Lew Wolff left in the 7th of Dallas Braden's perfect game
by BaseballOakland on Jun 11, 2010 9:56 AM PDT
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PrintIn an earlier post we profiled how the Fisher/Wolff and Schott/Hoffman did much to put us in the situation that we are in now. To further emphasize the point look at a recent New York Times Article where they point out that Lew Wolff left in the middle of Dallas Braden's perfect game
Mr. Leon and his friends talked with the A's owner from the third inning on, at first hardly noticing that Dallas Braden was on his way to pitching a perfect game. Mr. Wolff left in the seventh inning, pulling on an Earthquakes jacket as he walked out of the suite.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/11/us/11bcstadiums.html?pagewanted=2
We don't want to sound obsessively negative, but in light of several comments and about Oakland and its fans, its important to look all sides of the issue
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How does someone do that?
How much was he not paying attention to not at least look and maybe mistakenly think “Hey, he’s got a no-hitter going, I’d better stick around.” This seems pretty inexcusable to me, especially as someone who would have given a lot to be there.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
by Flashfire on Jun 11, 2010 10:15 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I just don't understand that kind of attitude out of an owner
This is just more proof that Wolff’s involvement with the A’s is nothing but a business investment. He doesn’t care about baseball, he just wants to make money from owning a team.
I really wish there were more owners like Mark Cuban out there. Say what you want about his ego and antics, but that guy cares about his team as much as the most die hard fans…
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on Jun 11, 2010 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
i will say
that cuban’s ego is ridiculous to the point of offense, and his antics are sometimes funny, usually childish, and i wish he’d buy the a’s.
Totally
I would LOVE to have someone like Cuban as owner of our team. Give me an owner who’s as die-hard as all of us any day.
Is there any chance Wolff and Co. get fed up with the forever on-going stadium fiasco causing them to look to sell the team?
by bakerbeachboy on Jun 11, 2010 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
maybe Larry Ellison?
He’ll be pretty close to the Col. if he buys the Dubs. Larry likes to splash the cash to win.
I've wished for this for a lonnnnnnng time
just never have seen even the slightest movement by Ellison toward baseball, other than naming rights for the “Oracle Arena” next to the baseball stadium.
He put a lot into the America’s Cup for many a year. You know he likes to win, but perhaps baseball has too many uncontrolled variables. Look at the Yankees. They lost to Arizona, and Steinbrenner said, “We’ll be back..” Well, they got ARod and spent a lot of dough, and it STILL took them eight years!
Blez: Most folks seem to believe that the big flaw with the 2010 Oakland A's will be the lack of any power.
Beane: They believe it because it's true.
by One won lost won on Jun 14, 2010 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Why, exactly, would larry ellison not want to move the A's to San Jose?
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
He might, but that's not as important
as having an owner who has very very
very very
deeeeeep pockets. He could privately finance a stadium build.
Dumb idea, but fiscally possible.
Blez: Most folks seem to believe that the big flaw with the 2010 Oakland A's will be the lack of any power.
Beane: They believe it because it's true.
by One won lost won on Jun 14, 2010 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions
cuban
but what if he left early and put on… a mavs jacket!
shockedface.gif
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones."
-BB 07/27/05
Matt Holliday Lew Wolff just doesn’t give a crap about baseball.
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 11, 2010 10:31 AM PDT reply actions
God knows I have no interest in defending Lew Wolff
But the article says he left the suite then. While that sure wouldn’t surprise me, unless we have an eyewitness saying he left the stadium, it’s possible he went down to the clubhouse in order to be among the first to congratulate Dallas if the perfecto held up, or out into the stands to be with the rabble customers.
It's the fans that make the game fun. -- Rickey Henderson, July 26, 2009.
by Englishmajor on Jun 11, 2010 10:34 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Did anyone else catch his ST segment with Fosse and Kuip?
He was stumbling over player’s names…..I think he is out to lunch a bit, or has tunnel vision on moving the team….
He just wants to make more money, plain and simple...
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on Jun 11, 2010 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions
eh, some people stumble as soon as the camera's on them
heck, look at Robert Buan doing the pxp!
juuust kidding, Robert!
Blez: Most folks seem to believe that the big flaw with the 2010 Oakland A's will be the lack of any power.
Beane: They believe it because it's true.
by One won lost won on Jun 14, 2010 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions
heh, good point
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on Jun 11, 2010 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions
exactly
but even if he left the stadium… let’s see some evidence that there is any connection between percentage of games attended by owners and team winning percentage.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones."
-BB 07/27/05
Yeah, but it's not a good story that way.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Right -- there's no character arc
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Who cares about the facts?!!?
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
by pam5981 on Jun 11, 2010 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Same thing I was thinking.
He left the suite, doesn’t translate to he left the stadium.
by sf drift king on Jun 11, 2010 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions
as much as I WANT to get upset about this
I’m also an Earthquakes fan and AEG ripped my heart out when they took the team to Houston. Mr. Wolfe did a whole lot to bring back our team, and I do believe in my heart that he plans on at least keeping hte A’s around this area and doing whats right for them, despite this sort of behavior.
I can’t speak to what seems like his apathy for the A’s but my guess would be, had the team been playing to a packed house in a nice little stadium Mr. Wolf had envisioned, he might have stuck around. At this point, I think Wolf (and Beane perhaps) see more future in the EQs than the A’s.
Well then they should not be owner and GM of the A's
That’s just ridiculous, considering the MLS will never (barring a miracle), surpass the popularity of the 4 major sports in the US.
That’s great that he’s done so much for your Earthquakes, but he shouldn’t pretend to want to put the same effort into the A’s when he clearly just doesn’t care enough…
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on Jun 11, 2010 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions
I am upset on how obdurate and exigious he is about moving.
