A's may need a new home - Philly maybe? (1 Viewer)

[TheIronSheik]

Link

Let's suspend reality for a second here. I'm saying up front, the A's are not coming back to Philly.

OK. So now that that's out of the way, I just want to pose a question:

Do you think Philadelphia could support both the Phillies and the A's? I realize there are other cities that have two teams, but I'm not sure if they could pull it off.

I, for one, would totally support another team. Hell, it ups our odds at having a winner in the city. Anyone else have thoughts?

 

[Jaysus]

The murder rate would increase drastically.

 

[Henry Ford]

Louisiana could use a baseball team.

 

[Polish Hammer]

I don't think it would work. Anybody that would start rooting for them would be labeled something or other by their friends (and talk radio). This wouldn't push everyone away, but enough to make it not viable. I'm not a huge baseball guy, but having lived in the 'burbs here pretty much my whole life I don't see how I could start following another team at age 36.

 

[Eephus]

The A's are too good for Philadelphia

 

[Long Ball Larry]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

 

[Politician Spock]

The A's would just share the Giants stadium for a season or two until their home field situation is resolved. There's no reason they would chose to play any farther away than that. It's just across the bridge for their existing fan base, and perhaps some are already over there in SF.

 

[Eephus]

The A's would just share the Giants stadium for a season or two until their home field situation is resolved. There's no reason they would chose to play any farther away than that. It's just across the bridge for their existing fan base, and perhaps some are already over there in SF.

This is less likely than returning to Philadelphia

 

[MattFancy]

The A's would just share the Giants stadium for a season or two until their home field situation is resolved. There's no reason they would chose to play any farther away than that. It's just across the bridge for their existing fan base, and perhaps some are already over there in SF.

Have baseball teams ever shared a ballpark before? Think it would be alot harder to do in baseball than say football or basketball with games going on every single day.

 

[Thunderlips]

For the longest time, a lot of Philly baseball fans thought the wrong team left the city and that the Phillies should have bolted. A's were almost always more popular.

 

[Politician Spock]

The A's would just share the Giants stadium for a season or two until their home field situation is resolved. There's no reason they would chose to play any farther away than that. It's just across the bridge for their existing fan base, and perhaps some are already over there in SF.

Have baseball teams ever shared a ballpark before? Think it would be alot harder to do in baseball than say football or basketball with games going on every single day.

Yes. Through out the years many New York teams shared ballparks from time to time. I think the last time it occured was in the 70's when they both used Shea Stadium as their home field while Yankee stadium was being renovated.

 

[Insein]

The Phillies, despite looking at some hard times ahead, are the only team in town to win a championship in the last 30 years. People wouldnt leave them easily. A's are my American league team because of the heritage but I dont see how the city could support 2 major league franchises. It really isnt big enough geographically.

 

[Parrothead]

rename them the New Orleans Crawfish

 

[Bob Loblaw]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

Is this just comparing Philly to the city of SF + city of Oakland, or to the entire Greater Bay Area?

 

[Thunderlips]

The Phillies, despite looking at some hard times ahead, are the only team in town to win a championship in the last 30 years. People wouldnt leave them easily. A's are my American league team because of the heritage but I dont see how the city could support 2 major league franchises. It really isnt big enough geographically.

It's not quite "just the city" anymore. Phillies go from New Castle, DE thru Southern Jersey/ up to Trenton and out to at least Harrisburg. That's a pretty big market.

 

[Henry Ford]

rename them the New Orleans Crawfish

The Baton Rouge B's.

New Orleans Unathletics.

The Louisiana Obesity.

 

[Insein]

The Phillies, despite looking at some hard times ahead, are the only team in town to win a championship in the last 30 years. People wouldnt leave them easily. A's are my American league team because of the heritage but I dont see how the city could support 2 major league franchises. It really isnt big enough geographically.

It's not quite "just the city" anymore. Phillies go from New Castle, DE thru Southern Jersey/ up to Trenton and out to at least Harrisburg. That's a pretty big market.

Exactly. Would be very hard to break into an established fan base for season tickets etc.

 

[TheIronSheik]

The A's would just share the Giants stadium for a season or two until their home field situation is resolved. There's no reason they would chose to play any farther away than that. It's just across the bridge for their existing fan base, and perhaps some are already over there in SF.

I think you missed my bolded part.

 

[Rayderr]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

#1 New York, NY 15,340,000 #2 Los Angeles, CA 10,609,200 #3 Chicago, IL 7,612,100 #4 San Francisco, CA 6,012,000 #5 Dallas, TX 4,576,700 #6 Philadelphia, PA 4,291,700

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Link

Let's suspend reality for a second here. I'm saying up front, the A's are not coming back to Philly.

OK. So now that that's out of the way, I just want to pose a question:

Do you think Philadelphia could support both the Phillies and the A's? I realize there are other cities that have two teams, but I'm not sure if they could pull it off.

