Friday, June 13, 2008

Where is everybody?


There were plenty of things from the Wild Things' recently concluded series against the Southern Illinois Miners that caught one's attention.

There was the impressive four-hitter thrown by Aaron Ledbetter. He looked like the Ledbetter who dominated the league last season, not the guy who struggled at times in his first three starts this year.

There was Washington's impressive power hitting Thursday night in a 16-2 win. When was the last time the Wild Things hit four home runs in three innings? I'm willing to bet that has never happened.

But what was most noticeable was the lack of fans in the stands. The announced attendance of 2,144 Tuesday night marked the second-smallest crowd ever for a Wild Things home game. The only smaller crowd was on June 4, 2002, when 1,712 fans clicked the turnstiles for a game against Chillicothe. It was the fourth home game in franchise history.

The attendance for the series against South Illinois was 7,205 - the fewest fans the Wild Things have drawn for a three-day series.

So where is everybody?

Is the luster gone from the Wild Things? Is the $4 price for a gallon of gas keeping fans away from Consol Energy Park? Are you taking a been-there, seen-that approach to attending a Wild Things game? Are you waiting until later in the season to go to a game? Did the Wild Things' 1-6 start dull your enthusiasm for the team?

Believe me, the Wild Things' officials have noticed your absence. They went as far offering a buy-one-ticket, get-one-free promotion for the current six-game homestand.

I overheard one employee mention that attendance doesn't pick up until Father's Day. There's a lot of truth to that statement, but you can't ignore that attendance is down. The Wild Things are averaging 2,848 fans through nine home games, which is fifth-best in the Frontier League. Through nine home dates last year, Washington averaged 3,191 fans.

36 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Wild Things advertise their ticket prices are so low you have enought money for gas. However they forgot the $3.00 parking and the concession prices.
By the time comes that a family of 4 drives 40 miles round trip (assuming all family members are over 12), they will spend about $40
for tickets, $3 for parking, and spend about $40 for food and beverages (kids want 2 or three drinks). Add spending about $8 for gas, the total is $91, without any extra for souveniers. A family can now only afford to do this about once a month.
What can the Wild Things management do?
1. The bogo tickets is good.
2. Eliminate parking
3. Reduce food and soft drinks by 25%.

This would reduce the cost by $33 and may get our family of 4 out several times a month plus put other people now eliminated economically back into the picture.

June 14, 2008 at 4:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I went to the Wild Things game last night (Friday the 13th). This was only my second game this season, but for a minute I thought that maybe I'd died and went to baseball heaven. My ears were treated to the sound of DiFabio NOT being there screaming out the name of the players like some banshee. Alas, only a few minutes later who pops up to ruin what has, at least so far, been a really nice night at the ballpark......."Your Boy Dutch". Well, so much for the fun night at the ballpark. Can't this guy can't get a real job. Man, his routine, carried out from last year, (it was boring then, too) is about as stale as 5 day old bread!! I predict a future as a carnival barker for him. The Wild Things REALLY need to think this over and find some other way to provide the fans with this unnecessay 'entertainment' - read: Anything o make a buck!!!
As far as the high concession prices go-- just say NO. They will get the message at some point.
I may come back to some more games this year, I usually just listen on WJPA. If I hear DiFabio's voice on the PA system in the background, or "Dutch", I will probably just stay home and drink my almost free ice water.

June 14, 2008 at 9:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with both posters. The concession prices are too high and everybody should just not buy. What better way could there be to send them a message?
Yes, there is also too much stuff that is really silly, almost to the point of being idiotic, going on at CEF. Some of that stuff is demeaning to the people that decide to participate in it. "Let's Gooooooo Wild Things" is REALLY getting old! NO - REALLY annoying.

June 14, 2008 at 11:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'd like to know, when was the last time the anonymous at the top of this list went to a major league game? Or to the movies? Do you think you would get parking for $3 at a major league game? A 16-ounce beer at PNC Park costs $7 (minimum) from a vendor and $6.50 (minimum) at the stands this year. And you're complaining about the Wild Things' prices? As Charlie Brown says, good grief! How much do you think a family of four would spend at the movies compared to a Wild Things game? This is still the best deal you're going to find. Maybe you need to start going to Pony League games instead. You can't beat those prices. Maybe they should just let everyone into the game for free and pass a hat around after the sixth inning and ask for donations to pay the players and the bills.

June 14, 2008 at 11:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just in case the last poster doesn't know - once you've been to a Wild Things game you indeed HAVE been to a PONy League game!! At least when I go to a Pirates game I see players that most people have heard of. If you enjoy the WT so much then good for you.

June 14, 2008 at 2:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What? Somebody would try to equate the Wild Things baseball to Major League Baseball in any way?
Where is your head? All you Wild Things apologist just make me laugh. We should pay almost $4 for a bottle of water when we could buy an entire case of it at Wal Mart for that price??? SURE!!!!!!!!!!
The most major league thing about the Wild Things is their gull!!

June 14, 2008 at 3:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you compare the major league player salaries to Wild Thing player salaries, then a bottle of water or beer should cost a penny at CEP and parking would be about 3cents.

June 14, 2008 at 5:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where is everybody?
They are going to see the Pirates who have a better winning percentage than the Wild Things as of tonight.

June 14, 2008 at 6:46 PM  
Blogger Chris Dugan said...

I'm thinking we need to drop the anonymous option for comments. This seems to be the only blog run by the O-R that has almost all of its comments posted anonymously. Of the last 49 comments on this site, one was by a person with a username (thanks, nate3699) and three others had taglines (thanks, Ron Wilson, Tim Perry and Todd).

I'm seriously considering requiring a Google/Blogger username for comments. One of the reasons for creating this blog was to allow for back-and-forth discussions. What we have now is simply a bunch of anonymous posts, and you can't tell (using this one as an example) if they are from one person, three people or eight. I also think it becomes annoying if you have to write "the anonymous seven posts above mine."

I think we might get more discussions if we required usernames. For example, there is one anonymous who always complains about the cost of parking (probably valid). I'd like to know what his thoughts are on other subjects, but I'll never match them up if he's always posting under anonymous. I can make an educated guess as to which anonymous posters have returned, judging by the time of day they comment, but it's still only a guess.

Getting a Google/Blogger username takes only a minute. You don't have to use your name. I understand some people might want to post while they're at work and don't want the boss or their co-workers to find out. That's fine. That's why you can always use a creative username. I'm sure some of you already have a username for other message boards or fan forums, so I don't think this would be a problem.

Let me know what you think about this.

Also, perhaps somebody can answer this before I ask at the game Sunday. Have the Wild Things raised prices for any concession items this year?