He really isn’t a good faith partner on keeping the team in Oak-town. It would be viable to demolish the stadium and rebuild a new facility around the existing field when the Riader’s leave…..or to examine other locations. But the guy has made it painfully obvious by public statements and town hall meeting’s with politicians in San Jose, his only intention is to move the team.
perhaps this is blasphemy but..
wouldn’t a move to SJ be far better than one to Sacramento or Portland?
false dichotomy
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jun 11, 2010 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Again,
The move to SJ proponents use this fear based kind of tactic to argue the position. The argument goes like this -
Keeping the A’s in Oakland is untenable (list the reasons Oakland isn’t viable, you can get shot in the face, their aren’t enough corporate sponsors, gangsters are scary, Lew Wolff has looked high and low but there are just no locations).
So, since the team MUST move, isn’t just dandy as all get out that we have an owner who is willing to keep them in the Bay Area by moving them to San Jose.
There it is. False dichotomy. You see, because the thing is, Lew Wolff wants to move the A’s. But he doesn’t have to. What this argument does is serve to shortcut the discussion and basically leaves those who support staying in Oakland out of the discussion without addressing any of the merits.
If you want to have a socratic discussion that’s cool. But I’m really not into the histrionics that the move to SJ crowd gets into every time somebody disagrees. “Oh my god, he’s a troll! Ban him, PLEASE!”
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jun 11, 2010 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Ah... so you're skipping the part
Where the team wants to make money (they’re feeding off of MLBer’s coffers which aren’t guaranteed long term) and that without a new stadium anywhere the may find themselves in an Expos-like situation where MLB gets involved with moving them to a location they deem more profitable. The team won’t survive in the Coli long term. MLB won’t allow it and not seeing that and believing it’s just scare tactics is just being naive. It’s not a false dichotomy. Just a dichotomy you don’t particularly like. Either you believe they can stay in the Coli for another 20 – 30 years (you’d be wrong) or that Oakland will produce a new stadium (again you’d be wrong).
Ask me about my squirrel.
We disagree so you can stop the baiting.
I don’t agree that ownership’s only responsibility is putting money in their own pockets.
Ownership has done nothing to improve the A’s situation in the Coli for as long as they have to be there.
I never said the A’s could stay in the Coliseum long term. Don’t know where you are getting that.
As far as your opinions about Oakland, well everyone’s got an asshole too and that doesn’t make yours special.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jun 11, 2010 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
WTF are you talking?
I don’t agree that ownership’s only responsibility is putting money in their own pockets.
It’s a business, yada yada yada
Ownership has done nothing to improve the A’s situation in the Coli for as long as they have to be there.Absolutely correct. They haven’t. They should. They are 100% in the wrong with how they’re treating the situation.
I never said the A’s could stay in the Coliseum long term. Don’t know where you are getting that.I get this from your basic premise above. Oakland has shown little interest in the A’s in the last 20 years. That’s why no stadium will be built in Oakland. If they can’t build a new stadium and they aren’t moving out of Oakland, I have to assume you think they’re staying in the Coli, no? If no, where? If you genuinely think a a new stadium is possible in Oakland, answer me this, why? Honestly, I want to know. In the last 20 years, I’ve seen nothing to support this idea. If anything, Oakland cares more about building the Raiders a new stadium than the A’s.
As far as your opinions about Oakland, well everyone’s got an asshole too and that doesn’t make yours special.WTF are you smoking? I have never made any critical remark about Oakland. I have shared no opinions about Oakland. Furthermore, I have not in any way, shape or way “baited” anyone. I asked a simple question, you gave an answer. I responded. If you have a beef with that or some ax to grind, get over yourself.
Ask me about my squirrel.
Buck has a pretty big chip on his shoulder that shows up any time this topic is discussed
Leave it at that and it’s easier to understand.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Oh, it's the hall monitor again
Dude I have no chip on my shoulder. But I’m not going to relinquish my point to a bunch of bullies who replace reasoned discourse with black and white generalizations.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jun 12, 2010 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Dude.
Get over yourself. Reality check. You haven’t even made a point and I sure as hell haven’t given any sort of “black and white generalizations” nor have I bullied you nor have I given you any cause for your remarks. But if you want to make personal attacks, well, I guess “reasoned discourse” is not the least bit on your mind.
Ask me about my squirrel.
Are you sure? Bullies?
You may have this backwards. you claimed “false dichotomy” without explanation. When pressed you made detailed statement. After another point of view was presented, you called the guy an asshole.
I would add that your original point is a strawman from the start because, there aren’t partisan San Jose people here. I think there are people that believe that Oakland can’t get a stadium done and San Jose can, so lets get going already, but not because they hate Oakland. Those people have accepted that Oakland does not have the resources to get the land at JLS.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
I guess I'm just not that articulate
I thought I explained what I meant by “false dichotomy.” Don’t know what else to say.
I for one have not seen the evidence that the City of Oakland is not a viable location for a new park and I’m far from accepting that. Some people on this site were there a long long time ago and maybe they those folks can’t understand why some people aren’t there yet.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jun 12, 2010 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions
And to be fair
maybe I am being defeatist when i say “accepted.” From what I have read, from jeffro and vertig0 mostly, SJ is further along and Oakland has a lot of catching up to do. My personal preference would be JLS, but I don’t know if all the land can be acquired in a timely fashion.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
How about starting with how none of Oakland's so-called efforts have ever developed into anything?
When the A’s wanted to do something downtown, Jerry Brown opted to go for housing. That’s fine and understandable, but he’s not a sports guy.
All of their ballpark locations have major hurdles to get over before any of them become viable. They’ve had YEARS to work on these things but it always took a backseat as they wooed (and continue to woo) the Raiders, likely figuring the A’s would never leave the Coliseum.
Now Fremont and San Jose come along with legitimate plans and options and Oakland starts to panic, so they’re back in “gotta find a place, gotta find a place” mode.
There’s some finger-pointing to be cast on A’s ownership over the years as well, but they’ve expressed a desire to stay in Oakland in the past and it never went anywhere. It has to go both ways. Now that they’ve decided to look at other places more seriously, of course Oakland sees the writing on the wall and starts trying again.
Whatever the case, the Coliseum as it exists is not a viable option for the A’s to remain in long term. The sooner everyone understands that, the better.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
by Flashfire on Jun 12, 2010 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Who in the fuck is they?
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jun 12, 2010 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions
"They" is the City of Oakland/City Counsel
This sort of thing has been going on for over 20 years and multiple A’s ownership groups and multiple Counsels. No one has looked good in the handling of it and no one is exempt from criticism over it. Personally, I’m a pro-stay in the bay guy. SJ would be more taxing on my budget and my time (from the North Bay), but based on everything I’ve seen, I see it as the best option for the team’s future. If Oakland came out with a legitimate plan (that so far hasn’t been seen, but theoretically possible) that shows how the A’s could succeed in not only building a new stadium, but also maintain financial competitiveness with the rest of the league, I’d be 100% in favor of it over any other plan, including SJ. But looking at all the variables we’re able to see so far, I just don’t see it.
Ask me about my squirrel.
One reason this site ain't so great anymore
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jun 12, 2010 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Wait, is this going to be about the general lack of stat-based posts now?
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I have come here to formally announce that
I no longer find AN intellectually stimulating. I will no longer be posting.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
NOOOOOOOOOOO!
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jun 12, 2010 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions
We're gonna need that in triplicate
Copies need to go to HR and Cindi.
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
what about my exit interview?
when do we do that?
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
by Future Ed on Jun 12, 2010 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Cindi's scheduling those
Wednesturday’s are good for her. Does eleventy-and-a half thirty work for you?
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
What are those like?
I’ve never actually had one. Every job I’ve left the person who would normally give it was out.
Ask me about my squirrel.
I've had a couple
Usually they’re pretty pointless because I doubt anything ever comes of them. You get asked some questions about what you felt about this that and the other, and that’s about it.
One place I left, I laid into the supervisors for their favortism and inequality in how they handled training, issues and so forth. Not sure what HR did with it but it did feel good to unload.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Ah...
figures. I can’t imagine exit interviews actually being useful just from the name. Hopefully I’ll wind up having the owner out town when I finally get out of dodge someday soon.
Ask me about my squirrel.
Unfortunately, usually they're actually just designed
to protect employers from lawsuits. They’re to make sure you don’t come back later and bring up a legal complaint — that anything you could possibly sue employers for is brought up and so it’s on the record before you leave the building that no such complaints exist.
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
Gotcha
So make sure it’s on the record that my mind is elsewhere so I can freely come up with my complaints after I leave. That shouldn’t be a problem, my mind blanks in one-on-one interview settings.
Ask me about my squirrel.
Or refuse to do an exit interview
Just because you want to talk to me, on the record, right now, doesn’t mean you get to.
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
Presumably you might also
have the interview but in it say, “I also have other complaints but I do not feel comfortable sharing them right now,” and thus leave the door open.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
I have only had one in writing
They asked a bunch of questions about how to improve the org. I really had nothing to say
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
Nice that they wait until you're leaving to find that out.
Ask me about my squirrel.
I know, right?
I still have that exit interview around somewhere, too. If it’s any consolation to me, that office got closed down within a year or two after I left.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Heh
I could see some fun things happen at my company right now if I were to leave. Bad turnover in the department already and I’m carrying an absurdly large about of know-how that’s been lacking in the people they’ve brought in above me. They’d get by for sure, but the impact would be pretty far reaching for the first several months and change things they do for the worse.
Ask me about my squirrel.
Oh, I'm not saying my leaving had anything to do with it...
…but on the other hand, you never know if HR actually did something with what I told them. I wasn’t vital to the place or anything, though. The bosses were just pretty unfair with a lot of stuff.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
You don't think business owners have any responsibility as citizens
I think billionaires have an obligation to the community commensurate with their ability to make a positive contribution. The “it’s a business” argument that you make over and over does not absolve them of this obligation.
Oakland is the center of the Bay Area. Oakland is experiencing a cultural and economic renaissance. There is land available near viable public transportation. These are some of the reasons that a new park in Oakland is a viable alternative. The A’s are already here.
You and your ilk like to repeat these lines about how “Oakland has shown no interest” and then you blather on as if the City is a monolith and that it’s politicos should have taken more time to mewl after Lew Wolff like chattle instead of attending to, oh I don’t know, the 1,000 other issues that occupy a cash strapped city’s priority list.
You think your point of view is obviously correct? You can’t imagine how anyone could disagree with you? You remind me of these rednecks I talk to once in a while and as soon as the conversation turns to the government they tell me about how Obama wants to take their guns away. When I ask them what information they have that would lead them to this conclusion they generally have none. They are just repeating the party line.
The only thing you can point to that would make San Jose a better fit than Oakland is the proximity to corporate sponsors. That is a crappy enough reason to remove this rather important piece of culture and history.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jun 12, 2010 8:34 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
And you wonder why I said you have a chip on your shoulder about this
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I think billionaires have an obligation to the community commensurate with their ability to make a positive contribution. The "it’s a business" argument that you make over and over does not absolve them of this obligation.
No, I don’t. You’re right about that. There is no obligation to the community. If there was, there’d be no such thing as charity now would there? Because you’d be oblige to act. Would it be nice if they did help the community, yep. Do they? Yep. The A’s have number of community programs. You want more? Okay, that’s fair. But just don’t expect it. You want the A’s to be part of the Oakland renaissance. In a lot of ways, that would actually be a pretty awesome thing. Seriously, it would. Oakland has been taking a lot of unfair hits lately and they could use something that the people could stand up and be proud about. But to expect a single business entity, a private business, that’s basically been on baseball welfare getting money from other owners to do that for the city, you really don’t think that’s asking a lot out of them?
You and your ilk like to repeat these lines about how "Oakland has shown no interest" and then you blather on as if the City is a monolith and that it’s politicos should have taken more time to mewl after Lew Wolff like chattle instead of attending to, oh I don’t know, the 1,000 other issues that occupy a cash strapped city’s priority list.
