A few more questions for Lew Wolff

by southofcruiseamerica on Aug 4, 2005 2:40 PM PDT

John Fisher is ranked as the 165th wealthiest person in the United States by Forbes Magazine. If the Haas family ran the team like a hobby/civic duty, then why can't he? Is it because they got out of ownership a couple of years after having the highest payroll in the league and started to lose substantial amounts of money? Weren't those losses more than covered on the sale of the franchise?

Why should City and County officials donate land for a new stadium or convince its constituents to assist in the development costs? How about not reaching into the locals' pockets and requesting a special temporary tax on hotel rooms and rental cars?

John Fisher is a San Francisco resident. You reside in Los Angeles. How would you respond to critics that claim you cannot identify with the true fabric of Oakland and the East Bay?

Can you give us a few examples of leading Oakland/East Bay companies that, despite the best efforts of the organization, do not support the team by purchasing luxury suites and/or sponsorships?

At the earliest, what year would you feel comfortable saying that the A's will be playing in a new stadium in Oakland or elsewhere in Alameda County?

Where do you stand on territorial rights? It takes a vote of 75% of the owners (and the support of your pal Bud) to release the Giants' rights to the South Bay. Assuming that all 14 American League clubs are in your favor, could you convince 9 out of 16 National League owners that it would be the right thing to do? Did the placement of the Expos in DC set a favorable precedent on this issue, especially with the financial considerations granted to the Orioles?

Have you considered getting rid of that childrens' logo of the elephant with sunglasses found on your batting practice caps and alternate jerseys?

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I would like to hear his responses to these

questions. Especially, the elephant with sunglasses logo, that is the worst logo in MLB.

Now THIS is Billy Ball

by Masaryk on Aug 4, 2005 3:40 PM PDT reply actions

no, its not

its the spring training logo, and there are many worse ones.

Rogers has no friends.

by OAKobsession on Aug 4, 2005 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

elephant logo is fine

it's spring training, relax

If I weren't playing baseball, I'd be... "in the Ultimate Fighting Championship." -Rich Harden

by xbhaskarx on Aug 4, 2005 6:45 PM PDT reply actions

One not so good question, IMO

John Fisher is ranked as the 165th wealthiest person in the United States by Forbes Magazine. If the Haas family ran the team like a hobby/civic duty, then why can't he?

That's an irresposible way to run a business unless these activities contribute to the bottom line in some way - such as what you suggested when you inferred that through capital appreciation, those owners sold and still managed sizable gains.

Weren't those losses more than covered on the sale of the franchise?

Is it wise to make the assumption that the franchise value will continue to meet or exceed the potential return that Mr. Fisher could get from another investment - an alternate use of his capital?

http://www.cafehayek.com ~ a blog for classical liberals

by LowcountryJoe on Aug 5, 2005 4:58 AM PDT reply actions

Thank you Lowcountry Adam Smith

but these questions were not posted for economic tutorials. Blez was the one who mentioned those words verbatim about the Haas family.

For somebody as well off as John Fisher, owning a baseball team is an ego thing, not a choice of where to place an 'alernate use of capital'. However, precedent has established that it certainly is a wise assumption that the ROI will be healthy. Look at GWB and the Rangers, Schott & Hofmann in just under 10 years and find me something that offers similar or better returns. I don't care what kind of other investments Fisher may or may not make, he bought the Oakland Athletics and that is what is relevant here.

by southofcruiseamerica on Aug 5, 2005 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions