Red Sox Nation

by marco magic on Jul 13, 2007 3:12 PM PDT

$15 to be a fan?

Yet another reason why I hate the Red Sox more than any other franchise in all of professional sports (yes more than the Yankees, way more). It was just reported that the Red Sox have set up a service to elect a President of Red Sox Nation (YUK!). For a fee of $14.95 you can nominate yourself or a friend and the winner will be picked at random to represent Red Sox nation as President and will receive, among other give aways, free season tickets.

Is it just me or is this the most ridiculous thing you have ever heard? They are going to charge the fans 15 bucks to be an "official" fan and have a supposed leader of the lemmings. I hate the Red Sox more than anything in the world, but this is beyond a money making scheme, it is pure exploitation.

The Red Sox have no class and never will. They have a clubhouse full of idiots (self-proclaimed and otherwise) and have never stood for anything respectful.

If you want to know where my hatred comes from you can reference the playoffs in 2003 during game 3 when Red Sox players taped tape on their backs (one letter per player like fans paint on their chest) to get the crowd to start a derisive "Li-lly" chant when Ted Lilly was on the mound. This incident sealed the deal for me in hating the Red Sox. Fans can do what they want, but when the players are so busch league that they try to start the chant themselves that is just beyond classless.

The Yankees, aside from a few gaffes by A-Rod, have always won and lost with class. The Red Sox have never had class. This scheme is just the latest step in shameless promotion the Red Sox have become involved with.

This news got me going, but I want to hear other opinions. What do you think about this $15 scheme? What team do you hate the most and why? Here's a chance to vent about something other than the A's mediocre play lately.

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Comments

To avoid deleting this diary,

marco magic, I just changed the term that you used to "Red Sox" in the title and in the text. Hope that's ok (if it's not you can delete the diary yourself).

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jul 13, 2007 3:38 PM PDT reply actions

aww

That was my favorite part, but I figured as much. Sorry Nico and any AN I might have offended.

You're killing me smalls!

by marco magic on Jul 13, 2007 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions

personally i don't have any team

i don't have a problem with the redsox - i love watching papi and manny hit. i do think shilling is a total asshat. at the time of the lilly thing i was mad too but in hindsight i think i was just more bitter about the a's choking away that series in a most pathetic manner than any antics of the bosox. i did enjoy watching their title run the next year. millar was a bit annoying with the whole idiots thing but overall that was an amazing team with some great chemistry.

i also don't mind the yanks much. you can't really blame them for the system being what it is and they have a great history of class players and championship teams.

heck, i don't even dislike the angels - i love watching big vlad swing the bat. i do think lackey is a turd gobbler though.

by Backspin on Jul 13, 2007 3:48 PM PDT reply actions

don't HATE any team

is what i meant...

by Backspin on Jul 13, 2007 3:49 PM PDT reply actions

Marco Magic...

you are my new FAVORITE poster on AN. I've ranted about my hatred of those ESPN promoted losers from Boston too many times to go on about it again, but I just wanted to let you know that they are my least favorite team in all of sports, without question.

Could you give us hints as to what your title was before it was censored?

by SwisherSweet33 on Jul 13, 2007 4:34 PM PDT reply actions

I made a typo

I meant to type "Bo" and somehow hit an "L" in between the two, and I meant to type Sox and somehow I hit a "C" instead of an "S". Whoops!

You're killing me smalls!

by marco magic on Jul 13, 2007 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't know what he wrote,

but I find "Red Sox" to be an appalling vulgarity.

by mikeA on Jul 13, 2007 5:04 PM PDT reply actions

He originally wrote "Jennifer"

Obviously, I was compelled to edit.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jul 13, 2007 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd pay $14.95.

If, as President of Red Sox Nation, I could disband the frickin' thing.

The Kendall Shift: 6 infielders and 2 catchers.

by Ozzz on Jul 13, 2007 5:09 PM PDT reply actions

the redsux suuuuck!

a clueless redsux fan asked of me after Schilling's almost no hitter, was I excited to witness a no hitter? Are you freakin' kidding me...??
What fan wants to see a an opposing pitcher toss a no hitter in your team's own ballpark, especially from a team that I most hate...the f'ing redsox. I was hoping to sweep those idiots out of our building in 4 games, but I'll settle for a Stewart single in the bottom of the 9th to spoil that douche bag's no hit bid.

So yes marcomagic, I agree with your sentiments.

I think religion is a neurological disorder that prevents people from thinking on their own.--B. Maher

by sf drift king on Jul 13, 2007 5:25 PM PDT reply actions

my favorite moment came in that same series

leaving the stadium after game 2 when the A's won 2-0 and this Faux Sox valley-girl "fan" behind me says to her friend, "oh my god, I can't believe we didn't even score any points tonight!"