I, for one, would totally support another team. Hell, it ups our odds at having a winner in the city. Anyone else have thoughts?

Yes, I do think Philly could support both.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I don't think it would work. Anybody that would start rooting for them would be labeled something or other by their friends (and talk radio). This wouldn't push everyone away, but enough to make it not viable. I'm not a huge baseball guy, but having lived in the 'burbs here pretty much my whole life I don't see how I could start following another team at age 36.

I get this. I think it would be similar to NY and the Mets. But I love baseball. So I would welcome a chance to root for another local team.

 

[Nathan R. Jessep]

Louisiana could use a baseball team.

this might actually get me to start watching baseball again

 

[Nathan R. Jessep]

rename them the New Orleans Crawfish

The Baton Rouge B's.

New Orleans Unathletics.

The Louisiana Obesity.

Louisiana Politicians. Or Convicts, for short.

 

[Henry Ford]

Louisiana could use a baseball team.

this might actually get me to start watching baseball again

I already make the multi-hour drive for Zephyrs games. Pro baseball would be so much better.

 

[mquinnjr]

The Phillies fans themselves don't even go to games anymore, which is a direct indictment of being fair-weather baseball fans. I don't like the idea of having another team in the area. Every one of the fair weather fans (e.g., the empty seats in CBP every night) would "be fans" of whoever is better. We're having a hard enough time fielding fans for one team's games, another I can't see ending well.

 

[Henry Ford]

rename them the New Orleans Crawfish

The Baton Rouge B's.

New Orleans Unathletics.

The Louisiana Obesity.

Louisiana Politicians. Or Convicts, for short.

The Chocolate City Racketeers

 

[Insein]

The Phillies fans themselves don't even go to games anymore, which is a direct indictment of being fair-weather baseball fans. I don't like the idea of having another team in the area. Every one of the fair weather fans (e.g., the empty seats in CBP every night) would "be fans" of whoever is better. We're having a hard enough time fielding fans for one team's games, another I can't see ending well.

Its fair weather to not throw your money at a team that has refused to retool for 3 years and has no direction?

 

[Politician Spock]

The A's would just share the Giants stadium for a season or two until their home field situation is resolved. There's no reason they would chose to play any farther away than that. It's just across the bridge for their existing fan base, and perhaps some are already over there in SF.

I think you missed my bolded part.

Ah. I see now, despite your thread title, this thread has absolutely nothing to do with the A's needing a new home. My bad.

 

[Eephus]

The Phillies have territorial rights. They would block any proposed move.

 

[TheIronSheik]

The Phillies fans themselves don't even go to games anymore, which is a direct indictment of being fair-weather baseball fans. I don't like the idea of having another team in the area. Every one of the fair weather fans (e.g., the empty seats in CBP every night) would "be fans" of whoever is better. We're having a hard enough time fielding fans for one team's games, another I can't see ending well.

I don't think they're fair weather fans. There's a crappy product on the field. People don't support that. But I guarantee you everyone in Philly is still a die hard Phillies fan.

 

[TheIronSheik]

The A's would just share the Giants stadium for a season or two until their home field situation is resolved. There's no reason they would chose to play any farther away than that. It's just across the bridge for their existing fan base, and perhaps some are already over there in SF.

I think you missed my bolded part.

Ah. I see now, despite your thread title, this thread has absolutely nothing to do with the A's needing a new home. My bad.

I used the CNN school of Interneting. Get them with the headline, but talk about something completely different.

 

[George Jefferson Airplane]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

#1 New York, NY 15,340,000 #2 Los Angeles, CA 10,609,200 #3 Chicago, IL 7,612,100 #4 San Francisco, CA 6,012,000 #5 Dallas, TX 4,576,700 #6 Philadelphia, PA 4,291,700

Philadelphia has 400k more TVs than SF/OAK/SJ, that's the only thing that counts in 2014.

 

[mquinnjr]

The Phillies fans themselves don't even go to games anymore, which is a direct indictment of being fair-weather baseball fans. I don't like the idea of having another team in the area. Every one of the fair weather fans (e.g., the empty seats in CBP every night) would "be fans" of whoever is better. We're having a hard enough time fielding fans for one team's games, another I can't see ending well.

Its fair weather to not throw your money at a team that has refused to retool for 3 years and has no direction?

I still go to the same handfull of games I've gone to in past years.

Logistically it's great, retail price seats whenever you want them. I don't mind it the days I go to games. It's just depressing when they pan the seats and it's all blue.

Point being, if both teams are bad, do they split the Phillies down attendance? That's bad for everyone.

 

[Politician Spock]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

Is this just comparing Philly to the city of SF + city of Oakland, or to the entire Greater Bay Area?

