Pirates Fans Planning a Walk Out
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Jeez. It only took 14 years.
Disgruntled Pirate fans are planning a walk-out of the June 30th home game to show disgust over poor management and front-office decisions. More info/thoughts here. Many thanks to reader Julie_Gong, who PSaMP knows and loves, for tipping me off about the story.
Andy Chomos and Sean Lucas are the two organizers of the Fans for Change campaign, which they hope will show Pirates management the level of disappointment in today's Buccos fans. They plan on having fans leave after the 3rd inning.
Chomos also wants the fans to wear green shirts, to symbolize money leaving the building. So if the fans throw themselves out of the upper decks and onto the field, would they figuratively be "making it rain?"
PSaMP is sorta on the fence about this one. Has the organization made some terrible decisions over the past 14 years? Yes. Do the fans, who paid for the stadium, have the right to walk out? Yes again. It sounds like a kickass plan, but when in the past 14 years has the organization actually listened to the fans? That answer is never. Sure, a walk-out might gain media attention, but I don't see it as the means to an end. Is Dave Littlefield, sitting in his Lexus Club seat behind home plate, really going to redo the last (10 or so) draft(s) just because fans leave? Its not like PNC is full to capacity anyway. Unless, of course, its the All-Star game, or its fireworks night.
So PSaMP applauds the fans for sticking up for their team. I for one can't stand the direction the team has gone since Sid Bream beat a Barry Bonds throw home some 15 years ago. The fans have the right idea. PSaMP just hopes that Pirates management listens for once.
3 comments:
As a longtime Detroit Lions fan, who as seen 2 fan walkouts in the last 2 seasons, I totally agree with your thought the the team couldn't care less.
The first walkout (Fans wore the opposing team's colors, then walked out in the 2nd quarter) got quite a bit a attention, locally and nationally, but when it was all said and done, it accomplished nothing. Same as last season's futile attempt. It was admirable, but even less successful. Fan walkouts are the equivalent of tilting at windmills.
The only way a team will take notice is if fans stop going to games. In the Lions' case, they are still selling out, so they couldn't give 2 shits.
We can be pissed as all get out, but as long as there are asses in the seats...
Thanks for the update.
Julie_Gong does know and love you!
I would be tickled pink if the Pirates would committ $64M to their payroll (like the Lions have done) - problem here, Al, is that the Pirates have NEVER came even close to that number-We are barely a little more than $40M this year and that number will probably shrink further next. The debacles of the Pirates organization is well documented and 15 years in a row of losing seasons (Lions have not touched on that record) and we are only a season away from holding the All Time record for Sports futility...It has to end and simple walkouts will not accomplish this, however, exerting pressure on the Buccos sponsors + Walkouts + constant media attention will at least make these jokers understand where we are coming from and they will get to know that the fans CAN and WILL make a difference.
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