You might say it's only sports, but when we're faced with something dramatic or catastrophic, what do we turn to for distraction? Sports.
That's why the landscape that has been created by the coronavirus is so weird. We're sailing into uncharted waters, folks.
I understand need for safety and caution. I really do. And this week saw the dominoes topple over at an alarming rate. First the NBA suspended the season, and hockey, baseball, soccer, football (the XFL), tennis and golf followed suit. Colleges switched to online classes. College conferences pulled the plug on basketball tournaments, sometimes in the middle of games, while the NCAA tabled March Madness.
The Boston Marathon will not run until September -- breaking a tradition of 124 years!
In Wisconsin, late Thursday night, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA), the governing body of high school sports, stopped the girls' state basketball tournament after one day of play AND ended the boys' state basketball tournament following Thursday's opening round of sectional play.
There will be NO champions crowned this season in Wisconsin high school basketball. The fate of spring sports, at all levels, is in jeopardy. I feel sorry for the seniors at all levels. And locally for the Oregon High School girls' basketball team, who made their first state tournament appearance in 40 years but won't get to go onto the court.
As I write this, am still waiting for the Milwaukee Brewers to come up with a program for those of us who have tickets for Opening Day (and beyond). This would have been the 26th OD game with my oldest son. It's a great tradition, and we look forward to continuing it at some point.
.
Despite all the cancellations and suspensions, one thing's for certain: This Too Will Pass.
Friday, March 13, 2020
Yelich Deal Makes Sense For Long-Term
When the Milwaukee Brewers inked Christian Yelich to a long-term contract, keeping h1,im with the club through 2028 with a mutual option for 2029, it made a great deal of sense.
Over the long term, I think the deal gives Milwaukee flexibility when it comes to adding pieces and staying competitive. And when it comes down to it, you can bet that the MLB Players Association isn't thrilled. Especially in light of the kind of money Yelich could have gotten on the free agent market -- like Bryce Harper, for example.
Yes, the Yelich deal pays out $215 million for one of the best players in Major League Baseball, a player just entering his prime years. It includes salaries of $12.5 million this season and $14 million in 2021. But take a deeper look at the details. The mutual option is for $20 million with a $6.5 million buyout, and $2 million of the buyout is deferred
If the buyout is owed, the $30 million in deferred money would be paid in 12 installments of $2.5 million each July 1st from 2031-2042. IF the buyout is now owed, Yelich would receive $28 million in 11 installments of $2,333,333 each on July 1 from 2031-2041. A final payment of $2,333,337 on July 1, 2042.
Hey, math was never my strong point (ask Mr. Pica!) but I still see this as a bargain. Especially when put up against the deal the New York Mets are STILL stuck with when it comes to Bobby Bonilla.
The Mets owed Bonilla $5.9 million for the the 2000 season and no longer wanted him. So they negotiated (badly) a payout -- started getting $1.19 million every July 1st that year, and will be paid until 2035.
You read that correctly. Instead of coming up with $5.9 million in 2005, the Mets agreed to pay Bonilla what amounts to $29.8 million over the course of 30 years.
Gotta say, it makes the Milwaukee Brewer look like geniuses by comparison.
Over the long term, I think the deal gives Milwaukee flexibility when it comes to adding pieces and staying competitive. And when it comes down to it, you can bet that the MLB Players Association isn't thrilled. Especially in light of the kind of money Yelich could have gotten on the free agent market -- like Bryce Harper, for example.
Yes, the Yelich deal pays out $215 million for one of the best players in Major League Baseball, a player just entering his prime years. It includes salaries of $12.5 million this season and $14 million in 2021. But take a deeper look at the details. The mutual option is for $20 million with a $6.5 million buyout, and $2 million of the buyout is deferred
If the buyout is owed, the $30 million in deferred money would be paid in 12 installments of $2.5 million each July 1st from 2031-2042. IF the buyout is now owed, Yelich would receive $28 million in 11 installments of $2,333,333 each on July 1 from 2031-2041. A final payment of $2,333,337 on July 1, 2042.
Hey, math was never my strong point (ask Mr. Pica!) but I still see this as a bargain. Especially when put up against the deal the New York Mets are STILL stuck with when it comes to Bobby Bonilla.
The Mets owed Bonilla $5.9 million for the the 2000 season and no longer wanted him. So they negotiated (badly) a payout -- started getting $1.19 million every July 1st that year, and will be paid until 2035.
