Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

[Pared]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

lol, that DID make me laugh. Good point, too.

But anyways, what does Youk expect? It's the WBC. No one cares. I love baseball more than damn near anything, but I couldn't give two $hits aobut the WBC. From the way it looks, most Americans feel the same way.

So what? I could care less about soccer, too, and the crappy World Cup. The WBC is just another stupid idea carved up from Bud. No one cares now. And no one will care in 2018. Just the way it is.

You will never, ever, ever have ALL the best possible players play, and rightfully so. I know I wouldn't if I were a MLB player.

Thank you for the perfect example. Don't understand why people are taking offense when you keep proving my point. American's don't care, and that's exactly what Youk is talking about.

Pot calling kettle black, bro. I've read many of your sarcastic remarks over the years.
Don't flame b/c you got called out.

When in context, a nice sarcastic remark is great. Sadly, when you have nothing to add, like in this example, it does nothing.

I'm not surprised by the comments. Anytime someone puts down American fans, they stick their heads out of their little ostrich hole and start screaming about respect and pride and how it's never their fault.

Face it, other countries care more. Blame it on the MLB, teams, owners, coaches, players, whatever you want. The simple fact was pointed out by Youk. The fans care just as little.

Someone gets it.

Have you ever even been to PR, or that stadium for that matter?

I saw a reg season Bluejays/Expos gm there in 2004, and was there last summer during a cruise.

First, the ENTIRE island is about as big as Connecticut. San Juan is the capital and obvisouly the largest most populated city, which explains the turn out. A LOT of people live right there around that area of that ballpark.

Second, THERE IS NO TRAFFIC, anywhere in San Juan which would compare to the states. So to get to the game all you need is gua gua (bus) money, and you're there, which further explains the turn out. From any point in San Juan, except maybe where the Bacardi factory is (where you have to take a ferry), you can get to that stadium well under 30 minutes, well under.

Third, Puerto Ricans LOVE beisbol, which even futher explains the turn out IN PR. Americans "like" baseball, and LOVE football.

Yes, all those examples are completely comparable. Bravo. Congrats on the visit there as well, as its relevance works well.

I'm slightly familiar with PR and Hiram Bithorn stadium. Just a little.

Zito, it has become that bad. Who cares if you're representing an American team. If you don't win, you're not worth watching.

[Pared]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

If the US fans thought their team could win this they would support it, but they don't want to do that becasue they know this team will not win. Especially when our best players aren't invited or don't want to play.

Just curious... who are the best players that didn't get invited or didn't want to play?

[CMH]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

Americans "like" baseball, and LOVE football.

Which is the point of this thread, no?

I think the misconception here is that Youkilis blamed the Americans losing to PR a few days ago on lack of fan support. He never did that.

All he said was that it's disappointing as a player to know that Americans don't love the game of baseball the way other countries do. And then he made a connection about how having that fan support can help a player feel up for a game (which is true. Just because they get paid to play doesn't mean they always want to play. I get paid at work. Does that mean I always want to be there?)

[Scottdau]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

Just curious... who are the best players that didn't get invited or didn't want to play?

It is not Jeter. I would say like Fielder, Howard. And some better pitchers. Like Timmy, or Webb and Haren. I think this team is OK, but not my first team. Also, if Yourks wants support win! Problem solved. I would take the best players at each position. I want more pop, then I would be happy.

[Pared]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

It is sad and a point that can't really be argued, aside from pointing out the poor baseball market in Florida. I also hear tickets are full-price, which seems stupid for a program trying to build a fan base. These events should be priced like spring training games, not regular season MLB games.

I hope Team USA makes it to the semis, then we can see if there's more support out in LA.

Still the best post in this thread.

As an aside, you can buy a "strip" much like the NCAA tournament does. That allows you to watch every game on location in a round. Much better than individual tickets. It's nice to have options, as I would be interested in a strip and individuals can go to just one game.

Another great post, YP

[Scottdau]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

If they make it to the semi they are going to get more support. That is just how it is. I agree with what Yourk is saying, but I say it starts with them first. Show that you care and the fans will come.

[JBH3]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

Which is the point of this thread, no?

I think the misconception here is that Youkilis blamed the Americans losing to PR a few days ago on lack of fan support. He never did that.

All he said was that it's disappointing as a player to know that Americans don't love the game of baseball the way other countries do. And then he made a connection about how having that fan support can help a player feel up for a game (which is true. Just because they get paid to play doesn't mean they always want to play. I get paid at work. Does that mean I always want to be there?)

When a statement like that comes after a loss one gets the impression that someone is trying to shift the blame, or not take responsibility right?

IMO...there's no need for his statements, especially coming after a loss when there seemed to be no issue w/ support prior.

[DTX3]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

When a statement like that comes after a loss one gets the impression that someone is trying to shift the blame, or not take responsibility right?

IMO...there's no need for his statements, especially coming after a loss when there seemed to be no issue w/ support prior.

I'm guessing you didn't read the article.

[JBH3]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

I'm guessing you didn't read the article.

No I did.

He's talking about PR flags waving around etc...who did they lose to?