This is just a complete mis-representation of “me and my ilk” (unnecessarily derogatory). Forget about Wolff. For at least 2 previous ownerships (likely going back further than that), the A’s have been trying to build a new stadium, in Oakland. Should the city of Oakland pay for it? Hell fucking no they shouldn’t. Anyone who suggests they should, seriously, yikes. But it does require some level of commitment from the city to get it done. The city of Oakland has other issues to attend to (you even say this), so why haven’t they stepped up in the past 20 years to work with the team? This during a time they spent a ton of money for the Raiders and have recently openly acknowledged a willingness to work with the Raiders again. Have they done such a thing for the A’s? Nope.
You think your point of view is obviously correct? You can’t imagine how anyone could disagree with you? You remind me of these rednecks I talk to once in a while and as soon as the conversation turns to the government they tell me about how Obama wants to take their guns away. When I ask them what information they have that would lead them to this conclusion they generally have none. They are just repeating the party line.Honestly, I’m just going to ignore this. It’s unnecessary. It serves no point. And quite frankly, just another attempt to turn a discussion into flame war I want no part of. If you want to disagree, hello, you do, then disagree. But don’t turn this into a personal attack which you’ve done a number of times already.
The only thing you can point to that would make San Jose a better fit than Oakland is the proximity to corporate sponsors. That is a crappy enough reason to remove this rather important piece of culture and history.Yes. That’s the short answer. Not the one you want, not the fairest of situations, I’ll 100% agree on. But SJ is more accessible to money and has an overt and direct interest in housing the A’s. Is it a shame that it would lead to removing a piece of Oakland history, yes. Money happens to be important to businesses. Welcome to the world.
Ask me about my squirrel.
I apologize for the use of "ilk"
That was totally unnecessary and unproductive.
On the other stuff we will disagree. I very much get the impression from the proprietors of the “move it or lose it” argument that they have no interest in facts or time for reasoned discussion. And I’m tired of the same old line.
I live as much as I can as a member of a community that requires my participation in order to function. If the creek is overflowing I find sandbags and sand to fill them. If my neighbors house is on fire I’m on my roof with a hose after I’m sure everyone around me is out of their house. I require a modest meal at the end of the day for nourishment. Why should I expect anything less from Lew Wolff. If he bought my local baseball team only for his financial gain – FUCK HIM. Seriously.
I don’t consider the blame for the lack of a new park in Oakland to be equally shared by the City Council or the Mayor. For one, there has been a legitimate argument that the A’s don’t need a new park or at least that it’s not an emergency. As representatives these government officials just don’t have the term, time, power, money or resources that would give them the level of agency to be held to full account. Everything they do is more complicated than the work of a private company. And they can’t be blamed for the lack of work by their predecessors.
I have heard your side of this. I respect your opinion but I wish folks who share your belief were somewhat less heavyhanded in the approach to those who disagree. They are not all trolls. I don’t need to have the last word, but by now you should know that I don’t think praise for pure unadulterated capitalism is the proper order of our time. Nor do I think its value is the all encompassing source for an argument.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jun 12, 2010 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, there's very little in this I disagree with
Not everyone is as community minded as you are. I’ll be honest and say I’m haven’t done the things you have and I’m not sure whether i would or wouldn’t. Sort of the reality we live in where everyone has different priorities in life and in what they think is important and expected. As a private person, I’d hope Wolff with his money is charitable and I suspect he is. As a business, I have fewer expectations of that, but then I also have low expectations of the human race as whole, but I can see where you’re coming from and why’d you want that out of the business as well.
The only thing I’d disagree with his in relation to the job of the city representatives, I think a lot of the issue to me is that they should be taking the time to both lure businesses that would bring in tax revenue to the city and trying to make sure the ones that are there already stay. Does that mean they need to go above and beyond and pay for it, absolutely not. If they did (like with the Raiders, they’re failing at their job). If a baseball team wants a stadium, they damn well better pay for it. And the A’s are willing. They just need a location and help getting it down politically. That’s where I think the counsel has failed. A big business that brings a positive image for the city and a lot of money may leave because they won’t work with them on something as simple as that and I find that a shame.
As for whether the team can survive in the Coli, I worry about the long term. They’re getting a lot of money from the league with revenue sharing and that may or may not last indefinitely. If it doesn’t, they may very well be screwed without the new stadium. At some point MLB is going to grow tired of that and force the issue. They did with Montreal and while they didn’t contract them, they did move them. That’s where the real fear of Portland, etc. comes from.
Ask me about my squirrel.
I think Sac is a great sports town
Seeing as how a lot of people on here are from the Bay Area, people seem to look down on Sactown. I happen to think it’s a great place with eager fans and a good, solid base of people that will support a baseball team.
by WiltonDeportes on Jun 11, 2010 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Ok I realized I repeated myself there at the end. That’s what happens when you edit a sentence without looking at all of it. Regardless, I challenge someone to explain to me why it would be a bad decision to move them there.
by WiltonDeportes on Jun 11, 2010 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions
What kind of corporate support do you think they'd have compared to, say, San Jose?
