In the off-season between the 2002 and 2003 seasons I became a Marlins season ticket holder. I had been a fan of the team since its inception. But I went through personal financial problems, a failed business, a serious illness and a failed marriage during the mid 90's. I was ecstatic of course when the fish won it all in 97 and was just as disappointed as everyone else when Huizenga broke the team up. I decided to vote with my feet and like many other fans, stayed away.
I began attending games again in 2000. Just a few. Then a few more in 2001. By the end of the 2002 season it looked like the negotiation MLB's collective bargaining agreement was going to be ugly and that perhaps the Marlins would be a casualty of contraction. I attended the last game before the deadline and took a sign that said "Thanks for the Memories, Marlins" because I thought it might be the last fish game I'd ever see. A photographer from the Sun Sentinel took my picture and it appeared on the front page of the sports section the next day.
Luckily the negotiations did not end in a work stoppage or contraction. I decided right then and there to buy season tickets for the 2003 season. I bought a 2 for 1 package for the full season and a parking pass. I attended about 60 of the 81 home games that year and you can guess that it was ONE HELL OF A RIDE! Of course the Marlins were the hottest team in baseball during the last 4 months of the season and through the playoffs and World Series.
The Marlins situation is maddening because everyone I know watches the games on TV and nobody goes to them regularly. There are enough fans in this market to support the team, but they don't come out in person. It's really a shame because baseball is one of the best entertainment buys around. Tickets are cheap and you can even come into the game with your own food. I made a commitment to the team. I'll be a season ticket holder as long as there's a team in South Florida. I believe a new stadium located closer to one of our two population centers and with all of the bells and whistles of the new ballparks will draw fans. Anyway, I'm feeling a little frustrated tonight because the weeks keep passing and there is no new news on the ballpark front. Oh well. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
The new ballpark issue is pretty frustrating. I agree that we have plenty of support for the Marlins, they just don't attend games consistently. Like you, I know a ton of people who watch every game on TV, but don't go to games. We have good fans, but they need to show up more consistently. That and convert from the Mutts and
(Cr)ankees.
I run the office Marlins season ticket pool where I work, we're original season ticket holders since 1993. I've only been to 1 game this season due to family issues, but in past years I've averaged about 7-8 games a season, not including playoffs in 1997-2003 where I went to almost every game.
A stadium at the Orange Bowl site would draw more fans, no doubt in my mind. So many people that live in SW Miami-Dade just don't want to deal with traffic and drive 45 minutes + to JRS/PPS/DS.
Post a Comment