tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post7314907717267576399..comments2023-10-20T06:12:38.934-07:00Comments on Redlegs Baseball: Long, Disturbing Tradition ContinuesLark11http://www.blogger.com/profile/06571198327064220683noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-15705706215577578122015-12-30T12:41:58.599-08:002015-12-30T12:41:58.599-08:00STILL love this article, thank you! Go A's!!!STILL love this article, thank you! Go A's!!!Ken Rettberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07168557720744830155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-23672639939721206542011-02-17T19:10:48.830-08:002011-02-17T19:10:48.830-08:00Anon,
Thanks for the comment. I don't agree w...Anon,<br /><br />Thanks for the comment. I don't agree with all of it, but it was well stated. <br /><br />Maybe you can help me understand the corporate sponsorship argument on which the pro-SJ contingent so frequently relies. Personally, it doesn't strike me as being valid. Corporate sponsors want to be associated with a first class, winning organization. To me, that is far and away the most important criteria driving the decision to invest corporate dollars. <br /><br />For example, if you look at the list of major sponsors for the Giants (Yahoo, Coca Cola, Bank of America, Visa, Chevron, Oracle) on the below link, then I don't see many that are based IN San Francisco. <br /><br />http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/33/biz_baseball08_San-Francisco-Giants_339175.html<br /><br />It seems to me that companies are willing to "travel" a bit for their sponsorships, just so long as they are associated with a desirable product. If true, then why would the corporate dollars be there for a new ballpark in San Jose, but disappear if the new ballpark was built in Oakland? In fact, isn't the Golden State Warrior Arena the Oracle Arena? It seems like Larry Ellison has little problem funneling his corporate dollars into Oakland and the Warriors aren't remotely close to a first class, winning organization. The corporate sponsorship argument just seems inconsistent and illogical. <br /><br />To co-opt a Field of Dreams quote, "If you build it, they will come." Setting aside the current state of the economy (which is an issue wherever the park is constructed), I see no reason why corporate sponsorship dollars wouldn't flow into a new ballpark in Oakland. <br /><br />As I wrote somewhere above, I think the Oakland market would respond in a huge way to an ownership decision to reinvest in the market. If ownership committed to Oakland, then I think the fans would return that commitment. Instead, ownership has seemingly decided to reduce its investment to force its way out of town. <br /><br />I agree with you that a fresh start is needed, but, to me, a new ballpark represents a fresh start. It signals a commitment to the market where it is constructed. I just don't see an argument that convinces me that San Jose is the better option. Anyway, that's my $.02. <br /><br />Thanks for the comment!<br /><br />Best,<br />LarkLark11https://www.blogger.com/profile/06571198327064220683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-64002264996017991002011-02-17T15:03:24.875-08:002011-02-17T15:03:24.875-08:00I grew up an A's fan because Giants players we...I grew up an A's fan because Giants players were always whining. A's teams, despite a lack of talent sometimes, played their hearts out. I used to love the Coliseum. Yes, the distances to the action were a drawback. But it was a flaw we learned to live with. Then the Raiders came back. Now it's just a concrete monolith with foul lines. A new/different stadium would be wonderful. <br /> And another thing that I got from living in the bay area was this. The Giants reside in one of the most famous cities in America. They have a reputation just from their current address. I think that plays to their favored status (in the bay area) as much as having arrived first. The A's franchise would have died in Oakland long ago, but for their storied success. A move to San Jose could give them an opportunity to develop a new reputation, and find PLENTY of corporate sponsorship. I just don't see them surviving in the bay any other way. <br /> Regarding your article, you may be right about Rosenthal and the A's ownership. I enjoyed reading it. But I still say the SJ A's are the way to go. Good luck to your red legs, even though you killed us in Oakland last year during interleague games.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-38582527269808293262011-02-13T17:26:53.496-08:002011-02-13T17:26:53.496-08:00Anon,
