http://www.firstcoastnews.com/mb/sports/suns-changing-name-to-jumbo-shrimp/346015121
Sorry for the language, but I repeat. Are you fucking kidding me?
A 50+ year Jacksonville tradition, flippantly tossed out the window.
Absolutely reckless and insane.
Baseball's never been hotter out of the deep fryer
QuoteBabby, who has repeatedly emphasized "affordable, family fun" in promoting both his Jacksonville and Akron Double-A franchise in Ohio, believes Jumbo Shrimp meets his criteria of wanting a creative name that has a direct tie-in to the local community.
Really?? I have a suggestion. Maybe try using "The Suns" - that has a 50 year direct tie-in to the local community.
Hahahahahaha.....
Wow... if ya wanted to do "ocean-y" how bout... Barracudas? or Mako's, or... um... Sting rays?... maybe even Kingfish... Redfish? ... the Jacksonville suk just keeps marching on... ::)
Direct ties to the community eh?
Try these for size
- The Phobes
- The Highways
- The Developers
- The Logistics
- The Broken Councilmen
- The Scoreboards
All of those have way more local reference than shrimp.
Something tells me the outcry will push this back.
Otherwise we will have the same respect as the Lansing Lugnuts.
Quote from: spuwho on November 02, 2016, 06:44:06 AM
Direct ties to the community eh?
Try these for size
- The Phobes
- The Highways
- The Developers
- The Logistics
- The Broken Councilmen
- The Scoreboards
All of those have way more local reference than shrimp.
Something tells me the outcry will push this back.
Otherwise we will have the same respect as the Lansing Lugnuts.
A. The name change sucks. The thought that Henry used to play for the Jumbo Shrimps just ain't happening for me.
B. There was nothing wrong with the Lugnuts, as it was their name from the start and a few teams have called themselves by a quirky name, which actually DID have ties to the community.
C. I pray that you are correct with your statement about the push back.
Quote"It's a gritty, tough, hard-working shrimp," Babby said. "The word that probably best describes it is tenacious."
I hate everything.
Who buys a team with a 50+ year history just to change the name to something stupid?
Wow, this is terrible.
That truly is one the stupidest things to come out of Jacksonville in a very long time.
(http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2500/8ca2b/products/121/images/265/P3140525__57774__29916.1318467034.1280.1280.jpg?c=2)
(https://media.giphy.com/media/S3Ot3hZ5bcy8o/giphy.gif)
(http://www.djfoodie.com/Uploads/90202/Recipes/Cocktail-Sauce-2-800.jpg)
I mean, when he changed his other teams name to "Akron RubberDucks" attendance went up by 27%.
Maybe he knows what he's doing?
Quote from: TimmyB on November 02, 2016, 07:27:28 AM
B. There was nothing wrong with the Lugnuts, as it was their name from the start and a few teams have called themselves by a quirky name, which actually DID have ties to the community.
It's worth pointing out that the vast majority of teams with quirky/ridiculous names are tiny-market franchises looking for a fun, family-friendly hook. It's exceedingly rare to see a top 50 market leveraging wAcKy nAmEs. Normally, markets our size prefer to maintain some idiom of honor and respect, not to mention history. Babby is effectively defining Jacksonville down to Modesto, Lehigh Valley, Lansing, Visalia levels with this bullshit.
It's a total disgrace, and a slap to the face of the fans who have made the Suns one of the more successful teams of their class over the last 50 years, and particularly since our beautiful new Baseball Grounds opened.
In a city where history is often held with so little value, this is one we need to fight.
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 08:42:29 AM
Quote from: TimmyB on November 02, 2016, 07:27:28 AM
B. There was nothing wrong with the Lugnuts, as it was their name from the start and a few teams have called themselves by a quirky name, which actually DID have ties to the community.
It's worth pointing out that the vast majority of teams with quirky/ridiculous names are tiny-market franchises looking for a fun, family-friendly hook. It's exceedingly rare to see a top 50 market leveraging wAcKy nAmEs. Normally, markets our size prefer to maintain some idiom of honor and respect, not to mention history.
I don't know...Jacksonville has an NFL team that sounds like it was named by a fourth grader.
Quote from: johnnyliar on November 02, 2016, 08:41:48 AM
I mean, when he changed his other teams name to "Akron RubberDucks" attendance went up by 27%.
Maybe he knows what he's doing?
Correlation does not equal causation, and the local media parroting this stat need to be a little more responsible. You know what else happened during the offfseason? Canal Park - Akron's minor league stadium - underwent a $5.4 million renovation, the largest in its history. The biggest scoreboard in Double-A baseball was installed, club sections were gutted, restaurants, family picnic zones, and a tiki bar were added, the works. Literally took ten seconds of Googling to figure this out. I have a sneaking suspicion this
may have been a bigger contributor to the attendance uptick than a
magic name change.
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 08:42:29 AM
Quote from: TimmyB on November 02, 2016, 07:27:28 AM
B. There was nothing wrong with the Lugnuts, as it was their name from the start and a few teams have called themselves by a quirky name, which actually DID have ties to the community.
It's worth pointing out that the vast majority of teams with quirky/ridiculous names are tiny-market franchises looking for a fun, family-friendly hook. It's exceedingly rare to see a top 50 market leveraging wAcKy nAmEs. Normally, markets our size prefer to maintain some idiom of honor and respect, not to mention history. Babby is effectively defining Jacksonville down to Modesto, Lehigh Valley, Lansing, Visalia levels with this bullshit.
It's a total disgrace, and a slap to the face of the fans who have made the Suns one of the more successful teams of their class over the last 50 years, and particularly since our beautiful new Baseball Grounds opened.
In a city where history is often held with so little value, this is one we need to fight.
