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Around SBN: Please, Someone Make Bob Sapp Stop Already

Says Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney: "We've enjoyed our time in Mesa, and they've done a good job for us here. But the question is, if anybody's been to Goodyear or (Camelback Ranch) Glendale, we no longer have a facility commensurate with the type of team we have. Whether it's TV ratings, attendance, revenue, we are, with a degree of humility, the leader in the Valley."

With the same degree of humility, I suggest Mr. Kenney takes his demand and sticks it where the sun doesn't shine. It's not often I agree with the comments on AZ Central.com, but this one is dead right; "The time is NOW to pass a law prohibiting the use of public funds for teams wishing to switch cities... Enough is enough with these teams playing cities against each other in Arizona."

The Diamondbacks made it clear they have absolutely no expectation of a penny of public funds being used for the new complex they want - which is just the way it should be. The Cubs should expect not a penny either, especially in the current economic climate. Find private funds or pay for it yourself, Mr. Kenney, rather than making threats in the media.

And with impeccable timing, the same day's paper also reports Recession hitting spring training in Mesa. Kevin Thorpe, general manager of the Dobson Ranch Inn said "The leisure travel is really off. This is probably the worst I've seen it," he said, during his 24 years at the hotel. Not the time for anyone to be making demands on municipal funding. If it's such a boon to local businesses, let them pay for the upgrade. Simple as that.

almost 3 years ago Lucha_tiny Jim McLennan 92 comments 0 recs  | 

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always in touch with reality

those scrubs are…..

Don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya Mr. Kenney!!!

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 22, 2009 10:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Great timing, guys

Sorry we can’t fund your new stadium. We need to spend billions to develop a new microscope fine enough to isolate just how tiny that degree of humility you used was.

"Honestly, if you're given the choice between Armageddon or tea, you don't say "what kind of tea?" People.I love you all, but...(shakes head)"
-Neil Gaiman

by kishi on Mar 22, 2009 11:02 PM EDT reply actions  

Scanning electron microscope.

Only the best for the Cubs.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 24, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

wow

Kenney is to: not a greedy douchebag, as Cubs are to: winning the World Series.

"I always think one step ahead, like a carpenter....the builds stairs"

by sergey606 on Mar 23, 2009 1:56 AM EDT reply actions  

+infinity

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 23, 2009 1:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

+Planck's Constant

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 23, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

+avogado's number!

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 23, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

+ Faraday's consstant

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 23, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ugh.... stupid Asus keyboard

*constant

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 24, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions  

i try

"I always think one step ahead, like a carpenter....the builds stairs"

by sergey606 on Mar 23, 2009 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

+eleventy billion

Beer...now there's a temporary solution!

by IndyDBack on Mar 24, 2009 7:06 AM EDT up reply actions  

Floating a Floridian Suitor

tells me a) there are no Arizona suitors and b) the Cubs basically have nowhere to go.

They can talk grapefruit all they want but I doubt they’d seriously consider it. The xtra travel. It rains. Teams are leaving in droves. What FL municipality will build this grand facility for them any more than Mesa would?

Does Fitch ill prepare the Cubs or put em at a competitive disadvantage up north? Hard to argue when you had the best record in the league.

Does Mesa put the Cubs at an economic disadvantage? Hard to argue, after boasting you’re the highest revenue Cactus outfit.

Mesa’s a great fit for the Cubs and they know it. Established fan base that loves the traditional atmosphere. 39th most populous US City (between Sacramento and Cleveland). Mesa could land another team in a heartbeat (albeit not as popular as the Cubs) in the unlikely event push ever came to shove. I doubt either side wants that to happen.

The Cubs have wishlists but virtually no leverage. Where are they gonna go?

If the FO is the focus of anything, something is seriously wrong with the picture ! - unnamedDBacksfan 2/20/09

by Diamondhacks on Mar 23, 2009 3:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Tucson?

Just kidding. But I hear we are looking for more (ya right).

by Bcawz on Mar 23, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Only

Japanese teams.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 23, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

owned

Diamondback Dan? Can he say that? Isn't that a popularly elected FO position?

by JustAJ on Mar 23, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Flip the argument though

Could it not be said that the Cubs have leverage and Mesa does not? Say, another team decides they want to share a state of the art facility — to be located in Chandler (for example). I think that swings the leverage the Cubs way, Mesa cannot change the existing footprint of HoHoKam or Fitch — as other folks have mentioned. It will never be, at the existing location, a Tempe Diablo, or a CamelBack ranch. So if the Cubs demand newer better facilities at the existing location I kinda think that maybe Mesa will see it that way. Again, just trying to see both sides of the argument, FWIW.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 24, 2009 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

The thing is,

I’m not convinced that any of the municipalities in the Valley have that kind of cash to spend right now…

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 25, 2009 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions  

Even if there's no 'real suitors'

He’s still got mesa exactly where they are. The whole east valley hasn’t done anything in this rush of teams coming to the valley of really attracting those teams, their fans, and just the weekly games to this side of the valley. The west valley has tripped over itself to build amazing facilities and entertainment complexes that attract not just fans, but the teams that bring the fans. I don’t think that it’s only up to the city of mesa to hold onto the cubs … But I don’t think they have done much to say they won’t be going along with the cubs demands either.

by Captain D Bag on Mar 23, 2009 3:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Suck it, Cubs.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 23, 2009 7:17 PM EDT reply actions  

It's funny

that the Cubs would whine and be jealous about not having the best training facility, yet play 81 games a year in a dump. Go figure!

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 23, 2009 7:18 PM EDT reply actions  

Yeah

Reminds me of theChurch I go to, what a dump its like 150 years old. Sheesh, why can’t they build something nicer and get rid of all that old.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 24, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is

your church whining to the city or state to get a new facility?

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 24, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

I hate when they do that….

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 25, 2009 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions  

Look

I do not share the perspective you have especially if you live in the area, I apologize for my snarky retort, but your comments were pretty harsh. And in case you didn’t notice, not once have I made any disparaging remarks about your team or your ballpark. I do not have defend Wrigley Field, it has widely been recognized as a historical landmark, and one of the most beautiful places to watch a baseball game. And assuming you are as avid a baseball fan as I am, I would think you would respect that. I have made my point clear regarding Kenney and his “posturing” for position under the new Cubs ownership — clearly showing that I do not completely agree with his demands for IMPROVED facilities. Right now that is what the Cubs would like, better facilities at the Mesa location. If the tables were turned, I think as a fan you would be in favor of seeing a 12-year old weight room upgraded. Heck, the local gym I go to gets a renovation every 5 years or so. I am attempting to be reasonable with you and made what I think is a valid point, and I might add trying to do so without insulting you, your team, or your ballpark.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 25, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions  

Actually no

because the Diamondbacks are also demanding a new facility in Phoenix, and are publicly refusing to pay for it. So to assume that I or the people in this area don’t like that either is incorrect. I’m sure you can appreciate why people of an area wouldn’t appreciate multi-million dollar companies that aren’t even local attempting to take public money right now or in the near future.

There’s nothing wrong with believing an upgrade is in order, and as an out-of-town of fan that would be the extent of the impact for you. It’s not the same issue for us because of all budget concerns going on right now in Arizona. If Mesa or Phoenix or Arizona want to raise taxes to support education or any of the other concerns going on, I’m all for that, but to subsidize a business, especially a non-local one, is despicible.

The fact of the matter is the Cubs are one of the most popular teams in the league, if not all the US leagues. Not only do they make a ton of money, but they have a ton of sponsors. If they want a new facility, they should pay for it, simple as that.

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 25, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

Ok fair enuff

With regards the timing and nature of the “demand”, I see your point, and you are right I do have a out of towner/tourist perspective. I probably would agree with you on the moral implications given the state of our national economy and that of the State of AZ. And perhaps you are right, the Cubs in a perfect fair and just world should pay for thier own “new” facility (Although at this point improvements in Fitch would probably be enough). Unfortunatly, as long as the State and municipalities have money to make on such a facility – ANY team is going to require that they foot most if not all the bill.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 25, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions  

To be fair

the State doesn’t have the money at all. They have a few million earmarked, but it can’t be used until 2015 or so. The Goodyear and Camelback locations were built with the explicit understanding that those would be the last built under the current money structure.

I’d think, given the market position of the Cubs, that once the economy starts to recover they could find a private suitor in two seconds to pay for upgraded medical facilities or whatever they need.

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 25, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions  

I just love

how out of touch some people to be with the current economy, despite six months to a year of time to get familiar with it.

by Azreous on Mar 23, 2009 8:18 PM EDT reply actions  

All it is for me

is more fodder with which I will use to denigrate my friends who are Cubs fans.

by bcloirao on Mar 23, 2009 8:29 PM EDT reply actions  

All I can say is,

if even one penny of my state tax dollars go to fund a Spring Training complex for the Cubs, I am going to put up a stink like you wouldn’t believe…

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 24, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions  

To be fair

I understand as a citizen your issue with this, however, It should be noted that the current facility the Cubs occupy is one of the most dated in the Cactus League. Even the HoHoKams and the City of Mesa will admit it. It needs renovation, as for Kenney and his comments…this is coming from someone who hopes to keep his current job amidst new ownership for the Cubs — at least its the way I and other Cubs fans see it. A Florida location? Give me a break, teams are making a mass exodus from FL to AZ for many reasons, the smallest of which include the great weather in AZ. I agree Kenney is coming off way strong, sounds like someone trying to impress thier new boss.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 24, 2009 2:57 PM EDT reply actions  

Are we talking about the same HoHoKam?

The biggest stadium in the Cactus League, that was built in 1997? Heck — the Rockies play at Hi Corbett, which was built sixty years before that.

Kenney’s coming off waaay too aggressive, especially given the current economic climate. It’s going to turn a lot of people off.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 24, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

Actually

Hi Corbett has been renovated numerous times during the 1990s. Camel Back is now the largest in the Cactus League. And while HoHoKam was rebuilt in 1997 it was around before that for nearly 20 years, it still remains a dated complex (if you even want to call it a complex). Fitch is almost a mile away from HoHoKam, which makes it difficult for players and coaches to move seamlessly from one park to another. Look, I agree that Kenney is “coming off waaay to aggresive” but I think improved facilities would be in order by 2012 when the Cubs have their opt out clause coming up. As I have stated, Kenney is trying to impress the new owner — trying to show that he can be a tough negotiator. As a Cubs fan I spend most of my annual vacation budget in Mesa and the surrounding communities (including Tucson), as do many other Cubs fans. I like HoHoKam parks location, and I like going to AZ for ST. But if conditions at Fitch are what even the HoHoKam members told me last week at ST, then improvement is in order.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 24, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

And that improvement

can be done by the Cubs organization or a hodge-podge of private investors. Demanding that the city renovate at facility less than 20 years old just because an organization is jealous is plain silly.

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 24, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Plain Silly?

Are you kidding? This is business, the Cubs do not OWN the facility in Mesa, the City of MESA does! Why would the Cubs dump money into a facility that they do not own? C’mon, if you had a lease on a property that needed alot of renovation, would you pony up all the cash and pay for it? The Cubs do not even get paid to maintain the facility — thats what the Mesa HoHoKams do there. And as further support of my argument, neither the Mayor of Mesa or the Mesa HoHoKams have suggested that the Cubs organization should foot the bill, in fact they have acknowledged that the facilities in Mesa do need improvements. As for your jealousy comment, I guess we are jealous — as you should be too. Do you realize that everytime we had a pitcher on the DL we had to ship him to San Diego to work with a pysician and trainer and then move him from Mesa to San Diego every week or so? Why? because the facilities at Fitch could not support that kind of rehab. At least if your a Dodger or a member of the Whitesox, you get hurt, you have full medical staff and trainers in one place — CamelBack Ranch. Its the wave of the future, and ALL teams will want that, its not jealousy, its remaining competative.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 25, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

The reason

we’re getting some Cubs fans over here commenting, by the way, is because I posted a FanShot at BCB.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 25, 2009 1:15 AM EDT reply actions  

I saw that when i clicked on

Steven’s profile and followed the trail back.

at least you warned them all they’ll likely run into some anti-cubbies postings.

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 25, 2009 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

Well, naturally.

As the Foreign Minister, I’m supposed to be somewhat cordial and diplomatic…

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 25, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

We've

been pretty restrained, I’d say.

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 25, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

I know, right?

I was going to propose that Mesa make a deal with the Cubs — when they win a World Series, then they’ll get a new facility.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 25, 2009 1:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I'd agree!

We’re still in spring training mode on our scrub bashing.

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 25, 2009 2:23 AM EDT up reply actions  

Well thats nice to see

You know there are some real jerk Cubs fans out there, and I know some of em. And I hope you don’t hold guys like that against me. But seriously, my approach to all the sports blogs I frequent is to try and act as though I would if I was talking to someone in person before a game or in the middle innings. A little jabbing is par for the course, but I do appreciate your guys willingness to discuss the issues, in a well thought out manner.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 25, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

There are jerks in every fan base,

including me at times. Lucky for me though I have this bunch of fellow bloggers to knock some sense in me when the occasion arises.
It’s not easy reading smack about the team you live and die for.

Back on topic… to you this may be all in black and white. But for us who live here, it is very much grey. When we are facing the State Universities closing a campus or two, eliminating degree programs, other school districts firing teachers left and right, that cuts to the core of the future of this state! The comment was ill timed to say the least, especially with the money behind the cubs.
I don;t dispute the need to upgrade and feel somehow, something will get done if not by Mesa then by another city here in the valley.

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 25, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

Your right

And thats why I enjoyed the dicussion, because I come away with a much better understanding of the economic climate in AZ and how it affects decisions such as this. And as you can see I do agree that Kenney’s comments were abrasive and “ill-timed”. And as I’ve mentioned I believe it to be mostly hot air, driven by his own career goals. Once the regular season starts I think most of this kind of talk will simmer down until the off season.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 25, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah,

very dumb political move on his part…. and I don’t think anyone saw even a trace of that supposed humility in his comments.

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions  

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

at budget cuts.

(I have no comments, because I don’t care about the Cubs or HoHoKam Park. I lived in Mesa and Gilbert for a total of 14 years and have never been. But the budget cuts I can definitely make some noise about.)

...Is it Opening Day yet?

It would be poetic if it didn't suck so much (RIP Pushing Daisies...)

by emilylovesthedbacks on Mar 25, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

Oh man, this is something we all can agree on! I just can’t get over how narrow minded and short sighted the so called ‘leaders’ are in this state.
we rank near Mississippi’s level in Education and we wonder why we cannot draw good paying jobs to this state?

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 25, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Or well paying ones, at that.

Or hell, with these cuts, Arizona is just going to stop attracting students all together. NAU’s music program is pretty much gone after this semester.

...Is it Opening Day yet?

It would be poetic if it didn't suck so much (RIP Pushing Daisies...)

by emilylovesthedbacks on Mar 25, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yep.

And HRM just might be right behind it.

Sad state of affairs, really.

by Azreous on Mar 25, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yay for leaving...

apparently at just the right time.

...Is it Opening Day yet?

It would be poetic if it didn't suck so much (RIP Pushing Daisies...)

by emilylovesthedbacks on Mar 25, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

HRM?

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 25, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

HRM

is the school of hotel and restaurant management.

...Is it Opening Day yet?

It would be poetic if it didn't suck so much (RIP Pushing Daisies...)

by emilylovesthedbacks on Mar 25, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oooh.

Naturally.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 25, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Seriously?

Ten years ago, music and HRM were two of the three top reasons people wanted to go to NAU in the first place…

"Scott, are you evil, or are you really happy?"

by kishi on Mar 26, 2009 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions  

Education, too...

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

And

well, I guess I can’t about that on a family blog.

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 26, 2009 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

Okay,

now I’m confused…. what?

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 1:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'm

talking about illegal things like medicinal herbs.

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 26, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yes

That would be the third of the three. =)

"Scott, are you evil, or are you really happy?"

by kishi on Mar 26, 2009 1:53 AM EDT up reply actions  

Figured as much

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 2:51 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yep.

Mind-boggling, to say the least, but the budget cuts are going to kill us just like everybody else.

by Azreous on Mar 26, 2009 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions  

I don't hate the Cubs.

Just Cubs fans.

;-)

Jk. I do hate the Cubs.

I don’t hate all of their fans, though. My ex-gf is a Cubs fan, in fact.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 25, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm not

sure if that last sentence is supporting evidence to hate Cubs fans or not ;-)

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 25, 2009 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Heh....

nah, she and I are on good terms. It wasn’t a bad breakup for either of us.

On the other extreme, part of the reason I can’t stand country music is my ex-fiancee….

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 25, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

C'mon

Please tell me you save most of your hate for a team in your division? Like the Dodgers perhaps?

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 26, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions  

Hmmm....

That’s tough, because I actually wanted the Dodgers to club the Cubs in the first round last year. Actually, I wanted both teams to fail miserably, but that wasn’t an option, apparently.

I do so hate the Dodgers, though.

But not as much as the Padres. I definitely hate the Padres more than the Cubs. And when the Giants get good again, I’ll probably hate them, too.

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'm

an equal opportunity hater. I eat at Whatahater for lunch and drink Haterade. If I was a Sith Lord they’d call me Darth Hater.

