We thought it was different. We thought the culture changed.
When fan-favorites and producers were shipped off wholesale to Toronto, it became obvious that there was no change—we’re back in the same place.
Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria duped us; he sold us a bill of goods. Optimism used to be aplenty, with a $100 million payroll and increased revenue streams. Now, optimism is nowhere to be found
Team president David Samson rationalized the moves, claiming that they were trading away players from a losing team (which they were). What he neglected to mention, however, was that some of these players were the best-performing members of that losing team.
After news of this trade broke, legions of Marlins fans fomented revolts, pledging never to attend another Marlins game.
These reactions were premature and rash, but the visceral emotion was evident. As a South Florida baseball fan, I will have no part in dwindling interest in our national pastime. The sport is already hurting as our fastpaced lifestyle is clashing with the slow pace of baseball.
Baseball is a hand-me-down sport, instilled from generation to generation. A total boycott of all Marlins activities would be stunting the growth of interest in this sport. A movement I do support, however, is one that serves to show Loria that his actions are unacceptable.
I have dubbed this movement “The Pro- Baseball Movement.” It does not limit the growth of baseball, but it does limit the revenue to the Marlins owner.
Marlins fans can purchase game tickets off of second-hand markets (i.e. Stubhub) so as to repurchase tickets that have already been paid for. In most cases, these tickets are also cheaper than buying directly from the Marlins.
When attending Marlins games at the pristine Marlins Park, fans should park in the nearby Little Havana “no-blockie” front yards, profiting the community rather than the Marlins’ coffers.
Bring your own food to the games. Not only will your food be healthier, it will be less taking on your wallet.
Lastly, don’t buy new team gear from the team store. You can still enjoy the games without donning new paraphernalia.
The anger from Marlins fans is understandable. This fire sale is different than the twoearlier sales. We were promised increased revenue streams this time, putting us at the top of the league in payroll. We were bilked.
What is important, however, is not to misplace the anger. Don’t take it out on the sport and the future generations. Show Loria that this is unacceptable.
We have been fortunate to have been privy to one of the most appreciated owners in all of sports, Micky Arison. The dichotomy between Arison and Loria is jarring. One seems to care about the fans, the other doesn’t. One seems to tolerate losing some dollars, the other can’t.
Marlins fans are not owed anything. The Marlins is a private organization that can run the team in any manner that they see fit. However, that does not mean that the management cannot level with the fans.
They made a mistake. It is exceptionally apparent. If you treat the fans with respect, it is reciprocated. When you don’t, it is reciprocated in an even greater amount.
Preston Michelson is a senior at Palmer Trinity School where he is the public address announcer for all varsity sporting events. Contact him on Twitter At @ PrestonMich or by email at michelsonpr@gmail.com.