Yes, I do realize that, which is why I wrot...Anon,<br /><br />Yes, I do realize that, which is why I wrote the following:<br /><br />"Let's get real here, both the Giants and A's draw fans from the same exact area. The extent of the Giants' territorial rights is that the A's cannot construct a ballpark in San Jose. However, while the A's are forbidden from constructing a ballpark in San Jose, there is NOTHING to prevent the A's from drawing fans from all over the San Francisco Bay Area, just as they always have. This is a market that has long supported two MLB franchises and can continue to do so without difficulty in the future."<br /><br />I understand why, as a San Jose resident, you would want the A's to move to San Jose. Just like I understand why Oakland residents want the A's to stay. Personally, I don't think there is anything wrong with the Oakland market that can't be fixed by a new ballpark. The desire to relocate the A's is being driven by more than just baseball considerations. And, I have real problems with the way they are going about it. <br /><br />Thanks for the comment.<br /><br />Best,<br />LarkLark11https://www.blogger.com/profile/06571198327064220683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-13519905457260599482011-02-13T14:40:09.271-08:002011-02-13T14:40:09.271-08:00Reds guy, do you realize that most A's fans do...Reds guy, do you realize that most A's fans don't even reside in the city of Oakland. We live throughout the Bay Area, mostly East and South Bay. This A's fan lives in San Jose and can't wait for Cisco Field to open in downtown San Jose.<br />So respectfully, I think you're way off with your opinion. Oakland had its chance to keep the A's and blew it. San Jose will be much better for the team, and with the exception of a few rabid "Oakland-only" folk, the fanbase is excited.<br />By the way, do you know the reason why the largest city in the Bay Area is currently "off limits"? Because the MLB Giants were supposed to move to San Jose. They obviously didn't move, so San Jose will be freed for the A's soon.<br />Single A Giants? Are you kidding me!? San Jose is a Major League City now (more so then Oakland).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-38386577861500916582011-02-09T22:44:45.616-08:002011-02-09T22:44:45.616-08:00Oaktown,
Sorry to hear about the Hof Brau. I neve...Oaktown,<br /><br />Sorry to hear about the Hof Brau. I never went inside, but it seemed like an Oakland landmark/institution. <br /><br />Thanks for the update on the respective communities. I'll be following the ballpark issue as it unfolds. I'm hoping it works out for the best. Though, Victory Court does have a nice ring to it. <br /><br />Best,<br />LarkLark11https://www.blogger.com/profile/06571198327064220683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-54062673619934883662011-02-08T09:12:06.631-08:002011-02-08T09:12:06.631-08:00Lark,
Sam's Hof Brau closed at least 10-12 yea...Lark,<br />Sam's Hof Brau closed at least 10-12 years ago. It's torn down, gone. I miss that place. Great sports memorabilia on the walls, decent food, nice staff. The area around the Coliseum is pretty much fast food and a bunch of mid-price motels/hotels. The Dome theaters and the Hyatt across the freeway were torn down 10 years ago too, replaced by a Walmart, In and Out Burger, WingStop and Raiders Image sports store. There's a Lexus and Toyota dealership over there too. So the area is looking a little better, but is still kind of blah.<br />Uptown has really come a long ways, with a restore Fox Theater, and thats where everyone was hoping the A's would build a new yard, but the previous owner wasn't interested and either was former mayor Jerry Brown. Sad. But it is what it is. <br /><br />As for San Jose, they have some night life downtown, with a bunch of restaurants, clubs and bars. Sharks fans love the arena so close to stuff. The A's park would be across the street from the arena, but I hope it never happens. Victory Ct. has a nice ring to it, and I'm still hopeful it will happenOaktown A'snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-14095647410648175432011-02-07T21:11:09.824-08:002011-02-07T21:11:09.824-08:00Anon,