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Very valid point
That’s truly the best I have heard up until this point. I know Intel has it’s plant in Folsom. I don’t really know enough to be confident about this, but the King’s owner Maloof was saying that the business model in the NBA has changed such that selling all the luxury suites is not as important as it was a few years ago. He was saying that it has lessened the need for a new arena. I would extend that to baseball saying that this should not be the main priority for a baseball owner. I think greater Sacramento is a growing market that businesses will come to for part of their workforce. I don’t see that being an obstacle. Shoot, if the Rivercats can get businesses up here buying season tickets and suites (like I know MANY do), why can’t they do that for an MLB team? Why go to San Jose where you compete with the Giants, the 49ers, the Warriors, the Raiders, and the Sharks when you can go to Sacramento and only be in competition with the Kings? The A’s would OWN the Northern California fanbase north of the Bay Area. They would get a lot of fans from Nevada too, especially Reno (only 100 miles away). I can’t say for sure, but I think a lot of die hard A’s fans wouldn’t mind driving to Sac to see games. In fact, take Amtrack. You can get dropped off on the edge of downtown Sacramento where you can walk to restaurants, nightlife areas, the mall, old town Sacramento (cool tourist place), and simply walk across the bridge to get to the baseball game. This is assuming the A’s stadium would be at the current Rivercats field, but I would say that walk might be around half a mile. They could easily block traffic in certain areas or create a shuttle system too if they wanted.
by WiltonDeportes on Jun 12, 2010 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions
That's possible, but the Kings are pushing hard for a new arena in the downtown area where the old railyard is
There’s a lot of talk about swapping land with the Cal Expo and so on for multiple things to be done. I’d be pretty sure the Maloofs are looking for more corporate support as part of that, too.
Reno may be a bit of a draw but I don’t think it’s going to be that much of one. It’s actually about 135 miles and around 2 hours and 15 minutes to get between those two areas and a lot of it is just two-lane highway through the Sierras. Not exactly a straight shot from the Bay Area with multiple ways of getting there (80, 5, etc.). Plus, they now have a Triple-A team in the Reno Aces.
As for the season tickets and suites, the differences between minor league and major league prices are likely to be considerable. While it looks like the River Cats are among the more expensive places to see a minor league game, their primary expensive tickets are $36-$37 and cover the first 14 rows from dugout to dugout. Contrast to the Coliseum, where MVP seats (20 rows) are $48 for most games. After that the rest of their tickets are $20 or less.
Their by-game suites range from just under $1,000 (16 people) to $2,500-$2,800 (50) depending on the day. Comparatively, a Coliseum suite for 16-18 people is $1,500 for a single game while their suites for 50-100 people start at a minimum of $2,500 and likely jump higher from there. That’s not a huge difference (closer than I expected) but if they renovated Raley Field for a MLB team you’d likely see many of those ticket and suite costs jump up. I’m sure the prices in the Coliseum are already on the low side for what they could be, so a new ballpark would certainly see a spike as well.
If anything, the main thing Sacramento has for it is they already host a Triple-A team in a Triple-A facility instead of it being a High-A place like Stockton, for example. I still don’t know that a MLB franchise would really be well-supported here. Yes, the Bay Area also has the Giants during baseball season, but they’re pulling from a greater metro area (counting San Jose) of over 4 million residents while Sacramento’s is half that, just over 2 million. Enough for one MLB franchise? Possibly. There are a lot of hurdles to clear before that would ever become a reality, though.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I can't see the A's moving to Sacramento in the near future.
Sacramento is the 22nd largest TV Market, so it’s not like it is a major metro area. There are roughly 2 million people in the greater Sacramento area, but that is a VERY WIDE AREA spreading all the way to Stockton/Modesto and there just are not that many people to fill a stadium at Raley’s field for Professional MLB Baseball. Maybe in 20 years, but not today, and not in the near future. Just not enough corporate sponsors or luxury boxes could be sold. Financially, Sacramento barely supports the Rivercats. But they do turn out and support the RC’s because they are uniquely Sacramento. How would fans in Oakland react to their team moving East ? Probably not well enough to travel the 90 miles to Sacramento to catch a game.
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
I wouldn't disagree with that
I don’t think it’s very likely the A’s wind up in Sacramento within the next five years or five decades. Teams have moved into places that used to be more minor league areas (especially western expansion some 50-60 years ago) but it’s still a big jump from averaging 10,000 for a PCL game to needing to average what they’d be hoping for by bringing an MLB team there, etc.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Television...you didn't mention television revenues
YES network pays the Yankees something like $160 million per year to broadcast Yankee games. Whenever one talks about “viability” of a certain market, one has to factor future business models for MLB television. Soon, IMO, MLB is going to have to develop a model that shares top-three TV market revenues with the rest of the teams. It just has to be.
I’m sure the Yankees could sell tickets to just BP, and out-distance the A’s in attendance. But they don’t play baseball without another team. Those other teams need their revenues.
Blez: Most folks seem to believe that the big flaw with the 2010 Oakland A's will be the lack of any power.
Beane: They believe it because it's true.
by One won lost won on Jun 14, 2010 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Building a new stadium at the Coliseum Area wouldn't be a good idea
Part of the reason why the place is not that great for Baseball is because it is in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by areas no one wants to be, and with the stigma of crime (and Raider’s Fans).
What the site does have going for it is parking, transportation and, presumably, land (though this is a problem once you consider the Raiders and Warriors, and there’s no guarantee the Raiders leave, so demolishing the coliseum and building a baseball only facility might be stretching it.)
You compare that to San Jose, who has the transportation and the land, combined with an area people want to walk around at, as well as the corporate support, and its kind of clear where you’d want to be.
my heart is in Oakland
but me-thinks SJ will suit the A’s very well. Just brace yourselves for the bandwagon jumping to hit dizzying heights.
As long as they buy a ticket, it works out.
by LoneStranger on Jun 11, 2010 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Which is pretty much the point
As long as people are buying lots of tickets I doubt teams care whether they’re longtime fans or brand new ones.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I really hate bandwagon fans,
but when they’re buying tickets and directly helping my team’s payroll I can look the other way. :)
by LoneStranger on Jun 11, 2010 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Kinda like we do with all the Yankees and Red Sox fans
who show up in the Coliseum when their team is in town?
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
yeah, I don't get that
We want the A’s to succeed, yet we want no one else to enjoy it.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
That's exactly where the "success" lies.
In the casual fan.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
interesting to consider the attendance
for A’s-Giants. Were there really more people there, because so many were Giants fans?? Why were more Athletics fans interested in attending those games, versus, say, Tampa Bay?
