DODGERS LOBBY FOR ALL-STAR GAME.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Bob Daly knows about gala events from his days as a studio executive, and the Dodgers chairman is lobbying to bring baseball's biggest in-season extravaganza to Los Angeles.

While baseball commissioner Bud Selig was touring a renovated Dodger Stadium for the first time Wednesday, Daly told Selig of an intense desire to hold an upcoming All-Star Game.

Dodgers officials believe Selig, who confirmed the Dodgers were under consideration, was receptive to the idea, and are optimistic about being awarded one of the upcoming games.

``Bob has been discussing it with the commissioner and they addressed it again during (Selig's) visit, which was the first for him since the renovations,'' Dodgers senior vice president Derrick Hall said. ``(Selig) expressed over and over again how impressive the stadium looks after 40 years, which is a good sign. We are hopeful.''

Selig sat with Daly in a luxury suite and watched the Mets' 2-0 win. He was in town to view the ballpark as part of the 40th anniversary celebration of Dodger Stadium, which was renovated prior to the 2000 season.

``The Dodgers are one of our proudest franchises. The city would be a great host,'' Selig said through an MLB spokesperson. ``It's under consideration, but it's early in the process.''

This season's All-Star Game will be played July 9 at Milwaukee's Miller Park. The 2003 game is set for Chicago's Comiskey Park and 2004 was awarded to Houston's new ballpark. An American League city would be the favorite for 2005, but the Dodgers could play host that season or in 2006.

San Francisco, Cincinnati and Arizona - each with new ballparks - are interested in hosting an All-Star Game, but the Dodgers believe they should be lumped into that group because of the $50 million renovation to their park. Dodger Stadium last had an All-Star Game in 1980.

``Dodgers fans, baseball fans and the city of Los Angeles have waited long enough and they all deserve to have another midseason classic in our great stadium,'' Hall said. ``Having an All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium has been a top priority of Bob's since he became chairman. I believe it was his first day on the job and wanted clarification on whether 1980 was the last time we hosted an All-Star Game. ...''

Daly spoke with Selig about it on several occasions, and the organization is expected to provide a written proposal to the commissioner's office. The final decision will be made by Selig.