You read that correctly. Instead of coming up with $5.9 million in 2005, the Mets agreed to pay Bonilla what amounts to $29.8 million over the course of 30 years.
Gotta say, it makes the Milwaukee Brewer look like geniuses by comparison.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Time For A Change
So, here we are at another time change, the ol' Spring Forward/Fall Back syndrome.
And it's also the time of year when we get more (and more) folks complaining about it and calling for an out-dated system to end. Maybe it's time we ALL change and drop this Daylight Savings Time thing. Hell, Arizona and Hawaii don't even do the DST dance.
We all LOVE more daylight at the end of the day, don't we? It seems like we can actually accomplish things around the house after the work day ends. And seeing the sun set at 4:30 in the afternoon in December is just plain depressing.
Here's my solution. When it comes time to Fall Back in 2020, let's just fall back a half-hour. AND NEVER DO A TIME CHANGE AGAIN!
We balance the calendar out a year, we ask Arizona and Hawaii to get on board, and off we go.
Yes, a half-hour is an odd thing. But on a trip to Australia, we went back a half hour from Cannes to Alice Springs, then back forward a half hour from Alice Springs to Sydney. So I'm not that crazy to suggest it.
And it's also the time of year when we get more (and more) folks complaining about it and calling for an out-dated system to end. Maybe it's time we ALL change and drop this Daylight Savings Time thing. Hell, Arizona and Hawaii don't even do the DST dance.
We all LOVE more daylight at the end of the day, don't we? It seems like we can actually accomplish things around the house after the work day ends. And seeing the sun set at 4:30 in the afternoon in December is just plain depressing.
Here's my solution. When it comes time to Fall Back in 2020, let's just fall back a half-hour. AND NEVER DO A TIME CHANGE AGAIN!
We balance the calendar out a year, we ask Arizona and Hawaii to get on board, and off we go.
Yes, a half-hour is an odd thing. But on a trip to Australia, we went back a half hour from Cannes to Alice Springs, then back forward a half hour from Alice Springs to Sydney. So I'm not that crazy to suggest it.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Long-Term Deal With Yelich A Big Win
As the Milwaukee Brewers wrap up a seven-year contract extension with Christian Yelich, one of the best players in baseball, things are looking bright.
For Milwaukee to put Yelich in a Brewer uniform until 2028 -- at $215 million -- is a big score for a "small market" club. At 28, Yelich is hitting his peak. He's won the last two batting titles, and was well on his way to a second straight MVP award before he suffered a fractured kneecap in September.
There are those who will balk at the price. But had he gone the free agent route, Yelich might well have commanded nearly twice that total.
It brings to mind the long-term extension that Ryan Braun signed, and is coming to an end this season (though there is a club option for one more season). Seems to me that the deal left Milwaukee with enough room to add players, making the Brewers competitive.
With the Yelich deal, one hopes that GM David Stearns will be given enough room to add more pieces. The playoffs are a reachable target.
For Milwaukee to put Yelich in a Brewer uniform until 2028 -- at $215 million -- is a big score for a "small market" club. At 28, Yelich is hitting his peak. He's won the last two batting titles, and was well on his way to a second straight MVP award before he suffered a fractured kneecap in September.
There are those who will balk at the price. But had he gone the free agent route, Yelich might well have commanded nearly twice that total.
It brings to mind the long-term extension that Ryan Braun signed, and is coming to an end this season (though there is a club option for one more season). Seems to me that the deal left Milwaukee with enough room to add players, making the Brewers competitive.
With the Yelich deal, one hopes that GM David Stearns will be given enough room to add more pieces. The playoffs are a reachable target.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
This Is Not Your Father's High School Basketball!
Once a sportswriter, always a sportswriter.
At least, that's the case with me. I go through the state high school scores on the agate page, or I go online to look over scores, Why? Cuz I like to see what high schools around the state are up to.
So, while looking over the regional boys' basketball scores from Tuesday, the ol' jaw hit the floor. First off, seeing that Sheboygan Lutheran beat University Lake 121-14. Yes, that's not a typo. One hundred and twenty one to fourteen. The winners led 80-5 at halftime, and were led by 6-8 senior Jacob Ognacevic's 38 points. Ognacevic is the top scorer in the state, averaging 38.8 points per game (along with 16.2 rebounds, second in the state).
At what point in this whipping did the Sheboygan Lutheran coach turn to the crowd and ask "anybody here wanna play?"
