The current state of pro baseball in Edmonton

[Diesel]

Re: The current state of pro baseball in Edmonton

It's already dead, they're just too dumb to quit

[Esks4ever]

Re: The current state of pro baseball in Edmonton

It's already dead

I agree... People just dont care. It may be pro ball, but to alot of people pro ball means MLB and its farm teams. at least when you went to see the Trappers , you had the potention to see future stars in the MLB ( and man we did see alot of future stars here ), while with the CC you dont.

Also with the retarded name "Cracker-Cats" people see that and just think this is a beer league type team...



My friend and I are huge baseball fans, and we've gone to 1 cracker cat game. Its just not the same as it was with the Trappers.

[dbass30]

Re: The current state of pro baseball in Edmonton

I honestly think that the Northern League could succeed in Edmonton but a lot needs to be done:

-sell the team to a local owner who is willing to hire an experienced person to run things who has had prior success in minor league (preferably independent) baseball.
-on Day 1 of the new ownwership change the team's absolutely idiotic, nonsensical, borderline-racist name.
-liberally rip off the Winnipeg Goldeyes, if not for managemant/player personnel, at least for ideas to get people in the park and keep them coming back just like they do.
-aggresively promote the game like it's never been promoted before in this town with a more effective and realistic philosophy than the longstanding, hackneyed "If you build it they will come" policy that has pretty much lulled local ball fans into a near coma and doomed chances of attracting new fans.
-hire a more youthful/dynamic broadcaster who doesn't make a dozen+ PCL references per inning and ensure that there is a colorman in the booth for the home games too. While you're at it, demand that the hockey-obsessed broadcast rights holder (who you are paying) show the franchise some respect. Step one could be to have the drive-time show from the ballpark once in awhile, showing that the baseball broadcasts are part of the station's identity instead of as an isolated & dull time-filler which is how TEAM 1260 treats them now.
-eventually generate enough interest in the communtiy that one or both local papers feels that they need to assign a beat reporter to follow the team.
-win lots or at least assure fans that the team on the field is constantly improving.

A smart/dedicated Daryl Katz type who would do these type of things could save pro ball in Edmonton and make a profit in the process. It needs to happen sooner than later though because despite mostly good intentions, the current regime is methodically killing pro baseball in Edmonton.

Good suggestions. I'm with you in thinking that although the Cracker-Cats (worst team name ever!) seem to be near death, there are enough baseball fans in Edmonton to keep pro baseball here. Based on what I've heard around town and read here, I would add something to the new-owner's to-do list about addressing and relieving the city's endless Trapper hangover.