Agreed. The crime rate is a fact. Obviously...Anon,<br /><br />Agreed. The crime rate is a fact. Obviously, Oakland has more, and a higher rate of, murders. So, you do have to factor it in, but does it weight that heavily in San Jose's favor? Maybe I'm wrong, but San Jose has never struck me as having a booming nightlife. It seems like a corporate town that empties when the sun goes down. But, I'm not an expert on that by any stretch. And, I don't think the the bursting of the high-tech/internet bubble has helped SJ in any way. <br /><br />As for Oakland's nightlife, how can you say that??? Isn't that (in)famous Hof Brau restaurant still there? That's always seemed like a rocking place! ;) <br /><br />Oakland and San Jose both have their respective advantages and disadvantages, but San Jose simply can't offer enough to overcome the decades of history and track record of success that the franchise built in Oakland. <br /><br />Anyway, thanks for the comment!<br /><br />Best,<br />LarkLark11https://www.blogger.com/profile/06571198327064220683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-29221241802022923632011-02-07T21:00:54.637-08:002011-02-07T21:00:54.637-08:00Oaktown A's,
Thanks for the kind words. The d...Oaktown A's,<br /><br />Thanks for the kind words. The disingenuous arguments that are being presented to, and put forth by, the media just got under my skin. <br /><br />As for the crime rate, I tend to agree. Most major markets have their share. Oakland may be a tick worse, but I'm not convinced it is, or should be, a significant consideration. Obviously, everything factors in, but I'm not sure it tips the scales in any appreciable manner. <br /><br />I forgot that Rickey and Stew came out of Oakland. Gotta love Stew. Eric Davis was hands-down the coolest player in baseball, but Stew had a firm grip on the 2nd spot on the list. His demeanor on the mound and intimidating stare into the catcher were awesome. That's how I want all Reds pitchers to go about their business. Not to mention he constantly unnerved and defeated the Rocket. Stew was a stud. <br /><br />Anyway, thanks for the comment!<br /><br />Best,<br />LarkLark11https://www.blogger.com/profile/06571198327064220683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-18103099038978964572011-02-07T10:11:27.194-08:002011-02-07T10:11:27.194-08:00Oaktown A's: Why is citing crime stats hating ...Oaktown A's: Why is citing crime stats hating Oakland? It is what it is, buddy. Oakland is a high crime city, even if its only a few neighborhoods, Its a fact and a factor in the pursuit of a new stadium. San Jose has seen an unusual uptick in murders this year. (Oakland has had 12 so far.) In fact, SJ, SF, and Oakland ALL have. The point is is that its unusual for San Jose, and sadly typical for Oakland. <br /><br />As for the economy, who isn't hurting these days? But San Jose, even with budget cuts, is a far more lucrative market for the A's than Oakland. A good or bad economy doesn't change that. <br /><br />As to Lark's point about Coliseum safety, I agree. I don't feel unsafe there per se. That said, I leave as soon as I can because there's no reason to stick around; no restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. All of that is already in place in San Jose--and in a very safe environment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-59836588447406654282011-02-07T02:13:19.791-08:002011-02-07T02:13:19.791-08:00Lark,
I really appreciate your posts on this subj...Lark, <br />I really appreciate your posts on this subject. You are so spot on. I'm so tired of these Oakland haters bringing up crime stats every chance they get. St. Louis leads the country in violent crime but it doesn't stop fans from flocking their great venue. San Jose has 9 murders this first month, half way to their 20 last year. So much for the safest big city stat for this year. The community there wanted Oakland's police Chief, due to many internal problems with their cops. And for such a rich town, they're as broke as Oakland, cutting back services and pay for city employees.<br /><br />Oh, yeah, also, you can't forget Rickey Henderson and Dave Stewart who came out of the "O".Oaktown A'snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-74130744048602192662011-02-06T20:19:25.117-08:002011-02-06T20:19:25.117-08:00Anon,