After spotting that game, I got curious. So after looking over the regional results, I find another five games in which the winning team topped the century mark. And with one exception (HOPE Christian beat Destiny 103-97), the winners all crushed their foes.
Here's an old-guy-on-the-porch-moment: I can only recall ONE game involving my alma mater in which we allowed 100 points. In the 1960s and on, teams rarely got to that magic figure.
At least, that's the case with me. I go through the state high school scores on the agate page, or I go online to look over scores, Why? Cuz I like to see what high schools around the state are up to.
So, while looking over the regional boys' basketball scores from Tuesday, the ol' jaw hit the floor. First off, seeing that Sheboygan Lutheran beat University Lake 121-14. Yes, that's not a typo. One hundred and twenty one to fourteen. The winners led 80-5 at halftime, and were led by 6-8 senior Jacob Ognacevic's 38 points. Ognacevic is the top scorer in the state, averaging 38.8 points per game (along with 16.2 rebounds, second in the state).
At what point in this whipping did the Sheboygan Lutheran coach turn to the crowd and ask "anybody here wanna play?"
After spotting that game, I got curious. So after looking over the regional results, I find another five games in which the winning team topped the century mark. And with one exception (HOPE Christian beat Destiny 103-97), the winners all crushed their foes.
Here's an old-guy-on-the-porch-moment: I can only recall ONE game involving my alma mater in which we allowed 100 points. In the 1960s and on, teams rarely got to that magic figure.
Friday, February 14, 2020
Brewers Celebrate 50 Years In Milwaukee
Spring training is going full force, so the 50th edition of the Milwaukee Brewers are officially off and running.
Buckle up, Brewer fans, as the team takes aim at a third straight playoff season. Most outlets seem to be putting them at 79 wins or so. Athlon Sports magazine has the Brew Crew finishing second in the NL Central (behind the hated St. Louis Cardinals and ahead of the Chicago Cubs) AND getting a wild card playoff spot.
As the team prepares to wrap up a seven-year contract extension with Christian Yelich, one of the best players in baseball, things are looking bright. For Milwaukee to put Yelich in a Brewer uniform until 2028 -- at $215 million -- is a big score for a "small market" club.
I think I'll put that win total at 86. Optimistic? Yes, but in this 19th season at Miller Park (next season American Family Insurance gets the naming rights) I think the Brew Crew will again be competitive and playoff bound.
Yes, starting pitching is still a concern. But General Manager David Sterns might turn up a gem or two. And Manager Craig Counsell seems to get the most out of his club.
Some new faces will be sprinkled throughout the lineup, some faces have returned.
Buckle up, Brewer fans, as the team takes aim at a third straight playoff season. Most outlets seem to be putting them at 79 wins or so. Athlon Sports magazine has the Brew Crew finishing second in the NL Central (behind the hated St. Louis Cardinals and ahead of the Chicago Cubs) AND getting a wild card playoff spot.
As the team prepares to wrap up a seven-year contract extension with Christian Yelich, one of the best players in baseball, things are looking bright. For Milwaukee to put Yelich in a Brewer uniform until 2028 -- at $215 million -- is a big score for a "small market" club.
I think I'll put that win total at 86. Optimistic? Yes, but in this 19th season at Miller Park (next season American Family Insurance gets the naming rights) I think the Brew Crew will again be competitive and playoff bound.
Yes, starting pitching is still a concern. But General Manager David Sterns might turn up a gem or two. And Manager Craig Counsell seems to get the most out of his club.
Some new faces will be sprinkled throughout the lineup, some faces have returned.
- Justin Smoak signed a one year deal (with a club option for a second year) with the club for $5 million. Essentially, the switch-hitting first baseman brings pretty much the same tools to the table that Eric Thames (let go) does, but for less money. Toss Ryan Braun into the mix at first base as well.
- Luis Urias came over from San Diego in a trade to challenge Orlando Arcia for the starting shortstop gig. Unfortunately, he came up with a hand injury in Mexican League play and will not be back for several weeks. Still, the hope is that his bat is stronger than Arcia's, who is a tremendous fielder but runs hot-and-cold at the plate If anything, it lights a fire under Arcia to be better at the plate. Judging from early spring training results, it's worked.
