SOCKERS

The Sockers today ask their fans to stand up and open their wallets.

The most successful professional sports team in San Diego and the only one looking for a majority owner, has enlisted the aid of KFMB radio, which hosts a “drive-through” this morning beginning at 7, and of the Cable Sports Network, which broadcasts a telethon tonight beginning at 6.

During the drive-through, the morning team of Hudson and Bauer will ask listeners to drop by the studio at 7677 Engineer Rd. in Kearny Mesa and contribute to the Save Our Sockers fund.

Money collected will go toward the purchase of a block of season tickets to be donated to youth programs.

During the telethon, the Sockers will solicit deposits for individual season tickets. The program will feature video clips of past championship games. Several former players will be on hand.

The hope is to draw the attention of a potential owner. Toward that end, Coach Ron Newman said he is talking to three parties who have shown interest in taking over the club.

“The deciding factor may be this season-ticket drive,” Newman said. “We don’t know to what extent these (potential owners) want to get involved. We understand the door could be slammed shut at any time. That’s why we don’t want to slow down on the season-ticket drive.”

Earl Foreman, Major Soccer League commissioner, met with two potential owners in San Diego on Wednesday and is scheduled to meet with two more today.

“There is genuine interest,” Foreman said. “They’re impressed with the season ticket sales drive. They’re familiar with the Sockers, they know what they’ve done here and they know what kind of acceptance they’ve had.”

The telethon can be seen on Cox Cable Ch. 4, Southwestern Ch. 15, Jones Ch. 25, and on Coronado Cablevision Ch. 6A.