By MARC TOPKIN
Times Staff Writer

NEW YORK - The Boss and Vinnie Barbarino could be hanging out at the ballpark
together.

The unlikely duo of businessman George Steinbrenner and actor John Travolta
are talking about a deal to move the Yankees' Class A Florida State League team
from Tampa to the Ocala area.

Travolta, who lives near Ocala, talked excitedly about getting involved with
Steinbrenner and the team during an appearance last week on The Late Show with
David Letterman.

And Steinbrenner, who owns a horse farm and a hotel in the area, told the
Ocala Star-Banner, "If the city and the county can get together, it can be done.
It would be great for Ocala."

The move probably wouldn't take place for several years. According to the
newspaper, Travolta first has to find a location for a stadium and get the
cooperation of the Marion County government. If the project moves ahead,
Travolta
may get baseball legend Cal Ripken involved.

Tampa Sports Authority Executive Director Henry Saavedra said he heard a
rumor Steinbrenner might sell the team to Travolta's group. He was concerned
enough to have TSA lawyers look into whether it could be legally moved, and they
said it could.

Steinbrenner, who met with Travolta recently at Legends Field, told the
newspaper the major-league Yankees would continue to have spring training in
Tampa
but could play at least one exhibition a year in Ocala.

- Staff writer Bill Varian contributed to this report.

Published October 5, 2004


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