To have MLB in San Antonio or not to have MLB in San Antonio? That is the question! (Mission: insurance, to buy)

[SnappyBob]

Originally Posted by MLBinSA2017

I have been an MLB fan since 1971. In fact, I have both loyally and faithfully routed for the second all time winningest team in MLB, the Oakland Athletics. As an early aged fan I learned about some of the A's baseball legends which won 3 World Series in the early 70's, the whimsical wonders of Billy Ball in the early 80's, a Battle of the Bay World Series with the likes of the Bash Brothers, an MLB all time record setting 22 game season winning streak, and yes the unimaginable and economical major league reconstruction and demonstration of Billy Bean's Money Ball! And through it all I've grown to be a middles aged fanatic who has seen the world through the eyes of a retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer and Salvage Diver, a 7 year San Antonio resident- who is hear to stay- and a blissfully and spiritually married man with a wonderfully, adoring wife who has herself become an Athletics fan! Although the Oakland A's- after beating the Texas Rangers on the last day of the season for the Western Division crown- fell one game shy of the 2012 ACLS, they are just beginning to develope as A DYNASTY IN THE MAKING! As a San Antonio baseball fanatic who would love to see the Oakland Athletics answer the call of a city who not only is primed and ready for an MLB franchise, but just proved they can- 75,000 strong- flock to the presently, football designed Alamo Dome and proudly cheer for a pair of over priced spring training games. Since we now have the MLB's permission for this outstanding franchise- who is once again primed and ready to dominate the AL West for at least a decade to come- to consider inviting other cities proposals to relocate to; can Judge Nelson Wolf, Mayor Castro, all business owners considered, and San Antonio residents help to make what would be this San Antonio residents dream come true? Can we bring MLB to Texas for the third time and make the San Antonio Athletics a reality for 2017? The title of this forum begs the question... Lets make some noise San Antonio baseball fans!!!

I don't have a problem with it. Go ahead and buy a team, build a stadium, buy a lot of advertizing, maybe even get some of your friends to pitch some of their money in too. Just don't make me pay for it. With all of our problems with budget cuts, sales taxes are up their maximum. Water rates will continue to go up as long as we still have usable water. The last thing the COSA or Bexar County needs is another money pit to throw tax dollars into. Build it and maintain it with 100% private funds or forget it. If it's such a great idea and will be such a money maker without tax dollar subsidy private funding should be readily available.

[samvp]

Originally Posted by bspray

There are two problems with bringing MLB to San Antonio. First, the lack of corporate sponsorship here, there just aren't enough big companies to sponsor another major league franchise. Second, the 40,000 that attended Saturday aren't likely to do that for 81 regular season games. If the team is winning, this town may average 20,000 - 25,000. But, if the team isn't winning, I think 10,000 a game is a more realistic number. So, we would end up just like every other midsize market in 2-3 years, not able to compete for free agents and consequently not able to compete in the standings. Then, 2-3 years down the road, the team would be looking to leave for greener pastures and we wouldn't even be finished paying off the enhancements we made to the ballpark.

Personally, baseball is the one sport of the big 4 sports that is the same to me watching the minor leagues as it is watching the major league. In fact, I actually think I prefer watching minor league baseball to the majors. I think the Missions are just fine.

YMMV

What major companies does Milwaukee or Detroit or Tampa have?

[MLBinSA2017]

IF we were to get a team do you really think the Alamodome would do? Not a chance.

That's a great question Me007gold! In fact, that is one of the options that is being considered. Personally, I felt the present setup that we experienced at the done on Friday and Saturday was very much an appreciated effort but quite insufficient compared to new ball parks today. They are built with a smaller attendance in mind- say 35,00 to 45,00- and the fans are much closer to the field! Consequently, there isn't a bad seat in the house. I believe the present location of the Alamo Dome is very good and should be torn down and rebuilt with a newer style reflecting our great city as well as the team expected to play in it. Hmmmm The HEB, home of the San Antonio Athletics! Come on San Antonio, we can do much more! Lets keep posting your thoughts.

[TexHwyMan]

Sadly, I think MLB is probably the sport that would have the least chance to succeed here. Trying to draw a consistent, critical-mass of a crowd for 81 home games would be difficult. That's just too many seats to fill.

[samvp]

Originally Posted by TexHwyMan

Sadly, I think MLB is probably the sport that would have the least chance to succeed here. Trying to draw a consistent, critical-mass of a crowd for 81 home games would be difficult. That's just too many seats to fill.

Half the league averaged less than 30,000 last season and Houston averaged less than 20,000. I'm not saying SA would average great numbers, who knows. But let's not act like the MLB has monster numbers that SA couldn't reach.

[TexHwyMan]

Originally Posted by samvp

Half the league averaged less than 30,000 last season and Houston averaged less than 20,000. I'm not saying SA would average great numbers, who knows. But let's not act like the MLB has monster numbers that SA couldn't reach.

That's fair.

[Me007gold]

Originally Posted by samvp

Half the league averaged less than 30,000 last season and Houston averaged less than 20,000. I'm not saying SA would average great numbers, who knows. But let's not act like the MLB has monster numbers that SA couldn't reach.

Ture, but they are not going to move a team for "average numbers"

[MLBinSA2017]

Well, they had sponsors for this past weekend, especially HEB. And we've been supporting the Spurs just fine.

I agree with CHUD! They definitely had sponsorship including Merhodist Hospital. As well, I second that motion to become one of the San Antonio Athletics first season ticket holders. After all, it's not just about winning or losing or settling for a minor league substition, it's about having America's favorite pastime right here in our backyard! If you prefer minor league just the same, well you haven't really experienced the best that pro baseball has seen offered. Keep em coming guys and great posts CHUD! Remind me to buy you a beer on opening day!

[Bo]

I don't see the citizens of this area voting for public funding of a MLB stadium. If TPTB wouldn't fund a $30 minor league soccer stadium, they definitely won't put a $250M+ baseball stadium up for public vote.

[MLBinSA2017]

Sadly, I think MLB is probably the sport that would have the least chance to succeed here. Trying to draw a consistent, critical-mass of a crowd for 81 home games would be difficult. That's just too many seats to fill.

TexHwyMan- That's an interesting point you bring up which I am sure has just been considered and proven this last weekend. That wasn't even a regular season game nor a good matchup! Yet still it sparked a passion that this- soon to be 6th largest city in the US- city has been waiting for. Look at Oakland' attendance for the last decade if you will, they made the playoffs after being projected to be in the cellar and probably averaged around 23,000 and that city didn't really appreciate what they had. A young playoff potential team with a dynasty in the making and a city who would love to support them would create great business and community support, new jobs that only the Spurs have shown the likes of- which no one complained about them and they're 41-49 game seasons (counting championship runs)- stimulate the economy and bring extra opportunities along with it all, such as arena filled concerts that always seem to pass San Antonio buy. But those are just small examples of what an MLB team coincided with a new stadium to call home...