It’s not because the Giants are more talented (look at W-L) and thus present a better game as the opponents than the Rays. I believe when fans who are not diehard fans are more familiar with more players in total, on both teams, they feel more interested in attending. The route to better attendance, IMO, is having an A’s team with a first baseman whose been with the team nine years, a second baseman, etc etc… all position players around about 8-10 years continuous service. Then adoration like the “Nick Swisher” adoration builds, and people feel more like going to the ballpark. My wife dislikes going to the games, but she still knows who Nick Swisher is, and how he pal’ed around with Kentucky Joe Blanton. Free agency and frequent trades don’t hurt the Red Sox or Yankees, but they really hurt marginal attendance in places like Oakland….or even “great big new stadium” Cleveland.
Blez: Most folks seem to believe that the big flaw with the 2010 Oakland A's will be the lack of any power.
Beane: They believe it because it's true.
by One won lost won on Jun 14, 2010 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Gee Zonis, I didn't really I was a stigma
“Part of the reason why the place is not that great for Baseball is because it is in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by areas no one wants to be, and with the stigma of crime (and Raider’s Fans).”
Thanks for letting me know.
"We get two outs, and I was sure, and I had a plan, and I shook Tek off," Schilling said. "And I get a big 'What if?' for the rest of my life."
by Imaseasonticketholder on Jun 11, 2010 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Your attempt to expand AN's vocabulary
would have been more successful had you not mistyped “exiguous”.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
There's just something beautiful about the way you snark
Seriously. You pick your spots and when you do it, it’s just so eloquently simple.
Ask me about my squirrel.
It's beautiful because it's not snark.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Hmm... you know, now that you mention it...
it’s more like faux-snark. And you’re right, the “faux” aspect of it is where the beauty lies.
Ask me about my squirrel.
Have you even been following stadium developments in Oakland
and the attempt to get a baseball-only stadium built in the parking lot?
Obviously not by your simplistic comments. If it were that easy, it would have been built by now. The other 2 tenants: the Raiders and Warriors vehemently objected, and the idea was quickly shot down. Now depending on what the Raiders do in the immediate future, this idea may be explored again if and when the Raiders leave. It would then be a lot easier to work something out with the Warriors and their concerns with parking and construction.
by sf drift king on Jun 11, 2010 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Except Oakland is much more inclined to try to keep the Raiders than the A's.
Ask me about my squirrel.
If it really is "important to look at all sides of the issue" as you say it is,
there are some notable things in that article.
1. Lew Wolff personally invited someone who publicly slighted him into his suite in order to try to explain his perspective and point of view. He was not obligated to do that and I would presume that many millionaires just would not care about someone like Jorge Leon at all, and Wolff went out of this way to include him in the conversation.
2. The New York Times is quoting a man who is obviously sticking to his point of view, no matter the fact that what Wolff said about Oakland not being able to help come up with the land apparently is true.
3. They are trying to rile people up by pointing out the fact that he put on an Earthquakes jacket and left the suite (who cares what jacket he’s wearing).
4. Ditto Englishmajor’s point above: Lew Wolff is often sitting down in the stands, and has said on numerous occasions that he prefers the stands to the suites.
You still have to consider the context of any story, even if it comes from the New York times.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
by pam5981 on Jun 11, 2010 10:56 AM PDT reply actions 16 recs
if anything isn't this a positive
3. They are trying to rile people up by pointing out the fact that he put on an Earthquakes jacket and left the suite (who cares what jacket he’s wearing).
wolff also owns the earthquakes, right, so isn’t that evidence of “caring” about a team he owns?
what if he left to attend an earthquakes game, how many ultra rich owners of professional sports teams attend multiple games in a day?
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones."
-BB 07/27/05
that was my point...
he has shown such respect and devotion to the quakes, something Quakes fans were not used to when the souless AEG was the team’s owner. Mr. Wolff secured the team, worked his ass-off to get us a stadium and has made Buck Shaw a viable place to go watch games again. I think he’s has the same level of drive to “fix” the A’s and keep them around the bay area, I just don’t think he’s pleased with Oakland as the place to do it.
Why would Lew Wolff want to watch a perfect game with someone who hate him?
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
I LOVE INTELLIGENCE
THANK YOU PAM!
Now I don’t have to respond to any more of this garbage .
by sf drift king on Jun 11, 2010 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Pam, as always, makes some great points
But the rest of this isn’t “garbage”. This is an opportunity for some fans to vent on their owner as they are feeling he isn’t doing an adequate job in his position.
Yes, some of this is crap and of course we should consider that this is from the incredibly tabloid-esque NY media, but this is a great opportunity for fans to discuss issues they have with the Oakland management.
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on Jun 11, 2010 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Well sure, if you want to owner bash go for it
Just don’t use this particular piece of garbage to do it. Rant on with something that has some substance instead of trying to pull something out of a nothing situation.
Ask me about my squirrel.
by DMOAS on Jun 11, 2010 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on Jun 11, 2010 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions
The NYTimes is hardly tabloid-esque
But this isn’t really from the NYT, it’s from the Bay Citizen, a startup to whom the NYT has subcontracted its Bay Area coverage.
It's the fans that make the game fun. -- Rickey Henderson, July 26, 2009.
by Englishmajor on Jun 11, 2010 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Add me to those who rec this fine comment
Brava, Pam.
BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD, AND STUFF.
#1 is just him copying the NJ Nets owner who did the famous brown bag lunch very recently
Nice that he took the time to do it, but he did it knowing that in the end it’s better publicity, and following a blueprint. Not that there’s anything wrong with trying to get good publicity, but his motivation is not necessarily golden.
by Billy Frijoles on Jun 14, 2010 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I should have looked at the poster's name before reading this thread
Obvious troll is obvious.
BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD, AND STUFF.
Seriously.
The fact that he has 4 FanPosts, 1 FanShot and has only 2 comments here pretty much tells you anything you need to know.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Eh, I wouldn't go with troll.
Pretty certain he believes everything he says. Spammer, who only uses AN to push his one issue? Sure.
You don't form in the wet sand.
You don't form at all.
I think it's trollish to hit and run with very controversial topics.