According to this: http://www.stationindex.com/tv/tv-markets

The Philadelphia TV market (4th) is bigger than the bay area's (6th).

But you have to consider that if you're in the Philly market, and despise the Phillies so much you want to be a fan of another team, the Yankees, Mets and Orioles are all just a train ride away. Even the Nationals is easy to get to by train. The bay area isn't close to other baseball cities at all. If the A's were to leave, and you don't like the Giants, then you are SOOL!

 

[TheIronSheik]

The Phillies fans themselves don't even go to games anymore, which is a direct indictment of being fair-weather baseball fans. I don't like the idea of having another team in the area. Every one of the fair weather fans (e.g., the empty seats in CBP every night) would "be fans" of whoever is better. We're having a hard enough time fielding fans for one team's games, another I can't see ending well.

Its fair weather to not throw your money at a team that has refused to retool for 3 years and has no direction?

I still go to the same handfull of games I've gone to in past years.

Logistically it's great, retail price seats whenever you want them. I don't mind it the days I go to games. It's just depressing when they pan the seats and it's all blue.

Point being, if both teams are bad, do they split the Phillies down attendance? That's bad for everyone.

This was kind of my thought in can they support two teams. I can't imagine that new fans will be created. Maybe some, but not many.

 

[jon_mx]

A's need to come to Indiana and become the Indianapolis Indians...oh shoot, Indians are taken. How about the Indianapolis Redskins?

 

[TheIronSheik]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

Is this just comparing Philly to the city of SF + city of Oakland, or to the entire Greater Bay Area?

According to this: http://www.stationindex.com/tv/tv-markets

The Philadelphia TV market (4th) is bigger than the bay area's (6th).

But you have to consider that if you're in the Philly market, and despise the Phillies so much you want to be a fan of another team, the Yankees, Mets and Orioles are all just a train ride away. Even the Nationals is easy to get to by train. The bay area isn't close to other baseball cities at all. If the A's were to leave, and you don't like the Giants, then you are SOOL!

I'm pretty sure all of the fans in Philly who want to be Nats fans are dead in the Schuylkill River.

 

[Eephus]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

#1 New York, NY 15,340,000 #2 Los Angeles, CA 10,609,200 #3 Chicago, IL 7,612,100 #4 San Francisco, CA 6,012,000 #5 Dallas, TX 4,576,700 #6 Philadelphia, PA 4,291,700

Philadelphia has 400k more TVs than SF/OAK/SJ, that's the only thing that counts in 2014.

Geographic proximity also matters. There are no other MLB teams within 400 miles of SF/Oakland. Their regional sports network extends throughout Northern California (including Sacramento), Southern Oregon and Nevada.

Philadelphia is within 100 miles of Baltimore and NYC and within 150 miles of New York.

 

[Rayderr]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

#1 New York, NY 15,340,000 #2 Los Angeles, CA 10,609,200 #3 Chicago, IL 7,612,100 #4 San Francisco, CA 6,012,000 #5 Dallas, TX 4,576,700 #6 Philadelphia, PA 4,291,700

Philadelphia has 400k more TVs than SF/OAK/SJ, that's the only thing that counts in 2014.

He said people, not TVs. But thanks for playing.

 

[George Jefferson Airplane]

If it wasn't considered into the NY TV market, Brooklyn would be the #4 TV market in the U.S.

A's would move to New York before moving to any other city or area that already has a team IMO.

 

[George Jefferson Airplane]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

#1 New York, NY 15,340,000 #2 Los Angeles, CA 10,609,200 #3 Chicago, IL 7,612,100 #4 San Francisco, CA 6,012,000 #5 Dallas, TX 4,576,700 #6 Philadelphia, PA 4,291,700

Philadelphia has 400k more TVs than SF/OAK/SJ, that's the only thing that counts in 2014.

He said people, not TVs. But thanks for playing.

And he was right. So now you've been wrong twice, wanna try for a third strike ace?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

rename them the New Orleans Crawfish

The Baton Rouge B's.

New Orleans Unathletics.

The Louisiana Obesity.

Louisiana Politicians. Or Convicts, for short.

The Chocolate City Racketeers

This would also work for DC, Chicago or Newark/NJ teams, but yes.

 

[Parrothead]

Mississippi Mosquito Bites

 

[Rayderr]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

#1 New York, NY 15,340,000 #2 Los Angeles, CA 10,609,200 #3 Chicago, IL 7,612,100 #4 San Francisco, CA 6,012,000 #5 Dallas, TX 4,576,700 #6 Philadelphia, PA 4,291,700

Philadelphia has 400k more TVs than SF/OAK/SJ, that's the only thing that counts in 2014.

He said people, not TVs. But thanks for playing.

And he was right. So now you've been wrong twice, wanna try for a third strike ace?