Nuff said.

And ps breaking up the no hitter in the bottom of the ninth with two outs was even better than the sweep. (did you see Lugo in the background of the shots of Schilling as Stewert's single went past, he looked like a 2 year old who had lost his bottle.)

You're killing me smalls!

by marco magic on Jul 14, 2007 12:45 AM PDT up reply actions

I hate the Red Sox as much as the next guy

and if mikeA asks, you tell him I said so

"San Jose A's of Fremont" is pretty bad; "Silicon Valley A's of Fremont" is worse

by ArakSOT on Jul 13, 2007 6:06 PM PDT reply actions

I'm just trying to make sure that

complacency doesn't set in. You are in the eye of the Sox Fan storm, and you musn't waiver.

by mikeA on Jul 13, 2007 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Said it before, say it again

There is no comparison between my hatred for the Yanks vs. the Sox ... as you so astutely pointed out ... the Yankees always won, but at least they won with class ... the Red Sox remind me of that drunk cousin that always shows up for the holidays only to make a complete a** of himself ... and there's always someone who finds his obnoxiousness endearing.
What's worse is they've become the nation-wide "trendy" team to root for ... I see Sox hats everywhere, and 99% couldn't be found pre-04. I hope it's another 100 years before they win a title. AND (you've got me going now) they spend almost as much as NY, only to point the finger at the "Evil Empire" and beg you to cry about it like they do ... I could go on and on.

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Jul 13, 2007 6:20 PM PDT reply actions

so true.

how many Sox "fans" were rooting for them before it was cool to root for them, aka 2004. My guess is 10%.

You're killing me smalls!

by marco magic on Jul 13, 2007 7:55 PM PDT reply actions

It may seem lame but...

I'm from Mass and I'm an A's fan and I have to say you can complain about Red Sox nation all you want but the fact is that they sell out Fenway Park every night and pay rediculous amounts of money to watch their team play...I was out in Oakland for the Seattle series and the stadium was half filled for every game and the crowd is deadly quiet for 95% of the game...the fact is as a fan base Oakland doesn't compare to Boston in any way even when this team was great in 2000 and 2001 they wouldn't sell out...thank god for Fremont maybe people will actually get excited about baseball down there.

by shawzy on Jul 13, 2007 9:39 PM PDT reply actions

One of my favorite pastimes is

sitting in my living room during A's home games and complaining about the poor attendance.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jul 13, 2007 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Oakland aint exactly the hotbed for economic

development. More money in Boston=more revenue for teams. Econ 101.

You're killing me smalls!

by marco magic on Jul 13, 2007 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Your right about that.

For all that I can't stand them, the New England natives love drinking and the Red Sox. They are indeed rabid and devoted. It's funny how they become such a family tradition. I do appreciate their devotion as fans, I just wish they weren't so asinine about it. What they pay to watch their team is incredible. Bleacher tickets to the WS were going for 5K. Unbelievable.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jul 14, 2007 1:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Hey now

the only reason most Red Sox fans show is the beer.

Lets go A's

by Jackson_A on Jul 14, 2007 5:44 AM PDT up reply actions

besides my problem isn't with the "fan's" or

numbers of them so much as a classless organization full of players and coaches who do it the wrong way. Respect the game, and they don't. Period(.) (since that would be redundant)

You're killing me smalls!

by marco magic on Jul 13, 2007 10:05 PM PDT reply actions

Their fans are as bad as the players

I lived in Boston for 5 years. The team is the way it is BECAUSE of their fans. Why do you think Manny hates being there? Because when he goes to out the fans always hassle him.

Lets go A's

by Jackson_A on Jul 14, 2007 5:46 AM PDT up reply actions

I have an intense personal hatred for

the Red Sox. It's not so much based on their players as it is the general fan base. These people are all asshats when assemble en mass and the slightest drop of alcohol is added. I know there has to be "good" red sox fans somewhere. I know it's a stereotype. But, as far as I can see, it happens to be true. I enjoy watching red sox fans being pummeled. I hope they aren't seriously injured mind you...but that's only because I want them to heal so they can be beat again.

My hatred for the Yanks is professional. I only hate them because they win...at all costs.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jul 13, 2007 11:00 PM PDT reply actions

as much as we hate them

red sox and yankee $$ is the oxygen in the bloodstream of big league ball. personally, i love watching small-budget teams battle for dignity. but that luxury wouldn't exist without the buckets of cash brought into the game by dorks in 'B' caps and 'YES' cable bills.

by notah8er on Jul 13, 2007 11:05 PM PDT reply actions

While we're speculating...

anybody else think that David Ortiz's meniscus tear might have something to do with roids...?