- Avisail Garcia comes over from Tampa Bay and makes the outfield stronger. Braun will be a spot starter, but a Christian Yelich-Lorenzo Cain-Garcia outfield is pretty impressive. Yelich moves back over to left field, where he won a Gold Glove with Miami, while Garcia gives the team more punch.
- Speaking of Cain, he battled nagging thumb, knee and ankle injuries all season, but STILL won a gold glove. A healthy Cain gives Milwaukee more offense.
- Omar Narvaez gives some depth to the catching position. He'll split time with Manny Pina. Still not a strong offensive position, but Narvaez gives the team some power potential.
- A pair of pitchers, Corey Knebel and Bobby Wahl, are coming off injury. IF Knebel can get back to even 90% of what he was, the bull pen will be better.
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Best-Kept Sports Secret In Wisconsin
Unless you live in Oshkosh proper, or maybe the Fox Valley, you're probably not aware of the fact that Wisconsin has not one, but two, professional basketball teams.
The Wisconsin Herd, a G-League team affiliated with the Milwaukee Bucks, makes Oshkosh it's home at the Menominee Nation Arena, 1212 South Main Street, Oshkosh.
I can't speak for the media in the rest of the state, but can say that the Madison market pretty much ignores the Herd, a move that baffles since it is affiliated with the Bucks, whose NBA-best record of 44-7 make them a hot topic state-wide
In the third year of existence, the club is currently leading the 15-team Eastern Conference with a 24-8 record (a sterling 14-2 on the road). Second place is held by the Maine Red Claws (affiliated with the Boston Celtics). The Red Claws, 22-8, were visiting Oshkosh today (2/8/20). Their featured player a 7-5 center from Senegal who was at Central Florida before declaring for the NBA draft in 2017.
Over in the 13-team Western Conference, the Memphis Hustle (24-9) are setting the pace.
Our party of four attended the Friday 2/7/20 game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Indiana Pacers) and saw the Herd win 127-119 in an entertaining game before a crowd of 3,303. Pacing the Herd were guard Jaylen Adams (out of St. Bonaventure) with 37 points (nailing six of eight three-point attempts) and 7-0 center Dragan Bender (just 22 years old, he's on a two-way contract, meaning the Milwaukee Bucks can call him up from time to time). Bender had 25 points and 10 rebounds. Both played 35 minutes, while Frank Mason III chipped in 21 points in 20 minutes.
If Mason's name rings a bell, it's because he was college basketball's national player of the year following the 2016-2017 season. Coming off an injury, he's also on a two-way contract with the Bucks.
Herd games are entertaining, to be sure. Yes, the players might seem a step slower than those in the NBA. Yet they aspire to get to the "big leagues" and generally play hard. The Herd works to make the game atmosphere family-friendly. Overheard a couple guys talking as we headed for the exits, and one noted "This was a blast. I'm definitely gonna come back again..."
There are quirks to the G-League game, to be sure. Until there are two minutes remaining in the game, or in any overtime session, it seems, ALL free throws are limited to a single charity shot, but can count for multiple points. For example, Player A is fouled in the act of shooting. He gets one free throw, but if he makes it, it's worth two points. Weird, it seems to make the game move faster. It's an experimental rule put in for this season. The NBA uses the G-League as a sort of lab rat.
I noticed the 24-second shot clock not resetting,which seemed wanky. A check of the rules indicates it resets to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound or when the offensive team otherwise is the first team to retain possession after the ball contacts the rim.
The Wisconsin Herd, a G-League team affiliated with the Milwaukee Bucks, makes Oshkosh it's home at the Menominee Nation Arena, 1212 South Main Street, Oshkosh.
I can't speak for the media in the rest of the state, but can say that the Madison market pretty much ignores the Herd, a move that baffles since it is affiliated with the Bucks, whose NBA-best record of 44-7 make them a hot topic state-wide
In the third year of existence, the club is currently leading the 15-team Eastern Conference with a 24-8 record (a sterling 14-2 on the road). Second place is held by the Maine Red Claws (affiliated with the Boston Celtics). The Red Claws, 22-8, were visiting Oshkosh today (2/8/20). Their featured player a 7-5 center from Senegal who was at Central Florida before declaring for the NBA draft in 2017.
Over in the 13-team Western Conference, the Memphis Hustle (24-9) are setting the pace.