June 15, 2008 at 12:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chris,
I have refrained from posting on this blog this year except for one time. However, I feel I need to make my feelings known on this subject. I very strongly feel that you would be making a mistake by changing anything. You would also be pleasing the Wild Things to no end by stifling the average fans from expressing his/her views. I think that rather than encouraging comments your proposed change would discourage them.
My reason for saying this is, although it does not bother me because I can take the heat, if one uses their name the Wild Things take a very dim view of this person. I know this from personal experience with them. They don't say anything directly to you, but you ARE, repeat, ARE made to feel uncomfortable- believe me, I KNOW!! I feel as welcome at a Wild Things game as a rattlesnake at a picnic! I have been the object of some really dirty looks at the ballpark from their employees.
The facts are that they only want you to say good things about them - critizing them is comsidered not 'politically correct' I have spoken with many people that will not comment on issues involving the Wild Things because they won't want to get on the "s*** list" One employee told us directly that we will not receive any of the items that are thrown into the stands because he did not like us. He has been true to his word, not one thing has even come close since he made that remark and that was sometime ago. At least he was honest about it! Truly,I don't give a crap about the cheap give away junk anyway. I do, however resent the deliberate snub. Such are the wages of daring not to 'go along'.
Having moved to Washington from a large metropolitan area many years, I was, and still am, puzzeled why criticism is taken so personally! I suppose that's just small town stuff - somebody just needs to grow up, it's NOT a slam to be critized. The Wild Things attempt to portray themself as darn near perfect. Well, if you are going to do that then you should be prepared to live up to it. There is a hell of a lot of room for improvement, both with the Wild Things, and The Frontier League. I have tried to point out one of the specific areas that needs improvement and all I got was an acknowledgement that I was probably right, BUT....."it's good enough". Well, not to a true baseball fan, NO IT'S NOT "GOOD ENOUGH"!!! If it's not right, and you know it, then fix it!! What's so tough about that! To me, this just shows a lack of respect for the game of baseball. It's very obvious that Frontier League base is aimed directly toward the "causal" fans to whom the "finer points" of the game are not important. The 'huckster' atmostphere at the games is almost sickening. I have to agree with the poster that mentioned Mr. DiFabio and the other screaming and yelling that goes on between innings. To these folks baseball is just a way to make money period!!! The one thing I did receive as a result of my efforts is the rath of a certain individual at CEF.
I like most of the Wild Things management employees personally, but their lack of reception to any comment, other then one that says something complimentary, speaks volumes of their lack of commitment to improvement.
What they need to do, before anything else is, learn not to be so 'thin skinned'. Criticism is NOT a lack of respect for their efforts! However, it seems to be taken that way.
So, as for me, I've decided that, begining with this 2008 season, to just attend the games,(We are season ticket holders), and KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT ABOUT EVERYTHING!!! I am only commenting now because this does not involve the Wild Things. I'm tired of being brow-beaten, as well as the ill treatment that goes along with being vocal about what needs improvement. As I stated above, I can "take the heat", I just don't want to any more because the Wild Things would NEVER make any changes anyway. I feel they think that would be a sign of weakness on their part. I'm KNOW that others feel the same way as I. So, if you want to discourage participation in this blog, then requiring names will probably do the trick. However Chris, using only first names shoud not be accectable since anybody could then just use any name they wanted. I read a comment from someone called "Nate". In his comment he was upset about those that would not use their name. Well "Nate", what is your last name? There must be about a million "Nates" out there. How do we know which one you are? If they can't take the heat, then let them stay out of the kitchen - simple as that!
I'm sure now that I will to re-entered on the Wild Things s*** list. Bloging less - but still enjoying life!!
Ron Wilson

June 15, 2008 at 7:27 AM  
Blogger Chris Dugan said...

Thanks, Ron, for taking the time to give your opinion. It's always appreciated. One thing I probably need to make clearer is, nobody will be required to use their name if I made this change. If your favorite player was Roberto Clemente, then you could use "rightfielder21" as your username. Nobody needs to know who your are, but readers can figure out which user has made which comments instead of trying to guess about a bunch of comments slugged as "anonymous." There are many people on fan forums/message boards who don't know who "psudad77" is (that's not me, just made up that one), for example, but might always try to reply to the guy's posts.

Again, if you have any thoughts on this, let me know.

June 15, 2008 at 11:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well Chris,if that is want you want to do I have no problem with it. I still think it will not encourage free discussion given the history of this blog. A lot of people, icluding myself, do not believe that their posts cannot be traced. That, and my feeling that people should be accountable for what they say, is the reason that I use my real name on my post.
As I mentioned before, I can see no reason for my continuing to contribute to this blog - one can only beat his head against a wall for so long. The Wild Things have no intention to change anything no matter how obvious it may be that something needs fixed. I can see a time coming when they will pack up and leave Washington and leave our city without a team. The history of minor league baseball teams is full of such stories, and the Frontier League is NO exception to this sad circumstance. I have resigned myself to the fact that lip service, and perhaps a smile, is the best one will EVER get from this organization. So, as previously stated, I have totally given up on them trying to improve anything other than their "bottom line". When the area is completely "milked" they will move on to greener pastures. Time will tell if I am correct. I anybody doubts that I am correct just let check the history of this league and the towns that have been abandoned (Richmond IN happen to ring a bell?). The bright side for them is that there is plenty of other places that are willing to 'take a chance' and invite these people into their city. Talk about letting the fox into the chicken coop!!!
Kickin' back and wating to see what happens a few years down the road and not spending a lot a money at CEF.
Ron Wilson
BTW: You were kidding about higher prices were you not? What do you think?
Ron Wilson

June 15, 2008 at 1:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chris,
Are u getting heat from the Wild Things about people not using their names or tags?
If anonymous is eliminated, then the 2 or 3 of you can blog your selves for ever.
Remember the anonymous people came to you defense at year end when you were "locked out" by the team.