I've never heard of any violent crime t...Anon,<br /><br />I've never heard of any violent crime taking place in or around the Coliseum. In fact, I thought I read that most Oakland murders are concentrated in a few neighborhoods, but I don't have any expertise on that. One would think that whatever place is selected for a new Oakland ballpark would be SAFER than the Coliseum. Add in the revitalization effect surrounding a new ballpark and, I would imagine, a typically significant police presence to ensure safety at A's games and I don't foresee a problem. <br /><br />I'd certainly agree that, if we were starting an expansion franchise, the crime stats certainly weigh in favor of placing the franchise in San Jose. However, the A's aren't an expansion franchise, so the crime rate isn't enough to sway me to the SJ side. <br /><br />As a Reds fan, I'm very familiar with the type of talent generated by the Oakland marketplace. Frank Robinson, Joe Morgan, Vada Pinson, and others all came out of Oakland. Given baseball's declining number of African American players, removing the franchise from Oakland certainly wouldn't help Revitalize Baseball in the Inner cities (RBI). <br /><br />San Jose certainly does right by the Sharks, but the A's belong in Oakland in my book. <br /><br />Thanks for the comment!<br /><br />Best,<br />LarkLark11https://www.blogger.com/profile/06571198327064220683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-32738158585054944332011-02-06T14:54:25.988-08:002011-02-06T14:54:25.988-08:00"
Jack London Square may not be a perfect loc..."<br />Jack London Square may not be a perfect location, but I'm not sure there actually IS such thing as a perfect location. I remember reading complaints about the neighborhood in which Pac Bell Park was being constructed. It seems like it has worked out rather well. As for the crime rate, sure, that's not a positive factor, but other big league cities have comparable crime rates (e.g. Cleveland, Detroit, etc). Most professional sports teams are located in large markets and large markets frequently have their share of crime."<br /><br />Ok, let's be real here, Lark. In 2010, San Jose (pop. 1 million) had just 20 homicides, while Oakland (pop. 400K) had 90 --and that was down from a high of 123 in 2008! Yes, every large market has crime but you can't shrug off Oakland's stats. They're a very serious problem --one that simply doesn't exist on anywhere near the same scale in SJ. <br /><br />Also, consider that at one of the Cisco Field walking tours put on by the SJRDA, the RDA tour leader said that MLB was very interested in what the whole experience would be like for fans from getting out of their cars or trains all the way to the stadium. He said that was a major MLB concern and I can't imagine that bodes well for Oakland. The previous poster is right, a walk thru JLS can get sketchy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-73245275586574332062011-02-05T19:17:55.261-08:002011-02-05T19:17:55.261-08:00Truth Hurts,
Interesting. If you don't care w...Truth Hurts,<br /><br />Interesting. If you don't care whether they play in the Bay Area, then why do you care about them keeping the name "Oakland A's"? Would existing Oakland A's fans even WANT the team to be identified as the "Oakland A's" if they relocate to San Jose? Would San Jose be content for them to be identified as the Oakland A's? <br /><br />Jack London Square may not be a perfect location, but I'm not sure there actually IS such thing as a perfect location. I remember reading complaints about the neighborhood in which Pac Bell Park was being constructed. It seems like it has worked out rather well. As for the crime rate, sure, that's not a positive factor, but other big league cities have comparable crime rates (e.g. Cleveland, Detroit, etc). Most professional sports teams are located in large markets and large markets frequently have their share of crime. <br /><br />Anyway, interesting comment! Thanks for sharing it. <br /><br />Best,<br />LarkLark11https://www.blogger.com/profile/06571198327064220683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-71529434006032826102011-02-05T18:49:56.573-08:002011-02-05T18:49:56.573-08:00Seriously?