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 26, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions  

Know what I hate?

Your face.

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

My face

is pretty awesome.

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 26, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's weird

Two seasons ago, I was basically neutral towards the Dodgers, and loathed the Giants with a passion. Then Bonds stopped playing. And then Manny started with the Dodgers. Now, LA are certainly numero uno on my list in the division, and the Giants are largely an irrelevance.

Outside the NL West, however, you’ll find a lot of local Arizona fans hate the Cubs, mostly because of all the obnoxious Cubs fans that show up at Chase for three games. A couple of years ago, I went to every game in the series here: let’s just say, it wasn’t pleasant, and won’t be an experience I’ll ever repeat. Think many Phoenix residents have similar experiences. Which is odd, because the Cubs fans I’ve met from Chicago, etc. tend to be great, knowledgeable people, especially in a one-on-one basis. Maybe it’s the whole ‘living in enemy territory’ and ‘hunting in packs’ thing?

Of course, I hate the MY Yankees too, but I trust you’re with me on that… The Red Sox, since they broke the curse, are now nothing more than the Yankees Lite, so aren’t all that far behind.

'As times goes by, as times goes by, they say "he's washed up", "he's finished" , "he's a loser", "he's all through". You know what? The only one that's going to tell me when I'm through doing my thing is you people here.'

by Jim McLennan on Mar 26, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

Red Sux

are the Yankees, minus all the tradition, championships, and new stadium.

It’s tough to hate San Francisco these days — I mean, to whom am I directing my ire? Timcecum?? That’s like hating a chihuahua. (Of course, there is also Randy Winn, the root of all evil…)

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

I see your point

I’ve been to Chase Field (For several those of series) there are indeed many Cubs fans that I would be embarrassed to sit next to, but thats true of all teams to some degree. I’m not much of one for obnoxious yelling, screaming, etc. I prefer to meet fans (as I have several times at Chase) that pay attention to the game and have the ability to discuss their teams strenghs and weaknesses in an intelligent way. And I hope I come off the say way to them. Sorry you guys have to put up with those kinds of fans, which represent the team I follow, but rest assurred there are plenty of them in Chicago as well.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 26, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

It might just be a stereotype,

but Cubs fans really do seem like the worst, for some reason. It may be partly due to the fact that the ultra-popular teams — Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, etc. — tend to pick up most of the moron fans that don’t know a thing about baseball. (No offense; I’m not saying you’re one of those fans.)

I’m also still bitterly holding a bit of a grudge about a comment a Cubs fan made about Chase Field in 2007.

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wrigley West?

I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.

by soco on Mar 26, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yep, that's it.

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's a bell-shaped curve

It’s just that the teams with a large sample size, the extremes ends of the curve are more likely to be extreme. And it’s the extremes that get noted. At one end, you’ve the drunken a-hole Cubs fan, who is there at the game solely to pick a fight – and it doesn’t matter much with who. At the other end is someone like Al of BCB, who I could talk to – or, more likely, listen in awe to – about baseball for hours.

Big teams, popular teams = more jerks. More knowledgeable fans too, but the former, unfortunately, are far more obvious, especially to anyone unlucky enough to be sitting in the same section… But they then become the representatives – same goes for any fandom or faith, from Star Wars to religion. It’s the nutters on the end who get all the attention.

'As times goes by, as times goes by, they say "he's washed up", "he's finished" , "he's a loser", "he's all through". You know what? The only one that's going to tell me when I'm through doing my thing is you people here.'

by Jim McLennan on Mar 26, 2009 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well stated

I was thinking the same thing, of course there are plenty reasons why there are so many “fringe” (for lack of a better word) Cubs fans out there. Many of them identify more with the City of Chicago, and therefore feel obligated to root for the Cubs. Also, unfortunatly in the last 2-3 decades Wrigley field has become synomous with not only a great baseball experience but also as a tourist destination and party spot. Nowadays, parks are built with a restaurant and bar scene in mind, Wrigley kind of just grew that way as time went by. Going from being nessled in a neighborhood of homes and apartments — to drinking establishments and eating joints.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to drop by Murphys Bleachers or Sluggers when I go out there, but for many, a visit to Wrigley is the precursor to a night of partying. Add to this the tourist component and you have a host of fans that know little or nothing about the Cubs history or current team, or baseball for that matter. Try to talk to one of these creeps and the most relevant Cubs they can think of probably were popular during their childhood, or they still consider the Cubs “lovable losers” with no comprehension of the changes that have been made to make the team more competative. While we may not have made it to a series, the team has become consistently better in the last decade.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 27, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Was rooting for the Dodgers in the series

against the cubs too.