LLIB

June 15, 2008 at 3:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good point, LLIB - darn, wish I'd have thought of that first! That business at the end of the season was sure ill-handled. It should have been a slam-dunk as to what management should have done, but it took them just ages to FINALLY figure it out! What would happen if something really major were to happen! Would it take until the next season to address it?
As stated before, I really do like most of the Wild Things management people on a personal level, but the decision making process seems somehow lacking. Perhaps it's just my perception of what I see. If I'm wrong well, it won't be the first time.
Ron Wilson

June 15, 2008 at 7:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Comparing the Wild Things to the Richmond Roosters is absurd. They were playing in a stadium that did not qualify as a place to play professional baseball especially compared to the ones being built for even a FL franchise these days. They went broke due to the costs of running a team. They probably didn't charge for parking either. Yes it's nice when it is free but look at what happened to them. Chris I like the user name idea but maybe don't require people to register for a name but just eliminate the anonymous option. If you choose name/URL you can just type in the name of your choice. Like so...mines from the TV show Mama's Family

June 15, 2008 at 8:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

LLIB is a backward BILL.
Yes, Richmond did not charge for parking. It was an old stadium, played on by the Rooster plus a high school and college team in the middle of a residual area.
However the Rooster fans and team management were very friendly to visitors and welcomed you back.
I am trying the URL version suggested by the previous poster.

June 16, 2008 at 4:57 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Claude,
My using Richmond as an example was meant to illustrate that teams WILL leave a city after it supported them strongly for many, many years. Yes, the stadiun was indeed very old, but stadiums get that way. If you look at Consol Energy Field you will see signs of aging there already. There are many cracks in the concrete, rusty light standarda, etc. There appears to be 'defered maintenance' just about everywhere. None of this can be blamed of the fans.
As far as for competion for business goes, don't you think it is the obligation of the teams to field a competative team, provide and maintain adeqaute facilities, etc. Richmond failed to do so then they blamed the fans for lack of support! They certainly did not have any professional competion. Speaking of "professional"......... well, I'd better leave that subject untouched.
It sure seeems strange to me when I look at the history of The Frontier League that sooooo many towns have lost their teams. Could it possably be that ALL this places had people owning their teams that had nothing but greed in their hearts? Sure looks that way to me. It does not seem even remotely possible that all these folks were so dumb that they didn't do any market research before making that sort of investment.
If you take a hard look at Frontier League history and still think it is a stable league, then I must compliment on your fine set of 'blinders'. Just see what happens if the Wild Thing have two or three bad years in a row. They will have to change the name to Consol Empty Field!
Ron Wilson

June 16, 2008 at 6:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let's remember that Richmond played in a dump of a ballpark, in its best year averaged only 1,200 fans per game (I'm guessing at this after doing Internet research) and was probably deficient in corporate sponsorship. The team was never supported by more than a few diehards. Comparing Richmond to Washington is a stretch.

I don't think Richmond charged for parking, at least that's my opinion after looking at this photo:

http://www.ballparkreviews.
com/richin/richin.htm#

And what was the last town that lost its Frontier League team? And don't say Slippery Rock because it was never supposed to be there more than one year to begin with.

And I have one question for Ron Wilson...if you complain about the owners, complain about the ballpark, complain about the prices, complain about the quality of players, why do you go to the games?