Wolff spent several years trying to ge...Seriously? <br />Wolff spent several years trying to get a privately-financed stadium built IN OAKLAND, first as a team consultant and later as the team's new owner. It wasn't his fault the then politicians had no interest in keeping the A's in town, so he took his efforts outside the city to Fremont, then SJ. I personally don't care where they play in the Bay Area just as long as they keep the name, Oakland A's. <br /><br />But it looks like the city of Oakland once again dropped the ball, missing an opportunity to use a new A's ballpark as an anchor for redevelopment and revitalization, now they're scrambling to get into the action.. And by the way, the Jack London Square site is far from perfect. It's nearly a ghost town with vacant store fronts left and right. It's blocks and blocks away from a BART station. Who wants to walk through that sketchy part of town after a night game. Oakland, for those of you that don't know, use to be the murder capital of the USA. I'm sure the city can still be found in the top 10 in most years. The city has a major image problem. What sane businessman/investor would want to sink $400M in a high crime city? Oakland was most recently in the news for restaurant robberies. Yes, a band of thugs walked into restaurants while patrons are trying to enjoy their dinner getting robbed at gun point. Can you see that happening in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square? Exactly! There is a reason why the dot-com boom leap frogged Oakland. I'll let you draw your own conclusions.. Unfortunately, it's San Jose of BUST.truth hurtsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-33220135443860462272011-02-05T18:49:34.021-08:002011-02-05T18:49:34.021-08:00One more quick thought, I've heard from some c...One more quick thought, I've heard from some complaining that I'm telling the owners how to spend their money. In actuality, I'm not, I'm just arguing that they shouldn't be allowed to use taxpayer money to build their ballpark. <br /><br />I'm not suggesting that billionaire Fisher needs to tap into his own private funds, simply that the A's need to secure their own financing to obtain the necessary construction funds. The Giants ownership group didn't have to tap into their personal funds to construct Pac Bell Park. Rather, they just saddled the Giants organization with the debt obligation, just like the vast majority of businesses in other industries have to do. <br /><br />If a business in another industry wants to construct a new facility or expand its operations in any appreciable manner, but lack the capital reserves to do so, then they either sell equity shares (e.g. stock) in the company to raise money or they incur new debt obligations (e.g. bonds). How many of those businesses effectively seek/demand public money from taxpayers to finance their construction? <br /><br />If financing a ballpark doesn't make viable economic sense for the ownership group, then why does it make economic sense for a municipality? I think that's a reasonable question, especially in light of recent studies indicating a limited, at best, economic impact for the community due to the construction of a new park. <br /><br />Overall, I'm not telling Fisher how to spend his money. That wouldn't be appropriate, just as I don't think it's appropriate for him to tell taxpayers how to spend their money. <br /><br />Anyway, just a few more thoughts. <br /><br />Best,<br />LarkLark11https://www.blogger.com/profile/06571198327064220683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-1011447194146480562011-02-05T18:19:29.858-08:002011-02-05T18:19:29.858-08:00Interesting thoughts all the way around.
I can c...Interesting thoughts all the way around. <br /><br />I can certainly understand why people living in Oakland are arguing in favor of the A's staying put, while people in San Jose are arguing for the A's to move to the South Bay. Both cities have a lot to recommend them. <br /><br />But, for me, the determining factor is the long, successful track record of the A's in Oakland. Moving a franchise is a very serious step and one that can leave a lasting scar on a community. Just ask the people in Brooklyn. For me, it's an absolute last resort option for those instances where the franchise can simply no longer survive in their current market. And, the A's currently fall well short of that standard. <br /><br />It shouldn't be an available option for those owners who simply want a more advantageous deal or who are most interested in reaping the ancillary financial benefits that come from a new ballpark in a new market. <br /><br />One great thing about Bud Selig and MLB these days is the reticence to relocate franchises. He has shown a willingness to assist in getting a ballpark constructed in an existing market, but has thus far been unwilling to relocate franchises. <br /><br />I don't see the wisdom for MLB in shedding a viable market simply because ownership has been unwilling to sufficiently