I’m originally from Rockford and grew up following the White Sox. My Grandpa told me when I was real little that “We worked for a living, how could anyone like the cubs?” Still carry that with me.

We weten allemaal dat het de beste is.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 26, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

You're

from Rockford?? I didn’t know that…

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yep!

Born In Swedish-American Hospital.

I actually grew up in a small farming village just south of Rockford (population 200) and went to High School in Rochelle.

We weten allemaal dat het de beste is.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 26, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

I assume

I don’t have to remind you of my Sterling/Rock Falls connection…

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ahh! So you would know

Rochelle well then.

all those times we kicked your fanny back home in football and basketball, and baseball, and girl’s tennis… those were the days!

;-)

Supposedly, someone I went to school with is now a cop in Mesa. Generally you don’t see many of the other smaller towns from N. Illinois represented out here.

We weten allemaal dat het de beste is.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 26, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ahh! So you would know

Rochelle well then.

all those times we kicked your fanny back home in football and basketball, and baseball, and girl’s tennis… those were the days!

Don’t know it “well”, but my mom and my aunts and uncles might. But they all went to Newman, they didn’t go to the public HS’s. IIRC, most of them went to NIU also. My mom did, anyway.

Generally you don’t see many of the other smaller towns from N. Illinois represented out here.

Actually, last time I mentioned Rock Falls, one of this site’s semi-regulars emailed me about it, because he was from there as well. (He also asked not to be identified)

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Funny story

Heard similar stuff for along time, never followed the Sox, its American League and for the most part off my radar. And since we only deal with them during interleague play I don’t have a real “hatred” for them. And while its not as common as other teams, I have met some great baseball fans who are also Sox fans, and we can discuss baseball without getting into a shouting match. Your Grandpa sounds like a witty guy, I wish for my sake it was true, and I didn’t have to work for a living.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 26, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Since Wrigley finally got lights

i think the long time perception of having to be white collar/executive type of person going to a daytime game during the week is fading.
The split in fandom, at least from my Grandpa’s POV, seemed to be more along class lines. Comiskey, south side, working class. Wrigley, north side, upper crust. I mean, what blue collar worker could afford to take off for a day game all the time?
I’ve been in Phoenix for a long time now, I’m sure attitudes have changed. Now, if there’s a dislike for the cross town team, it’s probably for different reasons if at all.
I’m so there with ya on the wishing I didn’t have to work for a living either part!

We weten allemaal dat het de beste is.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 26, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Little OT

Or heck maybe way OT, but have they installed more ATMs at Chase? Last year when I was there I had to seriously walk around the concourse to find one and then it wasn’t working. I finally found one, and the D-Backs fan ahead of me said: “For being Chase Field, you would think they would have ATMs all over”.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 26, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

ROFL!
and the D-Backs fan ahead of me said: "For being Chase Field, you would think they would have ATMs all over".

That was probably me then…..

Dunno, I wonder if they’ll be pushing credit cards again as you walk in though? At Diablo, BofA has been and I chatted with the guy one game as he was bored to tears. In light of all the economic news, I was surprised they had the balls to try and sign up people. Everyone’s credit score is probably sinking faster than the Titantic. CCC are paying people to destroy their cards. And finally, why would I sign up with a company that probably won’t be around in a year or two?

We weten allemaal dat het de beste is.

by unnamedDBacksfan on Mar 26, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah

Funny you should mention the CC vendors, last week in Mesa they were practically falling over themselves begging for people to come over for a “Free ST Blanket”…I’m thinkin’ the last thing I wanted was a blanket — maybe some iced tea. As bored as those guys probably were, I’m sure they were glad to be working.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 26, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Blankets are useful

if you have outfield grass tickets.

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thats the ticket!

But I still would have liked some iced tea that day. Judging by the stack he still had when the game was over, everyone must of been all stocked up on the lawn seating blanket thing.

"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"

by StevenABQ on Mar 26, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

When I was working for Chase,

we had a table once at a Sidewinders game. I was one of those people pushing credit cards — then, got to watch the second half of the game for free.

Of course, the economy was still good then….

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

My mom's family

are all Sox fans, even though they’re from the country and I had a great-great-great-uncle who pitched for the Cubs.

Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.

by DbacksSkins on Mar 26, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

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