Spoiled, Overpaid Babies

[Gofirstclass]

As some of you know we're down in AZ now. Last night we had the pleasure of going to a Seattle Mariners vs NY Giants baseball game. The night was perfect. The game started at 7:00, we had front row seats and enjoyed a perfect evening. Until the game was over.

We hung around for a few minutes after the game to watch as kids tried to get autographs from the players as they were leaving the field. Unlike major league baseball stadiums, the players and fans are just a few feet apart at these Cactus League stadiums.

We watched as player after player walked past these youngsters who had their arms outstretched holding baseballs, hats, shirts and anything else they could think of to get autographs from the players.

Now these young boys and girls hold the players in VERY high esteem. They're heroes to these kids, and all the kids wanted was for the players to take a few minutes to walk down the line and sign their names a few times.

The total time for a player to sign all of the items the kids were holding might have been 15 minutes. And I realize they were tired from having played 9 innings of baseball (most of which time they spent standing on the field or sitting in the dugout).

But, except for one Mariner player, not one player from either team gave the kids as much as a look or a wave as they walked by. They completely ignored their fans; you know, the ones whose ticket money goes to pay the multi-million dollar salaries of those spoiled babies.

Yup, I lost what little respect I had for the players when I saw them ignore the kids. I guess that just goes to show that no matter how much you pay a rude, inconsiderate jerk, deep down he's still a rude, inconsiderate jerk.

Sad.

 

[Sprint7TW]

As some of you know we're down in AZ now. Last night we had the pleasure of going to a Seattle Mariners vs NY Giants baseball game. The night was perfect. The game started at 7:00, we had front row seats and enjoyed a perfect evening. Until the game was over.

We hung around for a few minutes after the game to watch as kids tried to get autographs from the players as they were leaving the field. Unlike major league baseball stadiums, the players and fans are just a few feet apart at these Cactus League stadiums.

We watched as player after player walked past these youngsters who had their arms outstretched holding baseballs, hats, shirts and anything else they could think of to get autographs from the players.

Now these young boys and girls hold the players in VERY high esteem. They're heroes to these kids, and all the kids wanted was for the players to take a few minutes to walk down the line and sign their names a few times.

The total time for a player to sign all of the items the kids were holding might have been 15 minutes. And I realize they were tired from having played 9 innings of baseball (most of which time they spent standing on the field or sitting in the dugout).

But, except for one Mariner player, not one player from either team gave the kids as much as a look or a wave as they walked by. They completely ignored their fans; you know, the ones whose ticket money goes to pay the multi-million dollar salaries of those spoiled babies.

Yup, I lost what little respect I had for the players when I saw them ignore the kids. I guess that just goes to show that no matter how much you pay a rude, inconsiderate jerk, deep down he's still a rude, inconsiderate jerk.

Sad.

That is the reason I have a lot of respect for professional race car drivers. Most all of them will stay until the last kid has his autograph. Note I said "most all"
I have seen many stay for hours!
Bob

 

[blaster]

I have noticed this trend in all sports, not just baseball. I remember going to Orioles games at Memorial stadium as a child in the late 70's and early 80's and most players would talk to the kids around the dugouts and sign whatever they had. Same was true with the Redskins. In the eighties when the hogs were together you couldn't find a nicer bunch of guys. Even Dexter Manley was kind to me when I met him at the Fairfax ADC where my mom worked. There has been a severe deteriation of class and sportsmanship in professional sports which has given way to individualisim by many players. I understand people have bad days but most of the up and comers don't respect the fans and have little to no humility. Not all but many.

 

[wvsundancer]

10/4 on all accounts sir !!! Bob you hit the nail right on the head!!! Go to any NASCAR event or an NHRA event and you will see the likes John Force, Tony Stewart standing around signing autographs until their arms fall off. I am not interested in supporting any professional sports that involve someone doing somethin with a ball. Piss on them... It just grinds my last nerve when i have to pay $$$$ big money to send one of my customers and have thier child stand at the fence hoping to get someone to sign something and they all walk by with their I-phone earplugs stuck in thier heads and thinking how self important they all are.

 

[AKBASSKING]

Dittos for NASCAR and NHRA. I would also add PBR to that list.

Hey FS, what do you expect out of the Mariners? They play in Seattle....nuf said.

 

[Pyrojodge]

People are different as a whole... Today people are rude,crude, and lude... there is no respect given, just respect expected. I am very happy to know that good people are among us...

 

[Summer Fun II]

I got a hug from Leann Rimes when she was at the Turning Stone Casino. :smt001

 

[Billfletcher]

I gave up watching sports years ago for many of the reasons noted. As far as respect, those who demand the most, are the least willing to give it.

People are different as a whole... Today people are rude,crude, and lude... there is no respect given, just respect expected. I am very happy to know that good people are among us...

 

[skolbe]

I am a PR person and worked with Glenn Close when she came to St. Louis for a fundraiser and she threw out the first pitch. Handled her publicity. A young kid asked for her autograph and she gave it to him. Albert Pujols even asked her for her autograph and she obliged him. I understand the Cardinals in Spring Trainer are good. But Albert never did - Ironic? Mike Shannon asked for her autograph and so did a few others. She was very accommodating.