The guy has 2 comments on AN. If you’re going to post this shit, you better be around to defend your point of view.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Heh.
Either way, semantics aside, this guy sucks. A lot.
You don't form in the wet sand.
You don't form at all.
by danmerqury on Jun 11, 2010 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's not really a person
it’s this organization
http://www.baseballoakland.com
And, like any organization, they have an agenda. This one wants to keep the A’s in Oakland. I don’t think there’s anything they are hiding.
by Billy Frijoles on Jun 14, 2010 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions
our "owner" left
if he had stayed, we would know it …because the accusation has been out there for weeks, so i believe he left.
Selig/Fisher/Wollffe will all be gone from MLB in five years and the A’s will still be in Oakland.
bet on it!
by GrewUpAtTheColiseum on Jun 11, 2010 11:30 AM PDT reply actions
Whether or not you put it in "quotes" he's still the owner.
I haven’t heard the accusation at all.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Er, anyone check out the timeline that he linked to? It was a Fanshot posted a few days ago.
That timeline is cherry picking at best, and pure distortion of facts at worst.
You don't form in the wet sand.
You don't form at all.
As if the Oakland A's are the only MLB franchise with an owner who has tried to relocate the team.
Sigh.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
not only that, but...
at the very least Wolff is attempting to keep the team in Oakland or the bay area. Most nefarious owners buy a team and have a new market picked out far away without a bit of regard for the current fanbase. Wolff has been tactful and respectful of A’s fans in my opinion.
he's attempting to keep the A's in the Bay Area
but I’ve never seen any evidence that he seriously tried to keep the team in Oakland. He made pretty negative statements about having the team in Oakland, even before the Fremont plan was announced.
This is really an old argument that i have no real interest in getting into now, since I’ve done so countless times before. One could argue that Wolff is correct in wanting to move the team…but that’s different from claiming that he seriously tried to make it work in Oakland – or, to be fair, that Schott and Hoffman before him seriously tried. They were pretty open about wanting to move the team to San José.
It is quite disappointing
when someone writes a fanpost, you don’t agree with it, and they cut and run without a trace.
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on Jun 11, 2010 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Look at all the starters that leave the dugout during a game!!!!
they obviously don’t care about their teams too!!!!
Damn Wolff
If he had kept Ethier and Gonzalez then he would’ve stayed for the rest of the game!
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
IS HE MADE OF WOOD?!?!
SIG SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP. INQUIRE WITHIN.
by mikev on Jun 11, 2010 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
He's a WITCH!!!!!
"Are those new tarps? Or did they paint 'em?" Mark Ellis
by Berry Jo on Jun 11, 2010 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I've been in the owner's suite with Wolff
All I can tell you is that he doesn’t want to be there anymore than he has to entertaining guests, and he’s very upfront about it. He’d rather be downstairs, in the clubhouse, tunnels, diamond level, field level, anywhere but the suite.
Ditto.
He was VERY into the game (when he wasn’t playing with his 8 month old granddaughter). He talks about the teams, the league, the players personalities, the clubhouse, etc.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Or on his cell phone in the diamond level
I’ve seen that. Annoying. But likely something important for him. Everything I’ve seen of him, he takes the team and the product on the field very seriously. He wants to win and feels bad for the players when they don’t.
Ask me about my squirrel.
I agree that's annoying, but it's hardly unique.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
How are you guys all getting these chances to sit with Wolff?!?
I would love that, hook it up!
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on Jun 11, 2010 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions
ditto
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on Jun 11, 2010 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions
It is hilarious
That Linusalf thinks he can lecture anyone about “looking at all sides” when he is a blatant Oakland Only guy who writes slanted horseshit on a regular basis on his blog.
You should learn to look at things from all sides before trying to turn AN into the third version of the OAFC (the second being baseballoakland.com)
what a load of horse manure
i bet 99.9% of you fell in love with the Oakland A’s. If anyone who contributes here was a fan of the KC or Philadelphia A’s, i apologize.
how dare an Oakland A’s fan, fight to keep the team they love in the city where they fell in love with the team !!!
I love reading AN, because i love the A’s.
I think A’s fans, should give other A’s fans a break.
I read almost everything on this site (thanks Blez), but please, don’t put down A’s fans.
Let’s Go A’s!!!
by GrewUpAtTheColiseum on Jun 11, 2010 5:16 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I'm all for fighting to keep the team in Oakland
It’s just important to present things fairly. It doesn’t look like the NYT gave the whole story.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
You're taking one aspect of the situation (Lew Wolff)
and acting like that’s the sole reason for the team’s predicament. It’s not. Sure he’s part of it, but there are probably hundreds of other factors.
I’m all for keeping the team in Oakland. That by fair is my first preference. I love this city. I love the A’s. I want to be able to go to a game any night of the week if I feel like it. I also happen to deal with the city in a lot of other ways, and probably have felt a fraction of the frustration Lew Wolff has felt. It is NOT easy.
At the end of the day, he’s a businessman, and he’s going to try to make the best business decision for the team. He’s not the first owner who has floated/suggested/threatened the idea of moving a team from their city…just look right across the bay if you want an example. He certainly won’t be the last either.
The way that MLB stadiums operate today, corporate sponsorship is very important. Love Oakland, hate Oakland, that base does not exist here the way it exists in San Jose.
The NYT aside tells one, biased view of Lew Wolff and does not present facts in a clear way. Just because the tone of the article happens to back up your point of view, doesn’t mean the content (or the facts) do.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
by pam5981 on Jun 11, 2010 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
the OP
was “attacked” for daring to have an agenda. That agenda is keeping the A’s in Oakland. I think that is an appropriate agenda for this site. Also, he was “blasted” for only posting twice. What is that about? Only those who post frequently, deserve to have their voices heard!?!?
Let’s keep to the facts. I agree. But we should make all A’s fans (who follow the community guidelines) feel welcome on AN.
The OP, clearly, is passionate about the A’s.