The guy doesn't even play in the field and he is having joint issues? I have thought he was a roids user for a while now, but this is a somewhat interesting development to that theory.

You're killing me smalls!

by marco magic on Jul 14, 2007 1:15 AM PDT reply actions

Attn: Shawzy

I'll give you the fact that Red Sox fans (and most East Coast fans in general) are passionate about their baseball -- no doubt. You're right ... I love the fact that the fans will stand and cheer in the 2nd inning of a scoreless game when a player moves a runner over from second to third with less than two outs ... On the West Coast, that kind of thing rarely goes noticed ...
HOWEVER, please spare me the "they sell out every game" sermon. They may "sell out," but it's only because about 100 guys buy stacks of tickets to every game so they can stand outside the "T" tunnel at Fenway and scalp tickets all day. I've been there many times -- 14 games, actually -- and I never buy tickets beforehand. There are guys standing out there with so many tickets to sell, they can't hold the stack with their hands, they keep 'em in a briefcase. Seriously, you could show up with 10 friends and buy tickets to any game, and probably get all the seats together.
I was talking to one guy wearing a Celtics jersey, and he told me they sometimes get in fights about who gets to stand where along the sidewalk -- it's like a territorial thing.
So, yes, technically they sell out every game ... but you and your entire block could still go -- buy tickets on the street -- and all sit next to one another.

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Jul 14, 2007 6:14 AM PDT reply actions

Try and get tickets for a Yankees - Sox game and

pay face value for them, it's not happening. Scalpers know the deal they buy the tickets when they first come out and sell them for 20 to 50 percent more than face value. You may get to see the D.Rays or Royals for face value but other than that you're going to have to pay huge dollars. Just check out what monster seats go for on stubhub or ebay and see if anybody would ever pay that amount to watch a game in oakland.

by shawzy on Jul 14, 2007 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't have any problem

with guys scalping tickets -- of course you're gonna pay more on the street for a Yankees game than a Royals game -- you're missing my point.

My point is you can't boast about "selling out every game" when 50 guys (at least) buy up 2,000 tickets every day ... again, I don't have a problem with that -- just don't act like every seat is filled by some passionate Sox fan who spent his last dime on a game ticket. In other words, show up at Fenway most days and buy as many tickets as you want outside the park in spite of the game being "sold out."

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Jul 14, 2007 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions

who do you think is buying the tickets from

the scalpers, if that's the fans only way to get in the park then that's what they're willing to do and spend a lot of money doing it. Tell me Oakland fans would overpay for A's tickets if they're only source was a scalper. They don't pay now for 20 dollar seats nevermind paying 50 bucks for a bleacher seat.

by shawzy on Jul 14, 2007 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm not trying to argue with you

all I'm saying is Fenway isn't full every game .... there are plenty of tickets available just about any time you want them ...usually, when someone says "they sell out every game," it's meant to mean that tickets are hard to come by because the fans "rush" to support their team ...
You'll never see me question the passion of Red Sox fans, all I'm saying is -- except for the Yankees -- anytime anybody wants a ticket they're very easy to come by.
I guarantee you I could show up this morning with 20 people, 30 minutes before the game, and get 20 seats - no problem .... in a "sold out" game.

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Jul 14, 2007 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Mike Wilbon on PTI...

...said the Red Sox could charge $99.95 for this and still have hundreds of folks line up. He's probably right. In fact, I'm stunned it's only $14.95! And I bet someone over in Red Sox marketing is wondering the same thing, too...

"Former Huntsville Star Eric Chavez..."

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 14, 2007 6:26 AM PDT reply actions

Wilbon's right

and I gotta tell ya -- and I admit it makes me jealous -- that entire city lives and dies with the Sox... I went into a bar one night -- guy's mopping up a huge mess of a leak behind the bar ... sweatin', stinkin', just a mess ... he tells me his car got towed in front of his girlfriend's apartment that morning ...his dad just went in for open-heart surgery ... and you know how he ends the conversation? He looks up at me and says, "Oh well, the Sox won tonight, I'm all good."

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Jul 14, 2007 6:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Who cares about the Yankees Jr?

So it goes.

by jeepers on Jul 14, 2007 12:22 PM PDT reply actions

I hate all things New England

My personal hatred of the Sox began after they beat Oakland in game 5 back in 2003. The Boston fans were such an arrogant, annoying group of idiots. I began to hate New England while I was in the Army. We began calling the guys from Boston "Mass-holes." Rude, foul mouthed and selfish jerks. At least their Bruins suck.

by PatMo on Jul 15, 2007 7:28 PM PDT reply actions