June 16, 2008 at 2:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Exactly...the only team that serves to be moved as attendance goes is Kalamazoo. If Kalamazoo leaves it most likely won't fold but but be a relocated team to Avon Lake or else where. Chris has reported that two new teams will come into the league next year. One is Oakland County Cruisers...Midwest will relocate next year. The last team to move was Mid-Missouri and if you read the FL history site, they made a stupid guaranteed a playoff birth or money back for season ticket holders and they tanked bad that year. Then they lost their stadium; the league is in good shape. The players are professional, they are paid to play. I've been to Altoona Curve games and except for a few actual prospects playing, the rest of the rosters are career minor leaguers. So what makes a difference if they only ever make it to Altoona or Erie OR play in Washington or Chillicothe? They are still professionals...

June 16, 2008 at 3:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The FL has professionals by their standards only. Remember, te Pittsburg Passion are also professionals. The term can be stretched. The Wild Things management and staff are the only reason they have done so well at the gate. The economy is bad and they are slipping a bit, but it still is remarkable to me and others that they are averaging what they are right now. Great job done by their management team.

June 17, 2008 at 6:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous,
Normally I would not bother to respond to a person that does not have the courtesy to use his/her real name. It really shows your lack of character and the lack of the courage of your convictions. If you really believe in what you are saying (or writing), then just state your case, let everybody know are, and then enjoy the rest of your day. You might even feel good about yourself because you stood up for what you believe and, that you didn’t take the cowardly way out by hiding behind the “Anonymous” option!

However, you did ask me a question that I feel should be answered. (And I have one question for Ron Wilson...if you complain about the owners, complain about the ballpark, complain about the prices, complain about the quality of players, why do you go to the games?) Actually there are several questions here. The quick answer is – I love the game of baseball – period! Now for a bit more detail in regard what you call “complaining”. First, as I have already stated, I really do like most of the Wild Things managing staff. Mr. Swiatek. even though I have not met him in person, has always, in our telephone conversations, been more than gracious. Ross Vecchio is a hard working family man who shoulders most of the responsibility for the day to day operations. I feel that it is his efforts that keep the Wild Things one of the better teams in The Frontier League. Chris Blaine is probably one of the nicest human beings on the planet. Joe Traynor also a very nice and caring person. So, the fact of the matter is I am NOT “complaining” about the owners – I am critical of some of their actions – definitely not the same as “complaining”.

You second point was that I was “complaining” about the ballpark. What I did was to try to point out that ballparks get old and need constant maintenance to keep them in good condition. If you have been to CEF recently the signs of wear and tear are rather obvious. Also, the poor drainage in the outfield shows a lack of proper planning when building the park. Another oversight when constructing the ballpark was the lack of a safe area for people to go when a sudden, violent storm occurs. There is room for some, but if there is a sellout crowd, a lot of folks have to just try to get to their car! I am not “complaining” about CEF, just pointing out what is obvious.

About the prices. Well, if you think $3 for bottled water is reasonable then, by all means, buy all you want. Knock yourself out! I sure don’t have any objection to the way you, or anyone else, spends their money. No matter how you ‘pad’ the price, there can be no justification for $3 water. When have you ever heard me “complain” about the price of tickets? Never! Hot dogs, Hamburgers, etc. Sure, they are a little high priced but I enjoy one from time to time. About the parking charge, Mr. Swiatek explained the parking charged to me some time ago. After hearing his explanation, I must agree with him that it can easily be justified.

In regards to my “complaining” about the quality of the players. That has to be one of your most ridiculous remarks. I go to every game; we are season ticket holders. I KNOW that each player gives his best effort every game. If this were not the case he would be letting himself, and the team, down. The objection I have about players is the way the Wild Things ‘name drop’ when making an announcement about a new signing. They seem to always manage to throw in ’Joe Blow spent 2 years with the Blue Jays organization’, etc. If this is meant to be deceptive, or not, I don’t know but, it can certainly can be misleading to the uninformed fan. I’ve had people tell me that certain players used to play in the major leagues. What they did was tell me that they read it in the paper. Many people don’t understand what is meant by the phrase i.e.; “played in the Blue Jays organization”. These people think they are watching a former big league player.