Our party of four attended the Friday 2/7/20 game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Indiana Pacers) and saw the Herd win 127-119 in an entertaining game before a crowd of 3,303. Pacing the Herd were guard Jaylen Adams (out of St. Bonaventure) with 37 points (nailing six of eight three-point attempts) and 7-0 center Dragan Bender (just 22 years old, he's on a two-way contract, meaning the Milwaukee Bucks can call him up from time to time). Bender had 25 points and 10 rebounds. Both played 35 minutes, while Frank Mason III chipped in 21 points in 20 minutes.
If Mason's name rings a bell, it's because he was college basketball's national player of the year following the 2016-2017 season. Coming off an injury, he's also on a two-way contract with the Bucks.
Herd games are entertaining, to be sure. Yes, the players might seem a step slower than those in the NBA. Yet they aspire to get to the "big leagues" and generally play hard. The Herd works to make the game atmosphere family-friendly. Overheard a couple guys talking as we headed for the exits, and one noted "This was a blast. I'm definitely gonna come back again..."
There are quirks to the G-League game, to be sure. Until there are two minutes remaining in the game, or in any overtime session, it seems, ALL free throws are limited to a single charity shot, but can count for multiple points. For example, Player A is fouled in the act of shooting. He gets one free throw, but if he makes it, it's worth two points. Weird, it seems to make the game move faster. It's an experimental rule put in for this season. The NBA uses the G-League as a sort of lab rat.
I noticed the 24-second shot clock not resetting,which seemed wanky. A check of the rules indicates it resets to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound or when the offensive team otherwise is the first team to retain possession after the ball contacts the rim.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
No Favors From The NFL Schedule Makers
Just saw this pop through this week.
That's the home and away schedule for the Green Bay Packers. No dates or times or open date, mind you, just the home and road schedule.
The NFL schedule makers have done NO favors when it comes to the Packers. The club is on the road for six of the final seven games.
Let that soak in for a minute.
Six of seven games down the stretch are on the road, including five straight (at Houston, Indianapolis, Minnesota, New Orleans and Tampa Bay). After a brief Lambeau Field tilt with Philadelphia, Green Bay then closes out the season at San Francisco.
Coach Matt LaFleur and his veteran quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, had better be Road Warriors in 2020. That final seven games will be a battle with playoff-caliber teams.
Better give Rodgers a few more weapons. More speed on the offensive and defensive side of the ball had better be a priority in the draft and the free agent market.
That's the home and away schedule for the Green Bay Packers. No dates or times or open date, mind you, just the home and road schedule.
The NFL schedule makers have done NO favors when it comes to the Packers. The club is on the road for six of the final seven games.
Let that soak in for a minute.
Six of seven games down the stretch are on the road, including five straight (at Houston, Indianapolis, Minnesota, New Orleans and Tampa Bay). After a brief Lambeau Field tilt with Philadelphia, Green Bay then closes out the season at San Francisco.
Coach Matt LaFleur and his veteran quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, had better be Road Warriors in 2020. That final seven games will be a battle with playoff-caliber teams.
Better give Rodgers a few more weapons. More speed on the offensive and defensive side of the ball had better be a priority in the draft and the free agent market.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Minor League Baseball In Crisis
Would someone mind explaining to me WTF is going on with Major League Baseball and it's minor league system?
Commissioner Rob Manfred has proposed cutting affiliations of 42 minor league teams "to reduce travel and improve facilities" (their words, not mine).
Let's put this in perspective. MLB's 30 teams have about 160 minor league squads. These are distributed in Triple A, Double A, High A (long season), Low A (short season) and Rookie League. In addition, teams will send specific players to co-op teams in the Arizona Fall League. Dropping 42 minor league teams means getting rid of about A FOURTH of teams.
By comparison, in 1950, the 16 MLB teams had, between them, 214 minor league affiliates, an average of 15 per team. The Brooklyn Dodgers, several years away from moving west to Los Angeles, led with 24 teams. The St. Louis Cardinals had 21, the Chicago Cubs 14. At the other end of the spectrum were the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox (eight each) and the Detroit Tigers (nine). In 1883-1994, the Northwestern League was the earliest example of a real minor league, with teams from Indiana to Minnesota. By 1907, 244 cities were homes to 36 member leagues.
And now, MLB is looking at drastically changing the minor league landscape. Yes, minor leagues come and go. Madison, for example, was once the home of the Madison Muskies, a Midwest League team. Wisconsin Rapids and Wausau were also members. Now, all three cities host a summer college league, the Northwoods League. (While minor league baseball struggled in Madison, the college-level Madison Muskies annually lead the league in average attendance -- over 6,000 fans per game!)