invest in it to make it work. Even if there have been difficulties for ownership in getting on the same page with local government, that shouldn't be sufficient justification for relocating. There aren't that many markets out there to support an MLB franchise. <br /><br />In the end, if the A's had built the track record and tradition of success in San Jose, then I would advocate keeping them in San Jose. However, they have done so in Oakland and there is no reason for them to relocate to a different market. <br /><br />And, all these one-sided arguments made by the ownership and through the media in support of the "need" to move are just insulting. Baseball has worked in Oakland and it can continue to work in Oakland. If it didn't or couldn't, then I'd support moving to a new market. But, that's not the case and all these disingenuous arguments being floated out there aren't going to change that. <br /><br />If Wolff wants to move the A's, then I'd need to see a legitimate, well supported argument establishing the reasons for it. Maybe a case can be made, but I have yet to see it. And, on such a massive issue as this, I would think you'd lead with your best argument, so I tend to doubt that a valid argument really exists. <br /><br />If Wolff wants to rip the A's out of Oakland and away from the loyal fans, then he'll need to do better than what was presented by Rosenthal. Until then, I support keeping the A's in Oakland. <br /><br />Thanks for all the comments!<br /><br />Best,<br />LarkLark11https://www.blogger.com/profile/06571198327064220683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-60041243091241967862011-02-04T18:41:57.350-08:002011-02-04T18:41:57.350-08:00@Anon 11:11 AM - I didn't know you had to pled...@Anon 11:11 AM - I didn't know you had to pledge your allegiance to Oakland at the door in order to post here. Must've missed that. But I understand that the last thing an Oaklander wants is a debate over the merits of both cities.<br /><br />@Anon: 11:19 AM - Look no further than the Sharks at HP. They sell out about 98% of their games. Cisco Field will be a block away. So you do the math. And FYI, I love the SJ Giants, take my daughter all the time. But what's that have to do with anything? I still want the A's in Silicon Valley. <br /><br />In general though, I'd say that I don't know (or care) if Oakland is a dying city. But I do know that Oakland is FAR behind San Jose in the stadium process. Blame that on whoever you want, but it is a fact. And ironically, Oakland's own former mayor may be the final nail in the coffin for Oakland's effort. Oakland should've started 2 years ago, but they didn't. Meanwhile, SJ have been steadily buying up all the land they need. They're pretty much done, Oakland just got started. No arguing with facts.<br /><br />I understand how East Bayers feel about the A's leaving but I also understand that this is the nature of pro sports. Big fish eat little fish sometimes. San Jose had its own Earthquakes taken away to Houston. It sucked. Had nothing to do with the fans, which were very enthusiastic. But it happens. As I recall the Raiders left LA to come back to Oakland. And who here doesn't think that if given the chance SF wouldn't try to snatch the Sharks? <br /><br />As for all this talk about tradition, the previous poster is right: traditions change. Sucka, but true. No one's crying for the A's to go back to KC or Philly, right?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-43178065920174184192011-02-04T12:30:36.858-08:002011-02-04T12:30:36.858-08:00Oakland is not a dying town. Far from it. Downtown...Oakland is not a dying town. Far from it. Downtown's the best its looked in years. Developers like it and have built condos/apts. all over. Sales are a bit sluggish due to this bad economy, but San Jose's gone through the same thing in their downtown. Infact, Oakland is so built up compared to really dying towns like Detroit, that finding the 15-20 acres for a ballpark has been a challenge, but Victory Ct. is still viable and will be one of the coolest in the MLB if Bud allows it.Oaktown A'snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-43677048750834034162011-02-04T12:09:00.897-08:002011-02-04T12:09:00.897-08:00One of the leaders of the Oakland Raiders deal was...One of the leaders of the Oakland Raiders deal was Don Perata ... the man that just lost mayor race. Oakland now has Mayor Jean Quan who has supported Victory Court and has contacted MLB about her willingness to fight for the A's.<br /><br />The problem isn't with Oakland ... it's with the A's ownership.SLO_Townnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-7083975714829472752011-02-04T11:19:23.782-08:002011-02-04T11:19:23.782-08:00http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t...http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t476Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-14126968952688643852011-02-04T11:17:09.511-08:002011-02-04T11:17:09.511-08:00OK,
I read all of the comments.
