Niagara Gazette calls out the USRT… sort of
After attending a game of the NYCBL Niagara Power last week, we had some things to say about the experience and the event, and other than doing this report, me and our host Doug Smith debated the issue some more via email.
Ahh, good ole’ Doug! He does a weekly baseball column for the Niagara Gazette, and guess what his topic was about this week?
Yep. It was all about us and the article here on WNYMedia.
Doug staunchly defends the sport that he so loves and the team he now proudly represents. Why shouldn’t he? He is investing his time and devotion to making this work in the Falls, and we applaud him for that.
A couple quotes jump out here that merit at least some response…
His take on the Ultimate Baseball Roadtrip posting: “Doomed to failure?” Don’t hold your breath. Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been around since 1954. Christianity has survived 2000 years.
Nobody’s predicting or suggesting the doom of Christianity, because some college boys are doing their Hosannahs during the 7th inning stretch. The point here is if you want a minor league baseball team to make it in this world (i.e. sell tickets, put fannies in the stands, sell merchandise, sponsorships etc), you have to cast your net in the community beyond Christian groups.
Next…
Paranoia prevails in Peter’s post. He seems terrorized by faith, shocked that a faith-based sponsor would market its “product,” even as Dunn markets tires and the Senecas market casinos. Yes, they care about your soul, but they’re not going to wrestle you for it.
Paranoia! Terrorized! Shocked!…. Ouch!
There is a big difference in selling tires or lottery tickets or orange juice at a baseball game, as opposed to proselytizing a religious belief and spiritual way of life. Does this sort of stuff really belong at a sporting event?
No we did not walk out of Sal Maglie last week scarred for life. Just a bit amused at the spectacle of the whole thing. Tim Schmitt’s advice last week - “Just put up with it or ignore it.” The best advice of all.
Alex Says:July 18th, 2007 at 11:00 am
If anything, I think you and Pete were too soft on the Niagara Power. These people are kooks, and from reading your friend Doug Smith’s rambling and disjointed column, looks to me that his lightbulb is dimming too. I wouldn’t give them another sentence of press or coverage. Not to worry… just a matter of time before this franchise is toast.
DDoug SmithougDoug Smith Says:July 19th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Nice re-rebuttal, guess we’re still friends after all … I just wish to heaven (oops) that you’d been there on a different night … Incidentally, 14 of the league’s 16 teams do not sell beer … and at least Hornell does allow distribution of the Bolivar A’s material … nah, beer, tires, faith, it’s all the same … doug smith