This reduction in minor league teams threatens cities like Clinton, Iowa (population 25,719) and Appleton, Wisconsin (population 74,379) -- both members of the Midwest League, a Low A league. And let's take this one step farther -- it impacts local economies, from local distributors and sponsors to the stadium workers.
I checked with Ted Tornow, a friend who has spent 37 in minor league baseball, the past 22 as the General Manager for the Clinton LumberKings. The 'Kings, established in 1937, are a Midwest League (Low A squad) affiliated with the Miami Marlins.
Tornow grew up in Menasha, Wisconsin (Go Bluejays!), played football at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (Hail Titans!) and graduated from there in 1983. Tornow is just one of many around the minor league world leading a charge to defend minor league baseball, and the LumberKings in particular. His team has produced an impressive paper that details professional baseball's economic impact on Clinton.
Let's just take a look at some of the highlights. To quote from the paper's bottom line:
Total Dollars Spent in Clinton By Professional Baseball Each Season: $1,305,000
Based on the economic theory and practice that outside money turns over seven times in a community and local money turns over four times in a community, the Clinton LumberKings Professional Baseball Club have an economic impact on Clinton as follows:
Directly and indirectly, the LumberKings support approximately $4.7 million in wages in Clinton County.
So give it some thought. If 42 minor league cities go away, that's one helluva lot of economic impact in various states.
Let's MLB know our thoughts. Write to Pat O'Connor, President & CEO, Minor League Baseball, 9950 16th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33716.
And contact Commissioner Rob Manfred, Major League Baseball, 245 Park Ave., Suite 30, New York, NY 10167. Or email your opinions to mlbexecutiverelations@website.mlb.com.
It's well worth our time to make our feelings known!
Commissioner Rob Manfred has proposed cutting affiliations of 42 minor league teams "to reduce travel and improve facilities" (their words, not mine).
Let's put this in perspective. MLB's 30 teams have about 160 minor league squads. These are distributed in Triple A, Double A, High A (long season), Low A (short season) and Rookie League. In addition, teams will send specific players to co-op teams in the Arizona Fall League. Dropping 42 minor league teams means getting rid of about A FOURTH of teams.
By comparison, in 1950, the 16 MLB teams had, between them, 214 minor league affiliates, an average of 15 per team. The Brooklyn Dodgers, several years away from moving west to Los Angeles, led with 24 teams. The St. Louis Cardinals had 21, the Chicago Cubs 14. At the other end of the spectrum were the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox (eight each) and the Detroit Tigers (nine). In 1883-1994, the Northwestern League was the earliest example of a real minor league, with teams from Indiana to Minnesota. By 1907, 244 cities were homes to 36 member leagues.
And now, MLB is looking at drastically changing the minor league landscape. Yes, minor leagues come and go. Madison, for example, was once the home of the Madison Muskies, a Midwest League team. Wisconsin Rapids and Wausau were also members. Now, all three cities host a summer college league, the Northwoods League. (While minor league baseball struggled in Madison, the college-level Madison Muskies annually lead the league in average attendance -- over 6,000 fans per game!)
This reduction in minor league teams threatens cities like Clinton, Iowa (population 25,719) and Appleton, Wisconsin (population 74,379) -- both members of the Midwest League, a Low A league. And let's take this one step farther -- it impacts local economies, from local distributors and sponsors to the stadium workers.
I checked with Ted Tornow, a friend who has spent 37 in minor league baseball, the past 22 as the General Manager for the Clinton LumberKings. The 'Kings, established in 1937, are a Midwest League (Low A squad) affiliated with the Miami Marlins.
Tornow grew up in Menasha, Wisconsin (Go Bluejays!), played football at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (Hail Titans!) and graduated from there in 1983. Tornow is just one of many around the minor league world leading a charge to defend minor league baseball, and the LumberKings in particular. His team has produced an impressive paper that details professional baseball's economic impact on Clinton.
Let's just take a look at some of the highlights. To quote from the paper's bottom line:
Total Dollars Spent in Clinton By Professional Baseball Each Season: $1,305,000
Based on the economic theory and practice that outside money turns over seven times in a community and local money turns over four times in a community, the Clinton LumberKings Professional Baseball Club have an economic impact on Clinton as follows:
- Front Office Staff/Game Day Employers $350,000 X 4 = $1,400,000
- Operating Costs $500,000 X 4 = $2,000,000
- Home Team $250,000 X 7 = $1,750,000
- Visiting Teams $150,000 X 7 = $1,050,000
- Umpires, Scouts and Visiting Personnel $ 25,000 X 7 = $ 175,000
- Major League Affiliate $ 30,000 X 7 = $ 210,000
Directly and indirectly, the LumberKings support approximately $4.7 million in wages in Clinton County.