No mention of Th...OK,<br /><br />I read all of the comments.<br /><br />No mention of The California League.<br /><br />The Single A San Jose Giants have the undisputed territorial rights to San Jose.<br /><br />What of their loyal fans?<br /><br />San Jose ranks about average, fifth or sixth, in attendance in this ten team league. San Jose should demonstrate their ability to support a team by supporting their team. Where will the Baby Giants go if MLB comes to town?<br /><br />And you San Jose residents posting here, how many times did you get out to Municipal Stadium last year?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-25687434483069728392011-02-04T11:11:16.211-08:002011-02-04T11:11:16.211-08:00....and I was wondering when the "Oakland is .......and I was wondering when the "Oakland is a dump/San Jose streets are paved with gold" crowd were gonna show up in here. Take that nonsense back to the newballpark message boards (Pretty sure ML is here, so to him I'd like to say that I actually do visit the site frequently for the most up to date ballpark news...despite the slant). <br /><br />Anyways, while the pro A's to SJ crowd constantly harps on tired stereotypes, Oakland has quietly (well, quietly to the people who choose to criticize from afar) revitalized quite a large portion of the city where a stadium at victory court would simply be the cherry on top with or without a stadium. Nobody can dispute that sj has the money to make a run at any huge project it chooses, but don't at the same time say Oakland is unable (or even worse, insinuate that they are unworthy) to get this, or anything done. Moves are being made on both fronts off camera so I'm not ready to concede anything until a shovel hits the ground. Go A's.<br /><br />Born and Raised, (and occasionally wakes up) in Oakland.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-29524759788509193682011-02-04T10:27:53.563-08:002011-02-04T10:27:53.563-08:00Also, I heard mention of the fact (by another post...Also, I heard mention of the fact (by another poster in a different forum) that there are a decent number of people who make the drive from the Sacramento area to watch the A's play. Reason for this, Sacramento is home to one of the most successful (arguably THE most successful) triple-A teams in baseball - the Sacramento Rivercats. They happen to be the A's primary feeder team. So, they drive down an hour to watch their players perform at the highest level once they're called up. Chances are, they won't be willing to make the two-hour plus drive from Sacramento to San Jose. This number would probably increase if the A's had a stadium that was actually comparable to the Rivercats, too. While a move an hour south would cut out an entire portion of actual and potential fanbase.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14134226046089303959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6347536209014288641.post-15534201649983967712011-02-04T10:16:22.017-08:002011-02-04T10:16:22.017-08:00^You are off-base for a few reasons. Firstly, the ...^You are off-base for a few reasons. Firstly, the area of Oakland that the city is proposing they move is experiencing a rather grand renaissance. More and more young, educated, and increasingly wealthy people are moving into the JLS/Lake Merritt area. A new ballpark in a dead part of this growing area would fit well and only enhance the betterment.<br /><br />Secondly (and more importantly, in my opinion), you are forgetting that many of the A's fans do and have come out of the rest of the East Bay (myself included) - which itself holds a huge portion of the entire population of the Bay Area metro area. I don't have the numbers in front of my, but I would assume that the East Bay area holds a number of people similar to that of the entire South Bay area. Think places like Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Danville, Dublin, Orina, Lafayette, Antioch, Pittsburg, Brentwood, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Martinez, Benicia, Vallejo, and ever further east, Stockton and Modesto. Most of the A's fans in this area will not be willing/able to make the drive to San Jose; thus, the team will probably lose out on tens of thousands of current and potential fans (emphisis on potentional - many baseball fans around here are on the fringe, and will support whatever team is closest).<br /><br />A new stadium in Oakland is not only viable, but also ideal. The only reason the plan that the city has proposed is not moving forward is because the owner is a real estate guru, and he can probably serve to make more with a residential development in San Jose (that I will concede). But the team itself (attendance, attracting free agents, etc.) would do as good, and probably better, with a new stadium on the waterfront in Oakland.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14134226046089303959noreply@blogger.com