So Anonymous, I go to the games because of my love for baseball, also to visit with my friends, and just have a good time. Because I am critical of the Wild Things management about some issues does not mean that I’m hoping to run them out of town. I hope they NEVER leave here. I am somewhat skeptical however of the Wild Things, and The Frontier League’s commitment to constant improvement. The remark made to me about a certain situation prevalent throughout the League that it “was good enough” only reinforced my belief that things are not as well as they could be. Things can always be improved if one makes a to commitment to do so!

Thanks for asking the question. I hope my response addressed you concerns.

Ron Wilson

June 17, 2008 at 7:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been a season ticket holder since day one and attend nearly every game. I have to admit that I have made comments lately that "Your Boy Dutch" has been getting on my nerves with his screaming into the microphone "let goooooooooo wild things" and his "how bout down here, over there, up top" on and on when he is giving out two dollars worth of ice cream. Give it a break!!!

But what I see as the worse thing that could happen to the
Wild Thing organization is not losing too many games, parking fees, "Your boy Dutch", cracks in the pavement,concession lines, and so on is the eventual loss of the Wild Thing.

He is by far the best team mascot around, and many fans go to games paying more attention to him than the players.

My advise is when J.D. hangs it up, the Wild Things should make a drastic costume change, because the next person will never be accepted in that get-up. His mannerisms give that outfit a personnality others can't copy.

p.s. not the dog from last season

June 17, 2008 at 10:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Man, don't me started on "your boy Dutch" Now he has another guy that follows him around. They act like inmates from a funny farm. What a combo those two are. I've seen enough of that crap already!
Let goooooooooooo Dutch - and kepp on goooooing so far we don't have to se, or hear you again!

June 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The past 3 seasons I've been to a number of Wild Things games, and I have to say overall I've enjoyed my experience as a whole. As someone who is a baseball fan in general I've had my share of good and bad experiences at Wild Things games and I just wanted to comment on a few things after reading fellow bloggers comments....

1. I have no problem with the parking costs, I know it's a necessary evil and would much rather pay $3 to park than $10-$20 at a Pirate game.

2. I have noticed an increase in concession prices, but nothing that has angered me enough to stop buying to occasional hot dog or burger. ALTHOUGH I will say I have noticed a difference in the quality of the food. Maybe I've just had a few overcooked dogs, but that would be my complaint about the food.

3.While I'm not a fan of "Dutch", I have to think he is taking direction from someone and doing what he is told to do. He could back off of the "Let's Gooooo Wild Things" though. Once a game would be plenty and not shout into the microphone when he does talk. I've personally had interaction with him when my kids did the water balloon baseball bat game last year and he was very personable and my kids had fun with him on the field.

4.I agree with Ron Wilson,I have also seen the wear around the ballpark and would like to see that addressed. I've brought my kids to the ballpark the past few years and would like to keep bringing them there, so hopefully the management with catch up with maintenance and up keep of the ballpark. I too would like to see more covered area for when it rains. That is a drawback to an otherwise beautiful ballpark.

4.I also agree with Ron about the staff, while I haven't talked to as many people as he has, I have had interaction with Mr. Vecchio and Ms. Blaine and both were easy to talk with and very helpful with all of my questions.

Like Mr. Wilson I go to the games because my family and I enjoy baseball, and overall the majority of the time we have fun when we go.

June 17, 2008 at 2:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree that Dutch character is awful. But every minor league park has a "Dutch" now. I guess it's the nature of the beast that is minor league sports.

June 17, 2008 at 2:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well I will put my two cents in this discussion. I can't leave my name as I am an employee, but I am bothered by the fact thet the hat giveaway on Fathers day had a US Army logo on it, (along with others). Inside the tag said "Made in China". I understand that the Wildthings most likely had nothing to do with the manufacture of these hats, but, honestly, I believe that is in poor taste.

Go figure.

June 17, 2008 at 3:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Also, while most people were limited to just one hat as they should have been, I personally saw one man given 4 hats. I know who the people are that received the extra hats. NO surprise - these are well-to-do persons that are a host family for a Wild Things player. The hats were given with a smile and a wink.
If a family wants to welcome a player into their home this should not entitle them to any extra perks. After all it is voluntary. Extra things for the privileged few is nothing new at a Wild Things Game. Sme old, same old....... Nonody can fight the system..