So give it some thought. If 42 minor league cities go away, that's one helluva lot of economic impact in various states.
Let's MLB know our thoughts. Write to Pat O'Connor, President & CEO, Minor League Baseball, 9950 16th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33716.
And contact Commissioner Rob Manfred, Major League Baseball, 245 Park Ave., Suite 30, New York, NY 10167. Or email your opinions to mlbexecutiverelations@website.mlb.com.
It's well worth our time to make our feelings known!
Friday, January 31, 2020
Getting Ready For An Entertaining Super Bowl
Here, I thought, was a GREAT opportunity for Super Bowl weeks. Fresh story lines, new topics and finally (finally) two blissful weeks without mention of the damn New England Patriots.
Wrong.
While there should be focus on the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers set to meet in Super Bowl LIV, here come headlines: Tom Brady is a free agent! Tom Brady wants to keep playing in the NFL!! Do the New England Patriots want to re-sign him? Does Coach Bill Belichek want him back?? Etcetera. Etcetera.
Good lord, people, just give it a rest.
Instead, let's dwell on a couple other more timely Super Bowl thoughts, like why do we need two weeks between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl? Or why can't we number it so people can actually understand? Hey, I'm cool with the Roman Numeral system, but once you reach a certain point, does it really matter? Sure, it might look a little classy, but since they're not even teaching cursive in school these days, do kids know that L equals 50? Let's keep in mind that they didn't start tacking on Roman Numerals until Super Bowl V.
Of course, Joe Fan ain't going to this game. Not without shelling out an AVERAGE of $8,000 a ticket. But I digress...
On to the most important aspect of Super Bowl LIV -- who's gonna win. First, there's the San Francisco 49ers, making their first appearance in 25 years, feature a stonewall of a defense. It's said that defense wins championships.
On the other hand, the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs are in the title game for the first time in 50 years. They won it in 1969 under Coach Hank Stram -- featuring players like Len Dawson, Otis Taylor, Jan Stenerud and Buck Buchanan.
This seems to be a pick 'em game, according to Las Vegas, which has Kansas City as a one-point favorite. Vegas has an over/under in points of 54 1/2.
I look at this game as a high-scoring affair. And Kansas City gives Andy Reid his championship. And selfishly, I'm pulling for a scored that ends in 2 (KC) and 3 (SF) -- my numbers in the pool!
Wrong.
While there should be focus on the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers set to meet in Super Bowl LIV, here come headlines: Tom Brady is a free agent! Tom Brady wants to keep playing in the NFL!! Do the New England Patriots want to re-sign him? Does Coach Bill Belichek want him back?? Etcetera. Etcetera.
Good lord, people, just give it a rest.
Instead, let's dwell on a couple other more timely Super Bowl thoughts, like why do we need two weeks between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl? Or why can't we number it so people can actually understand? Hey, I'm cool with the Roman Numeral system, but once you reach a certain point, does it really matter? Sure, it might look a little classy, but since they're not even teaching cursive in school these days, do kids know that L equals 50? Let's keep in mind that they didn't start tacking on Roman Numerals until Super Bowl V.
Of course, Joe Fan ain't going to this game. Not without shelling out an AVERAGE of $8,000 a ticket. But I digress...
On to the most important aspect of Super Bowl LIV -- who's gonna win. First, there's the San Francisco 49ers, making their first appearance in 25 years, feature a stonewall of a defense. It's said that defense wins championships.
On the other hand, the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs are in the title game for the first time in 50 years. They won it in 1969 under Coach Hank Stram -- featuring players like Len Dawson, Otis Taylor, Jan Stenerud and Buck Buchanan.
This seems to be a pick 'em game, according to Las Vegas, which has Kansas City as a one-point favorite. Vegas has an over/under in points of 54 1/2.
I look at this game as a high-scoring affair. And Kansas City gives Andy Reid his championship. And selfishly, I'm pulling for a scored that ends in 2 (KC) and 3 (SF) -- my numbers in the pool!
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