Tom Glavine has interest in buying Thrashers

ATLANTA (AP) - Former Braves pitcher Tom Glavine said Thursday he would like to be part of an ownership group that keeps the NHL Thrashers in Atlanta.

Glavine told an Atlanta radio station he hopes to organize an ownership group.

"I'm trying on my end," Glavine told 790 The Zone. "No promises. We'll see what happens."

Bruce Levenson, one of the lead owners seeking to sell the Thrashers, said Glavine has expressed preliminary interest in the team.

"Like us, it is my understanding he would like to see the Thrashers stay in Atlanta and has indicated such to people in our organization," Levenson told The Associated Press.

Glavine did not return messages to The Associated Press on Thursday.

Glavine played high school hockey and baseball in Concord, Mass., and was drafted in both sports before winning 305 games with the Braves and New York Mets. He has been a Thrashers season-ticket holder and coaches his son's youth hockey team.

The left-hander began his career with the Braves and was the winning pitcher in the decisive Game 6 of Atlanta's 1995 World Series win over the Cleveland Indians. After five seasons with the Mets, Glavine ended his career with the Braves in 2008.

Glavine's No. 47 was retired by the Braves last year. He is a special assistant to team president John Schuerholz and works on some Braves broadcasts.

Glavine was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round of the 1984 NHL draft. He was a second-round draft pick by the Braves the same year and after choosing baseball he reached the major leagues in 1987.

Levenson and Michael Gearon Jr. are the leaders of a group which also owns the NBA Atlanta Hawks and operating rights to Philips Arena, where the teams play.

Gearon said in February there was a "sense of urgency" in the search if the team is to remain in Atlanta. Levenson said in March there had been an increased response from possible buyers, but he indicated on Thursday the search continues.

"There is nothing new to report on the buyer front," Levenson said.

Gearon and Levenson have said they would be willing to remain part of an ownership group with a new majority investor.

Despite reports there would be interest in the Thrashers in Winnipeg or elsewhere in Canada, Levenson has said he is talking only with possible buyers who would keep the team in Atlanta.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has said he wants the team to remain in Atlanta.