and media members have seemingly signed off on it." Bianchi: "Is this what it’s come to; where sports fans have been conditioned to accept losing as a viable strategy for winning? Even when there is no real data to support it?" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 9/5).