So his comment came after the Netherlands came...We win, or that matter don't get mercy ruled in an 11-1 stomping, do we hear Mr. Youkilis comments?

Doubt it...99% sure.

[DTX3]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

No I did.

He's talking about PR flags waving around etc...who did they lose to?

So his comment came after the Netherlands came...We win, or that matter don't get mercy ruled in an 11-1 stomping, do we hear Mr. Youkilis comments?

Doubt it...99% sure.

Well what did you expect him to say? there were more Mexico flags? your riding on the loss too hard. He didn't even mentioned anything about the loss, all he said was that USA doesn't have much pride as the other countries, isn't that fair? let me "dumb" it down for you.

“I don’t think we have enough pride in this,” Youkilis said yesterday at Team USA’s workout. “It’s kind of a sad day - and I know it’s a tough time (economically) to buy tickets - when you see that. I don’t think there’s as much pride in the USA as there is for these other countries. There was a whole section of Dominican fans (Sunday) night just here to watch baseball. I think we’re losing a little bit of pride for, quote, ‘America’s national pastime.’ ”

“It definitely hurts a little bit to know that you’re always the away team in your own country,” he said. “There are some good people out there, but it would be nice to have a lot more of those people chanting ‘USA,’ holding up American flags. That’s the one thing we didn’t see much of the other night - there were more Puerto Rican flags than American (flags).”

[JBH3]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

Well what did you expect him to say? there were more Mexico flags? your riding on the loss too hard. He didn't even mentioned anything about the loss, all he said was that USA doesn't have much pride as the other countries, isn't that fair? let me "dumb" it down for you.

What do I expect him to say?

Nothing, and no it's not fair. Again, read the article, no need to "dumb" it down.

[Mr.Wednesday]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

It is sad and a point that can't really be argued, aside from pointing out the poor baseball market in Florida. I also hear tickets are full-price, which seems stupid for a program trying to build a fan base. These events should be priced like spring training games, not regular season MLB games.

I hope Team USA makes it to the semis, then we can see if there's more support out in LA.

I agree. I'm disappointed that LF pavilion seats are 55 bucks for the WBC championship game on Monday. I normally pay 13 bucks for a seat out there, sometimes even 10 on game day if it's during the week. I understand that this event only comes around every two years and I have 81 Dodger games to choose from, so the demand is different.....but $55 for a WBC game.

[twiztiddarkangelman]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

"There is noooooo baseball in Florida!" Just look at the Marlins and Rays attendence numbers.

[wwharton]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

How's this different from the Canada Cup/World Cup of Hockey? It started out as a made-up event before the NHL season to make money for the player's union. You can't tell me Canadians don't care about it.

Japan takes their major leagues seriously, yet they're into it. Their opening-round games against Korea were getting Super Bowl-type ratings. The Caribbean nations are obviously onboard.

Baseball's needed a true international tournament for years. I'd prefer it to be in the Olympics, but that's never going to happen, so I'm happy that the WBC exists.

Honestly, if this sticks around long enough in a format that works (don't see this working... during spring training, injuries, etc, not even mentioning march madness) then it will get more support. Right now it's an after thought.

Which is the point of this thread, no?

I think the misconception here is that Youkilis blamed the Americans losing to PR a few days ago on lack of fan support. He never did that.

All he said was that it's disappointing as a player to know that Americans don't love the game of baseball the way other countries do. And then he made a connection about how having that fan support can help a player feel up for a game (which is true. Just because they get paid to play doesn't mean they always want to play. I get paid at work. Does that mean I always want to be there?)

For the record, I don't think many are arguing that (or I'll just speak for myself and say I'm not). I don't care why he said it. I think it was basically saying the sky is blue and there are many reasons that I think are legitimate for why other countries have more fan support. But that's also why I think the WBC is a good idea in a perfect world but a bad idea for America in the world we live in. I only take offense to that meaning I don't have pride in my country or should feel guilty for not showing the same support as other countries fans.

[sb24]

Re: Kevin Youkilis speaks out on American W.B.C support

When a statement like that comes after a loss one gets the impression that someone is trying to shift the blame, or not take responsibility right?

IMO...there's no need for his statements, especially coming after a loss when there seemed to be no issue w/ support prior.

I didnt quote you to agrue at all just the person i picked.

Ok i admit im only halfassin this one but he made the comment after an 11-1 loss right???
Isnt the news only looking for the negitive? Like didnt they only interview him because they lost so bad? If they won would they have talked to him? I THINK he would say the same win or loss. They only listen when it was 11-1.
When america wins in baseball no big deal its our sport, but when we get muercy ruled then thats news. And since i dont trust the news to begin with, Im going to assume that this is only news because they lost. The same reporter could ignore it after a loss "why you complaining if you won anyway" and then use it when you lose "hes trying to find excuses"

Basicly i hate the media. Nothing i said is anything more than my opinion. Shame we dont have more support but at the same time i played hs baseball 5 years ago and i know nothing of this. Not to say im huge into baseball and whatnot but i definatly dont hate it but knew nothing about this thing. Yes my fault but not common knowldge either. Thats another reason theres not as much support.