He should feel at home here, in my opinion.
by GrewUpAtTheColiseum on Jun 11, 2010 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Hah.
Honestly, if you really believe that he was attacked simply for having an agenda, then there’s nothing any of us can possibly say that would make this conversation worthwhile.
You don't form in the wet sand.
You don't form at all.
by danmerqury on Jun 11, 2010 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Your passion for this cause is blinding you a bit and leading you to make assumptions that just aren't true
When someone has a history on this site of making fanposts and not bothering to comment or in any other way interact, they’re not part of the community. The “attack” that you’re seeing is frustration in trollish behavior. Yes the “We only want Oakland, stop ‘stealing’ our team” thing gets old around here (at least to me), but if the OP presented a fair, albeit partial argument, you’d get an honest response and fair, yet equally partial counter-argument. The only reason you’re not seeing that is because of how close you are to the subject and there’s nothing wrong with that. But this has little to do with A’s fans or making people feel at home here.
Ask me about my squirrel.
by DMOAS on Jun 11, 2010 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1 DMOAS
very well said.
I think you make a very good point in that this is a community, and that in order to stay in favor with this community, you need to be prepared to back up an argument…
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on Jun 11, 2010 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Try making a post that is more that 2 paragraphs
And see how “WELCOME” they make you feel around here…
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
I fell in love with the A's, who happen to play in Oakland
I will still love the A’s if they play in Oakland, Fremont, or San Jose.
And if BaseballOakland would actually take part in these discussions in a constructive way, instead of posting and running, then I will withdraw my troll accusation above.
BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD, AND STUFF.
a little off topic, but this is for Lew...
Dear Mr. Wolfe,
Please remove the damn tarps on the 3rd deck.
It’s a recession and I can’t afford to go to the game at those prices. Maybe I would go to the games if I could sit on the 3rd deck. I used to when I was a kid all the time because my father was too cheap to buy more expensive seats. I’m not as cheap as my father but I have to take a family of 5 and it adds up + $18 freakin dollars for parking. What a joke?
So you would have to clean a few bathrooms on the 3rd deck? Big deal. Oh and please don’t give me that intimate stadium nonsense.
Warmest Regards,
brewitt
by brewitt on Jun 11, 2010 5:41 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Go sit in the value deck
Last of the Ninth - Photography
by Flashfire on Jun 11, 2010 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
$6 (net) is as good as any team in the league
Rec’d
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
This is just wrong
The price of the the bleachers and other seats in the stadium (of which there are many available per game) is the same as what the 3rd deck used to be. And if they were to open up the 3rd deck, those non-3rd deck seats would just increase and the 3rd deck would meet their current lowest price. Untarping the deck wouldn’t change your situation, it would just mean more cheap seats that will lead to more “free” seat upgrades and less money for the team overall.
Ask me about my squirrel.
And as it is now, the Value Deck is a $12 ticket which is the equivalent of $6 & $6 in food or other concessions
And it’s in the upper deck right behind the plate. If someone can’t afford that, it’s honestly not the A’s problem.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Your'e just making Wolfe's arguments
I don’t agree that the costs would necessarily be higher they had this section open for years and it was about $6-8. Obviously, people will move down, but to force someone to pay $20+ for a ticket for a ticket that cost less than half of that is just wrong.
There’s a simple explanation. Wolfe’s a cheap bastard.
Then pay $12 for an upper deck ticket
and use the $6 that that allows and get food. Why are you sitting on this “$20” thing. I don’t get your claim that I’m “just making Wolff’s argument.” If you don’t like ticket prices, forget about asking for the 3rd deck to be untarped, that accomplishes nothing and doesn’t actually fix your problem. Your problem isn’t about not having an available seat to sit in nor is it about specifically where you can sit. Your problem is about how much it costs to get in the door. So ask for that. You don’t want to pay $12 (that includes $6 of free food) or $9 in the plaza reserve or $13 for a bleacher seat, then ask for $6 tickets somewhere. Forget about this tarp nonsense because it has nothing to do at all with your circumstance.
Ask me about my squirrel.
I don't see how he's making Wolff's arguments at all
For a while the entire third deck was tarped off. People wanted it opened up. They opened three sections right behind the plate that were more expensive because of the all-you-can-eat format. That didn’t seem to do too well. Now they kept those three sections open and made it their “value deck” where you only have to spend $12, half of which actually goes toward concessions (food, programs, etc.).
You could say “Let me have it as a $6 ticket instead” but some people would bring their own food in instead. Even though they’re allowed to, teams obviously want you spending more money inside the place, hence this setup. It’s a dollar less than the bleachers, three dollars more than the plaza reserved seats atop the outfield suites.
If you have a family of five, parking there is probably also more cost-effective than taking BART. There are inexpensive options for you that are very reasonable in today’s sports market. If you want a better seat, expect to pay more. If you don’t like it or that’s still too much for you, I guess that’s just too bad. Teams are under no obligation to make games affordable for every single person out there. If $10 is too much and they offer a ticket for $8, some people will demand it for $5. Those days are over.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
technically it's not a recession anymore
I think the GDP went up or some such nonsense (someone with an Econ degree can work that out), but anyway, it’s not technically a recession anymore.
Has anyone heard the big news?
Apparently, Lew Wolff walked out of his luxury suite at some point in the middle of a baseball game!
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
I think that was when he went to sign Jack Cust
It's the fans that make the game fun. -- Rickey Henderson, July 26, 2009.
by Englishmajor on Jun 12, 2010 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
the truth about Oakland in pictures
In psychology, Stockholm syndrome is a term used to describe a paradoxical psychological phenomenon wherein hostages express adulation and have positive feelings towards their captors that appear irrational in light of the danger or risk endured by the victims.
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
He didn't want to jinx it...
He’s probably never seen a perfect game or no-no, and didn’t want to jinx this one by staying around for the end. ;) I know I was relieved that my curse of watching failed ninth inning no-nos/perfectos couldn’t impact this game because I was outside the country with no tv feed to the game!
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