djtestudo

This afternoon, at the Detroit-Baltimore game, a group of fans staged a protest on the state of the franchise and the owner, organized by a local radio host.

There has been debate among Orioles fans for a while, and especially post-event, about the amount of national exposure this has, and will get.

I would like to use my fellow TFPers to assist with this.

Basically, just answer the poll question, "Did you hear about this event before opening this thread?" and also post what, if anything, you knew or know now about this event, and your opinions on this specifically and also on fan protests in general.

I would like to hear what other, unbiased people have to say.

Thanks.

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"Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen."
--Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

jorgelito

I read it on ESPN today and heard it also a couple of days ago. In general, I think fan protests (any protests actually) are healthy for a free society. But sadly, I don't really think they work. Why would the owener care? The tickets were already bought and paid for. Being a fan sucks. Rationally, the owners only look out for the bottom line, and the players only look out for themselves. Froma business perspective, that makes sense. Keep overhead low and profits high. Same with the players. Winning the fans adulation = $0. Just look at Barry Bonds or A-Rod. Everyone looks out for his or her best interest.

The owner has a point (not that I like him or necessarily agree). It takes a lot of money for a payroll in the AL East (Boston, NY) to get what the fans are complaining about. At least in theory or on paper. Some teams work out ok now and then (Cleveland etc) with a low payroll, but how many players will stick around if the pay is no good?

Also, in my opinion, we the fans, should have just boycotted the MLB a long time ago, during the last strike. Instead, we come back for more and quickly forgive any perceived sins (greed, steroids etc). Of course management and players see this and realize there are no consequences for their actions.

So, in spirit I support the fans, but I don't really see any good it will do. In my opinion, the fans have zero power. It will be business as usual.

grumpyolddude

I could hear the protesters chant while listening to Detroit v Baltimore on the radio.
The fans have a point, but a lot has to do with how the talent is nurtured and developed. Minnesota, Oakland, Florida... they keep reloading with fresh faces while letting the big contract-demanding veterans flame out elsewhere.
Baltimore can't hope to match the Yankees' and Red Sox's payroll, so they have to be smarter with their farm system. It can be done, there's proof!

clifclav

That, unfortunately is the whole truth of this and all baseball situations. They are playing based on an outdated model. Until there is a level playing field then I will never really care about MLB again.

BTW, yes I had heard about it before and wanted to go, but, alas, life intervened.

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Neither rain , nor cold, nor dark of night shall.......ahh whatever, just get me a beer!

crewsor

I heard all about because I listen to sports talk almost exclusively each day. It won't do any good because Angelos is going to profit plenty whether the Orioles win or lose, so there's not much incentive for him to worry about hiring good management and letting them run the team without his interference.

I'm sure he would like to win but not enough to spend what it takes, or take the blow to his pride that bowing out and relinquishing control to a real GM would require.

So yeah, it felt good to see them deal a blow to his already tarnished reputation, but it still sucks that a team that was a perennial winner is now a laughing stock of the sports world because that little troll is so oblivious to the damage he has done and is doing.

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We all have wings, some of us just don't know why.

highthief

Nah, once hockey, ncaa football and English/European soccer start, I could care less about baseball.

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Si vis pacem parabellum.