Series Preview: 5/6-5/7 Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees

The Bay areaThe Bronx…Rich in history, beautiful neighborhoods, fantastic weather but no market for Major League Baseball!

It baffles me to listen to local radio talk show hosts every morning asking for the answer to why the Tampa Bay Rays’New York Yankees attendance is almost non existent when the answer is clear. Plain and simple, there is no market for the product being put out on the field!

The reason for last year’s interest is also evident. I can summarize it with the words band-wagon fans. These fans got caught up in all the hype and hoopla and wanted to be part of something exciting in the world of sports. It is understandable to want to be part of something that isn’t usually offered in this area, that being a baseball championship. However, that does not mean you have built a loyal fan base that will be chomping at the bit to return the following season.

Lets be realistic here folks. As much as radio talk show hosts panhandle for fans, they cannot force individuals to embrace The RaysThe Yankees. This cry for nurturing is quite pathetic. Much like Byron Leftwich, the excuses of the stadium being too far, the economy taking its toll, or the fan base being too young are all smoke screens. The truth is The RaysThe Yankees aren’t as good of a baseball team as many thought they were or make them out to be. Last year was a fluke much like the passion shown by RaysYankees fans who quickly call for players to be traded or make the determination that the coach has done all he can and does not have what it takes to take The RaysThe Yankees to the next level.

With a record of 11-1613-13 and a half game above the cellar in the American League East (only above the team they lost to last night)wallowing in mediocrity with a paltry .500 record it is laughable to hear talk show host Dan Sileo say The RaysThe Yankees are one of the best teams in all of baseball. With an attendance of 12,658,OVER 9000 I would be embracing the YankeeRays, Red Sox, and other opposing fans which frequent The TropNew Yankee Stadium or the doors would have to be closed for good today. Show some dignity and let the attendance be what it may. If the end result is The RaysThe Yankees move to a market where they are wanted then that is a win for The RaysThe Yankees, MLB, and their new fans. Those few true RaysYankees fans who remain, can track their team from a far. Why not? The New York fansCubs fans, Boston fans, and all other area transplants do it for their teams. If the RaysYankees have to be moved it is because they weren’t really wanted here to begin with.

The Kansas City Royals attracted almost 22,000 fans on a Monday night. Why? Because they are loyal baseball fans in Kansas City and year in/year out, they support their team. It is ludicrous to expect life long, die hard fans of other teams to switch and become RayYankee fans just because they have moved to this area. Those fans would be showing the same loyalty to their clubs that current RayYankee fans show to theirs. Love for your team is love for your team, regardless of where you live, their record, or what obstacles get thrown at you!

I am not a Rays fanat all intelligent but I am a fan of the best sport in this world in my opinion and that is baseballa clear, pompus ass. I have frequented The Trop this year only to experience a minor league feelbe thrown out for being a clear, pompus ass. Regardless of the opponent, the off timingkey of annoying cowbellsthe JETAH chant, or the amusement of the opposing fans drowning out the few Rays fans with cheers of “Lets Go Yankees”Yankees crowd control having to tell BoSox fans that the game is rained out in order to try to keep home-field advantage I still get the feeling I am at a minor league game. The only thing major league is the price of refreshments. I am quite thrilled The Trop allows fans to bring in food and beveragesAt $2000 a ticket, I have to drink my own urine to stay refreshed.

One last thing I wanted to touch on in today’s post is the hate delivered over the radio towards Red Sox fans for cheering a base hit that broke up a potential Rays perfect game. This was more built up aggravation on the radio host’s part due to the Rays horrible body of work thus far more than hate towards the Sox fans who cheered. Believe me I can understand hating them. I would love to be part of baseball history just as much as the next guy, but not at the expense of my team. Yes Mr. radio host, you were wrong in your loud and whiny outburst. I can wait around to watch baseball history being made but would be overjoyed to have a no hitter or perfect game against my team broken up by a bloop single or infield grounder.Whatever, you guys get the point.

Until Next Time
The Sports ChiefA bitter, stupid Yankees Fan