Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Greg Cote Berates Fans For Not Showing Up

'Local TV ratings verify people do care, but coming out to the park might be nice. The hot Marlins commence a 10-game homestand with a legitimate playoff shot and 12K show up? The last men in uniform who got a welcome-home like this were Vietnam veterans.

'When players mention the crowds, sadly, it is often with dark humor.

'"It's Labor Day. Hey, we got 25, 30 extra people!" Borowski noted kiddingly.

'In 2003, it was late season before playoff fever began to boost crowds, but here's a bulletin: It is late season, fellow citizens. The next homestand after this one is the last one. Your chances are dwindling to experience the Marlins' miracle comeback season not from your couch, but where the players might actually see you, and hear you, and know you care.

'This team deserves that. We've had few that deserved it more.' (MiamiHerald)

BUT: 'Rick in Miami Shores' berates back in Greg's blog:

'So Greg will YOU be sitting in the stands for today's game?

'I didn't say in the press box. In the stands. Supposed to rain today (I'm going anyways because after all that's what fans do) but why don't you gather up a half dozen friends and join me at the ballpark. My treat.

'Personally Greg, I've had it up to here with media types damning the team out of one side of their mouths for ten months and belittling the fan base out of the other. It's Labor Day weekend and you have to know lots of people are out of town, and then there's a football game tonight I suspect is pretty much sold out. It might not help that the Fish got their usual 15 seconds on each of the tv stations last night, one station running the Marlins incredible story sixth in sports after football recaps and another fifth after two Dolphins stories, Keenan, Agassi and a two minute roundup of college football.

'So, while I'm thrilled beyond belief that the Fish are doing great and I'll be there today, what isn't lost on me is the fact you probably won't be.'

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