June 17, 2008 at 4:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As a host family we do get perks from the Wild Things. Free parking and tickets big deal!! If the person at the gate got extra hats who did it hurt? They had hats left over!!

Yes it is our choice to let these boys stay in our homes. It costs us but we don't mind. we do it for the boys and for the team.

June 19, 2008 at 11:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well then why don't we just all do what we want to. No rules for anybody! EVERYBODY gets 6 hats, what the hell does it matter. People like you is what is the matter with society today. Them that has - gets even more. How many heads does the average person have? Hooray for me and screw you seems to be the mantra now.
I agree with you, why don't we ALL just demand something extra for something we do voluntarily.
Woopee!!!!!!!!!!!!

June 19, 2008 at 12:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let’s see now. Free tickets, free parking, and all the extra promo items they can carry. Adds up to about a grand’s worth of goodies for volunteering to do something. Meanwhile those of us that shuffle up to the ticket window whenever we can afford to bring the kids to a game, then spend about a hundred bucks on pizza and hot dogs, what do we get? One promo item, if we manage to get there before all the “Host Mom’s” grab it all up, and a hard seat where we can hear some guy yelling let’s go Wild Things.
Is this a great country, or what.

June 20, 2008 at 1:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'll take "Your Boy Dutch" over that obnoxious PA announcer anytime.

"What do you say we play some

b a s e b a l l l l l l l l l l ?"


I'm with Dutch--"[b]Let's Go, Wild Things![/b]"

June 21, 2008 at 7:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why can't we compromise? Get rid of both those clowns!!!!!!!!!!!
What a great change that would be.
Also, dump Host Mom. What a sorry excuse she offered up. Let the WT put up the players themselves and give the rest of the fans at least equal treatment. Since when was it the "professional baseball" started asking fans to house the players? Isn't that their own responsibility?
When was the last time the the Yankees, or the lowly Pitates, ask fans for such nonsense?
Give us a break.
Let Host Mom pay her way in just as the rest of us.
Pretty minor league stuff for a 'professional' base team to even accept this sort of charity. I know other teams do it but it's just not right to give all these perks to a privliged few. Also, the way some of these folks 'flaunt it' is nothing short of disgusting.

June 21, 2008 at 8:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Perhaps Host Mom, you know, the one from the "Where are the Crowds" thread below, could take him in into her house, teach him all her baseball knowledge, tuck him in every night, treat him to a nice car, maybe put some money into his wallet,teach him how to throw a hissy fit when he doesn't win, and then, just perhaps, he would learn how to manage. But, I really doubt it.

Maybe the next time there is a 'sell out' crowd at the ball field they should say another 'SOLD out' crown at your House of Thrills' Between giving free tickets, and parking, to host families,(plus all the free promotional items they want, and letting the best manager in the Frontier League leave town,that is exactly what they have done - sold us out!! BTW: Whatever happened to the Thrills?

June 21, 2008 at 12:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, such harsh comments for people who actually do something nice for some people. People been complaining about the high prices at the CEP and you want the Wild Things to pick up the tab on housing 25 guys and coaching staff. Guess where that money would come from. $10 tickets and $5 parking. Quit being so petty about a give-a-way that was only available to a certain number of people and they had extras left over.

June 21, 2008 at 9:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow! Claude should apply at the Wild Things office. He could become there Chief Apologist. They sure as hell need one!!
BTW Claude, the wonderful host families get almost a thousand dollars worth of compensation for their, let's call it, genorsity!!
If we all volonteer perhaps the Wild Things wouls just give us all seats - for free!! Also, all the little 'goodies' we could carry.

June 22, 2008 at 5:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Then volunteer...I'm sure the Wild Things would be happy to set you up with a player. The guys don't get paid squat. They need somewhere to live during the season. Then you can get all the little goodies you want. thanks for making my argument for me.

June 24, 2008 at 3:40 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home