There’s a silly notion going around town that success in the small time means something in and of itself…
Get it straight, Kansas City isn’t a stepping stone, it’s more of a way station for people on their way up, down or out. The exceptions that prove this rule are the few people who have found an equilibrium in this town and will never let go of their positions. Folks like Walt Bodine, Larry Moore, former Mayor Charles Wheeler and to a lesser extent Mary O’Halloran. They cling with a vice like grips to the ethos of Kansas City. And in their own way, these people and institutions try and run this town in much the same way sappy Hallmark sentiments born in this Midwestern burg seems to define K.C. life in general.
But for the most part, people with enough silly self-confidence to hold onto real ambition and the will to become a “master of the universe” should never plan on hanging around Kansas City very long. Similarly, there is nothing as sad as a Kansas City minor league team bragging about their success.
A few examples:
There’s nothing “major league” about Major League Soccer. Sadly, the Wizards record isn’t that great, their attendance is the lowest in the league AND they can’t settle on a name.
Nevertheless, they keep bragging about the success of their franchise based solely on PR events and some rather risky speculation from the Unified Government in KCK. There is the possibility that soccer might attract the throngs of NASCAR fans and Nebraska Furniture Mart shoppers. I just don’t want to advise people to hold their breath waiting for that to happen.
And then there’s the T-Bones. They’re really good, but their games matter even less than the Royals after the All-Star break and most locals probably couldn’t name a single player from the team.
And that lack of any real marquee players pretty much defines small time sports in KC.
That’s not so say that small time success in this town isn’t nice, and a bit of a “pick-me up” from our perennially losing pro-teams. But it all needs to be put into perspective. The small time in this small town just isn’t significant and pretending that minor league success is a substitute for Kansas City’s major league woes is only a strategy undertaken by bored sports writers. Sure, winning is nice but this town’s desperate search for victory has sports fans moving backwards and settling for less despite the bigtime tax bills that support pro-sports losers.
Tony Botello
PucKChaser
Unfortunately, this is a product of the American sports landscape with the “Major” and “minor” monikers.
If the US had the European model of professional sports, which is truly a free and open market, Kansas City would be a “first division” city and much like, say, Reading, we’d probably be fine with that.
Bill
Hey dumbass, the Wizards have the lowest attendance in the league because they play in the smallest stadium in the league. The CAB’s attendance caps at 10,385. They have been at 10,045 people or better for every game but one. They have three sellouts and two other games with more than 10,228 in eight home games.
You are a crack researcher. Why the hell are you still here?
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HC: Wild Bill, the Wizards low attendance is not merely a product of the team’s playing in a tiny baseball stadium, they’ve been up against it for years. Didn’t help that they fudged the attendance numbers at Arrowhead for all those years.
Check out this fresh quote from new Wizards owner Robb Heineman in the Star.
“Robb Heinman looked around at a mostly empty Arrowhead Stadium and couldn
Jim Fitzpatrick
Sorry to say, but this is gobbledygook from start to finish. In my opinion, Kansas City began shedding its inferiority complex the beautiful spring day in 1991 when Emanuel Cleaver was sworn in as mayor. In the 19 years since then, Kansas City has not looked back. For those who don’t like it, there are four exits — north, south, east and west.
Rick M
Unfortunately, Johnny Dare and Mike Shanin are probably lifers here.
bobv
I agree with Tony to an extent but his view is too pessimistic. And I don’t know why the Wizards couldn’t sell out Arrowhead if they have such a huge following when playing the greatest team on earth.
Bob
When your trying to get new people to a sport they don’t usually care about, charging $25 to park is probably going to keep them away. Also why wait until the last week to sell $20 tickets? Bad move by the Wizards. They could have sold out if they were a little bit smarter.
PucKChaser
The Wizards had no say in the price of parking. The price of parking was dictated by the Chiefs.