He did, however, make an unexpectedappearanceata raffleafterthe shoot-around, which was attended by about 600 season-ticket holders as part ofa credit-cardpromotion.
And as the club begins the playoffs in pursuit of its second World Series appearance in three years, machinations in the secondary ticket market show few locals are willing to fork over the kind of money for seats that fans in other playoff markets are.
As Justin Timberlake and the Smashing Pumpkins headlined other SXSW wrap-ups nearby, Prince prevailed as the toughest ticket Saturday night by performing for only 300 people in his first appearance at the annual music festival that drew 2, 200 bands and artists this year.
The New York senator's appearance drew a large crowd of her female supporters, and while she sang the praises of the Obama-Biden ticket at the rally, one thing she refused to do was take shots at Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.