 

[330DA]

Hockey players are usually pretty good.

 

[HUMPH]

Really, NY Giants? WTH?

 

[blaster]

I agree, except for maybe some of the Russians.(Ovechkin)

Hockey players are usually pretty good.

 

[CROSE]

Not to defend the real a-holes, but a good portion of these celebrities think, and for good reason, that anything they sign is going to end up being sold. I had several famous autographs when I was a kid in the 60's/70's, the idea of selling them never crossed my mind. Of course, the outlets for selling such things were few and far between. These days, it's big business and unfortunately, it's the true fans, that would keep and cherish such things, that get hurt.

 

[MonacoMike]

Once upon a time in a sleepy little world a long long time ago, a few kids who loved the game would ask players they adored for an autograph. Most of those players, who played for the love of the game, obliged the little dreamers. Alas that time has gone, adults who refuse to grow up engage in idolatry of fellow humans, now use autographs as a form of currency and power. Many of the kids asking for the autographs are not the kids described above but the offspring of greedy control freak parents who for either the dollars autographs are worth or a mark on the "perfect childhood" bucket list, push their kids out there. Probably half of the autographs done by major sports are sold in a few years for big bucks. If my signature was worth that much I wouldn't give it to you either.

This is not meant to absolve the athletes of responsibility but suggest why they may behave the way they do.

Now where the heck is my green beer?

[video=youtube;xffOCZYX6F8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xffOCZYX6F8[/video]

 

[electricaldoctor]

As a pro in any sport, why should you care if some kid makes money from your signature. It certainly isn't going to change your life and it isn't like you don't get paid the big bucks in the first place. Some of these selfish pros are very short sighted and appear to have forgotten their humble beginnings.

 

[blaster]

How about giving the kids a wink and a nod or maybe even just a smile. As a kid just having that moment of their idols attention could be a lifetime memory.

 

[Pack66Dad]

Its a damn shame. What kind of upbringing do these guys have? If my son ever walked away from a fan or turned down an autograph he would be wearing his ass for a hat!

 

[OldSkool]

If the guys stats are that outstanding that his autograph makes big money then whet would he care? He's either dead or so rich that any amount wold be pocket change to him.
Once again money will take the player out of the trash but it won't take the trash out of the player.

If you look at motor sports there only so many drivers in NASCAR. A handfull in NHRA and formula class. They are more elite than most ballers as their total numbers may fill only one or two ballers team roster yet they remember who put them in the drivers seat and keeps them there.

 

[CROSE]

Some of the fans also have a tendency to go overboard in seeking the elusive signed ball/card/photo. I think it was Paul Newman that was asked for an autograph once...while taking a wizz. After that, he refused to sign any. Don't most major sports teams have a Fan Appreciation Day?

 

[MonacoMike]

As a pro in any sport, why should you care if some kid makes money from your signature. It certainly isn't going to change your life and it isn't like you don't get paid the big bucks in the first place. Some of these selfish pros are very short sighted and appear to have forgotten their humble beginnings.

What does their income have to do with them giving their signature away? That signature belongs to the athlete, there may be agreements with marketers to sell their signature on only specific items. That athlete's signature and likeness are a marketable item and theirs and theirs alone to sell or give as they see fit or are contractually obligated.

Its a damn shame. What kind of upbringing do these guys have? If my son ever walked away from a fan or turned down an autograph he would be wearing his ass for a hat!

Really? You would be disappointed if your son was a superstar if he did not give away autographs until the last person in line had one? How many hours a day would that take? A simple Derek Jeter signature is worth over a $100, The line would be miles long if he said he would sign for all comers. If your signature was worth that you would give it away whenever someone asked?

If the guys stats are that outstanding that his autograph makes big money then whet would he care? He's either dead or so rich that any amount wold be pocket change to him.
Once again money will take the player out of the trash but it won't take the trash out of the player.

I still do not understand what an athlete is paid has to do with the need to give the time, energy, or value just because someone wants it.

If you look at motor sports there only so many drivers in NASCAR. A handfull in NHRA and formula class. They are more elite than most ballers as their total numbers may fill only one or two ballers team roster yet they remember who put them in the drivers seat and keeps them there.

This is a different animal as motor sports "athletes" are paid by owners who get their money from sponsors who make such demands in their contracts for such public interaction. Ball sports fans go to see their team win over the other team and the player works for that team not a sponsor. The teams or leagues do not usually control the personal likeness of the athlete and that may be all they have to personally sell.

Some of the fans also have a tendency to go overboard in seeking the elusive signed ball/card/photo. I think it was Paul Newman that was asked for an autograph once...while taking a wizz. After that, he refused to sign any. Don't most major sports teams have a Fan Appreciation Day?

That is what I was wanting to begin some discussion of with my earlier post. Fans now seem entitled as shown by some of these posts, an autograph given is a courtesy not a requirement. Maybe they have to catch a quick flight, take a whiz, or go to a signing event. What do we know??? But as was already said a disrespectful society will get disrespect back.

Why the heck do adults want autographs of people that just are good at hitting balls or turning left??? I have never had the slightest interest in the signature of another human being that did not go on the bottom of a contract. :smt043