Sox attendance continues its downward spiral
The Chicago Cubs drew nearly 1 million more fans than the Chicago White Sox have drawn this season.
I wonder what it would have been like if the Sox had been able to build on their fan base after winning the 2005 World Series.
They just weren’t able to consistently make the playoffs, however, and getting rid of fan favorites such as Jim Thome and A.J. Pierzynski didn’t help an already struggling organization.
The White Sox front office won’t be happy with this column, but frankly I don’t care. Last year, I pinpointed the front office as partially to blame for their declining attendance. I also wrote the players on the field change year to year, but the front office stays the same and maybe a change was needed.
But it all comes down to the fans or at least it should.
It’s common knowledge you have to win for White Sox fans to come out to the park, but right now they can’t give the tickets away and this year’s record has been pretty embarrassing.
Jerry Reinsdorf’s people have let him down, but loyal Jerry will stay with his people even though fewer fans are going to U.S. Cellular Field for the seventh year in a row. (The Cubs, by the way, have seen a drop in attendance for five straight seasons, and this year’s total was their worst since 1998).
Meanwhile, Robin Ventura said recently he wants to return even though I believe he needs to be told he is one of the worst managers in baseball.
Since Kenny Williams was promoted, general manager Rick Hahn now has the job of putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. But with meddling bosses, I believe he will have one hand tied behind his back.
Reinsdorf recently said he doesn’t want his family to own the team after he leaves this earth. I hope he doesn’t go anywhere for a long time, but only Jerry would make leaving a major league team baseball to his family something negative.
My buddy’s dad left him a glass company and he was thrilled for the opportunity. Should there be a pity party for his family because they will be plagued by owning a major league baseball team? Seriously?
Look for an eighth season of decline in attendance if Ventura, Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn are all back. Sox fans will just stay away.
It’s going to be an interesting off-season for White Sox brass.
Yes, Mr. Reinsdorf and his crew brought a World Series to Chicago in 2005. Thank you, but he has owned the White Sox for 32 years with only 1 championship ring and I think he would say that’s unacceptable.
But you reap what you sow. Stay tuned.
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