Baseball

Angels: Signed P Erik Hanson to minor-league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Vancouver.

Brewers: Signed P J. M. Gold, first-round draft pick.

Cardinals: Placed SS Royce Clayton (strained right side) on 15-day DL.

Cubs: Optioned IF Jason Hardtke to Triple-A Iowa.

Red Sox: Assigned IF Keith Johns to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Rockies: Claimed P Fred Rath off waivers from Twins and assigned him to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Transferred P Kevin Ritz (right shoulder) from 15- to 60-day DL.

Tigers: Placed former Orioles IF Bill Ripken (back strain) on 15-day DL, retroactive to June 21.

Basketball

NBA: Awarded 2000 All-Star Game to Golden State Warriors.

Colleges

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference: Announced Le Moyne will become member of MAAC women's lacrosse league for 1999 season.

NCAA: Men's Basketball Committee recommended following cities as Final Four sites: New Orleans, 2003; San Antonio, 2004; St. Louis, 2005; Indianapolis, 2006; Atlanta, 2007.

Drew: Named Linda Yost women's basketball coach.

Louisville: Suspended F Nate Johnson because of citation for marijuana possession.

Football

Buccaneers: Signed LB Stephen Grant to one-year contract.

Falcons: Signed WR Tim Dwight, fourth-round draft pick, to three-year contract.

Lions: Re-signed S Ron Rice.

Vikings: Signed OT Matt Birk.

Hockey

NHL Board of Governors: Approved Art Williams as new owner of Lightning.

Pub Date: 6/26/98