SF market bigger. Note the numbers there chief.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

#1 New York, NY 15,340,000 #2 Los Angeles, CA 10,609,200 #3 Chicago, IL 7,612,100 #4 San Francisco, CA 6,012,000 #5 Dallas, TX 4,576,700 #6 Philadelphia, PA 4,291,700

Philadelphia has 400k more TVs than SF/OAK/SJ, that's the only thing that counts in 2014.

He said people, not TVs. But thanks for playing.

And he was right. So now you've been wrong twice, wanna try for a third strike ace?

Yeah, that was the list that I was going off of. I'm certainly no expert, though, so I am open to other interpretations of market size.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

#1 New York, NY 15,340,000 #2 Los Angeles, CA 10,609,200 #3 Chicago, IL 7,612,100 #4 San Francisco, CA 6,012,000 #5 Dallas, TX 4,576,700 #6 Philadelphia, PA 4,291,700

Philadelphia has 400k more TVs than SF/OAK/SJ, that's the only thing that counts in 2014.

He said people, not TVs. But thanks for playing.

And he was right. So now you've been wrong twice, wanna try for a third strike ace?

SF market bigger. Note the numbers there chief.

Is there a reason that you are saying that the numbers in that link are not accurate?

 

[Rayderr]

If the population of the Philadelphia metro area were split in half, each half would be the 18th largest metro area in the country.

Philadelphia more has 25% more people than SF/OAK.

So I think that it is possible, but it's hard to see it as the most advantageous when Charlotte and Portland are 23 and 24 in metro size and they would be the only team there.

#1 New York, NY 15,340,000 #2 Los Angeles, CA 10,609,200 #3 Chicago, IL 7,612,100 #4 San Francisco, CA 6,012,000 #5 Dallas, TX 4,576,700 #6 Philadelphia, PA 4,291,700

Philadelphia has 400k more TVs than SF/OAK/SJ, that's the only thing that counts in 2014.

He said people, not TVs. But thanks for playing.

And he was right. So now you've been wrong twice, wanna try for a third strike ace?

SF market bigger. Note the numbers there chief.

Is there a reason that you are saying that the numbers in that link are not accurate?

Metro area and market area are 2 different things.

 

[General Malaise]

Portland would be a great fit as it keeps the A's in the west and would open up a tremendous rivalry with the dooooche canoes in Seattle. Portland has clamored for a team for years and while I was once upon a time a pie-eyed dreamer who thought it would happen one day, I'm pretty skeptical.

1) I don't know where in the hell you'd put a stadium. The Blazers and Timbers play in the heart of downtown with light rail service stopping by both stadiums several times a day. The stadiums are compact and blend in well with the surrounding downtown area. Not sure where a baseball stadium would fit. There are some options on the table, but each of them has plenty of drawbacks.

2) I honestly don't see the city of Portland supporting a team for 81 games. I mean...there will absolutely be some diehards who go to every game and I'd definitely be in for season tickets with a group, but Portland isn't a huge city and there's a lot of dorky people who couldn't tell you the difference between an outfielder and an infielder. The Blazers are a big draw, but that team is part of the fabric of the city. Likewise, the Ducks are always sold out, but that's a handful of games and winning draws in all sorts of folks. Asking this city to back a transplanted team for 81 games might be tough, unless, of course, the As are still the best team in baseball.

Hope it happens. Would be a better fit than Charlotte for the key reason I cited above about keeping the As in the west. But getting this city to agree on a stadium will be the major hurdle.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

They should take a cue from the NFL and look at putting a team in London.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Portland would be a great fit as it keeps the A's in the west and would open up a tremendous rivalry with the dooooche canoes in Seattle. Portland has clamored for a team for years and while I was once upon a time a pie-eyed dreamer who thought it would happen one day, I'm pretty skeptical.

1) I don't know where in the hell you'd put a stadium. The Blazers and Timbers play in the heart of downtown with light rail service stopping by both stadiums several times a day. The stadiums are compact and blend in well with the surrounding downtown area. Not sure where a baseball stadium would fit. There are some options on the table, but each of them has plenty of drawbacks.

2) I honestly don't see the city of Portland supporting a team for 81 games. I mean...there will absolutely be some diehards who go to every game and I'd definitely be in for season tickets with a group, but Portland isn't a huge city and there's a lot of dorky people who couldn't tell you the difference between an outfielder and an infielder. The Blazers are a big draw, but that team is part of the fabric of the city. Likewise, the Ducks are always sold out, but that's a handful of games and winning draws in all sorts of folks. Asking this city to back a transplanted team for 81 games might be tough, unless, of course, the As are still the best team in baseball.

Hope it happens. Would be a better fit than Charlotte for the key reason I cited above about keeping the As in the west. But getting this city to agree on a stadium will be the major hurdle.

If Fred and Carrie couldn't do it, I don't know that anyone will.