You and I are in complete agreement with this, Ken. I wasn't defending the silly-name thing; I was saying it made sense for the Lansing market. Their team is still playing after 20 years in Lansing and has survived the death of their park's namesake (Oldsmobile) and a recession like most of the country did not witness.
My wife, who couldn't give two flips about sports, absolutely LOVES going to the Suns' games. When I told her of the name change this morning, she almost hurled!
^RIGHT???
I normally avoid the T-U comment section for the good of my own sanity, but they are just lighting up ownership over this decision.
Rare to see such an insanely united front, I read about 50 comments, and I didn't see a single post in support of the decision.
Will be interesting to see what happens, but man does it feel like the sports gods ever hate Jacksonville this year. The Jags debacle. The Sharks and Armada in semi-limbo after their leagues are collapsing around them. And now the Jumbo Shrimp.
Quote from: TimmyB on November 02, 2016, 09:38:25 AM
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 08:42:29 AM
Quote from: TimmyB on November 02, 2016, 07:27:28 AM
B. There was nothing wrong with the Lugnuts, as it was their name from the start and a few teams have called themselves by a quirky name, which actually DID have ties to the community.
It's worth pointing out that the vast majority of teams with quirky/ridiculous names are tiny-market franchises looking for a fun, family-friendly hook. It's exceedingly rare to see a top 50 market leveraging wAcKy nAmEs. Normally, markets our size prefer to maintain some idiom of honor and respect, not to mention history. Babby is effectively defining Jacksonville down to Modesto, Lehigh Valley, Lansing, Visalia levels with this bullshit.
It's a total disgrace, and a slap to the face of the fans who have made the Suns one of the more successful teams of their class over the last 50 years, and particularly since our beautiful new Baseball Grounds opened.
In a city where history is often held with so little value, this is one we need to fight.
You and I are in complete agreement with this, Ken. I wasn't defending the silly-name thing; I was saying it made sense for the Lansing market. Their team is still playing after 20 years in Lansing and has survived the death of their park's namesake (Oldsmobile) and a recession like most of the country did not witness.
My wife, who couldn't give two flips about sports, absolutely LOVES going to the Suns' games. When I told her of the name change this morning, she almost hurled!
Sorry Tim! I totally got that from your post, my apologies if it came across like I was saying you supported it. I'm with you. Totally makes sense in other situations. Just not here. In a large market with a 50+ year tradition of Suns baseball.
That name is quite shit
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 09:44:51 AM
Quote from: TimmyB on November 02, 2016, 09:38:25 AM
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 08:42:29 AM
Quote from: TimmyB on November 02, 2016, 07:27:28 AM
B. There was nothing wrong with the Lugnuts, as it was their name from the start and a few teams have called themselves by a quirky name, which actually DID have ties to the community.
It's worth pointing out that the vast majority of teams with quirky/ridiculous names are tiny-market franchises looking for a fun, family-friendly hook. It's exceedingly rare to see a top 50 market leveraging wAcKy nAmEs. Normally, markets our size prefer to maintain some idiom of honor and respect, not to mention history. Babby is effectively defining Jacksonville down to Modesto, Lehigh Valley, Lansing, Visalia levels with this bullshit.
It's a total disgrace, and a slap to the face of the fans who have made the Suns one of the more successful teams of their class over the last 50 years, and particularly since our beautiful new Baseball Grounds opened.
In a city where history is often held with so little value, this is one we need to fight.
You and I are in complete agreement with this, Ken. I wasn't defending the silly-name thing; I was saying it made sense for the Lansing market. Their team is still playing after 20 years in Lansing and has survived the death of their park's namesake (Oldsmobile) and a recession like most of the country did not witness.
My wife, who couldn't give two flips about sports, absolutely LOVES going to the Suns' games. When I told her of the name change this morning, she almost hurled!
Sorry Tim! I totally got that from your post, my apologies if it came across like I was saying you supported it. I'm with you. Totally makes sense in other situations. Just not here. In a large market with a 50+ year tradition of Suns baseball.
No problem, Ken! We are moving to Jax next year, and we don't want to look back and say, "Oh, yeah, we arrived the same year as..." :'(
Hilariously (or not), someone has already changed the listing on Wikipedia. It still is under the Jacksonville Suns listing, but the first sentence reads, "The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp..."
What was the reasoning behind the name change to the Expos during the '80's? When I was a kid those teams were my first memories of going to games as a kid. I was clueless to the history prior to that growing up.
Quote from: TimmyB on November 02, 2016, 10:23:27 AM
Hilariously (or not), someone has already changed the listing on Wikipedia. It still is under the Jacksonville Suns listing, but the first sentence reads, "The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp..."
The team's Facebook page (official page) has been changed already. Logo and everything.
Quote from: Gators312 on November 02, 2016, 10:27:27 AM
What was the reasoning behind the name change to the Expos during the '80's? When I was a kid those teams were my first memories of going to games as a kid. I was clueless to the history prior to that growing up.
I can't speak for Jacksonville's specific situation, but that's pretty common in most minor league sports. When the parent club changes, they like to have the feeder programs have that same mascot. Unfortunately, those affiliations change so often, it doesn't make sense for these small teams to have to change EVERYTHING (signage, logos, etc.) every few years.
I wonder if there will be any City money invested in the name change...
There's a lease agreement between the City and the team that lays out how the relationship works and who pays for what at the ballpark. Maybe MJ can dispatch its crack staff to get ahold of the document?
City may also have to give consent to signage, etc.
https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/793823192334860288?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
That logo..... so proud
Quote from: stephendare on November 02, 2016, 10:49:12 AM
(https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14523112_946600738777497_8675182861866798338_n.jpg?oh=a94508993dc70448416cdcfa63f7ff27&oe=589B2DA7)
"Community First" - unless the community doesn't want you to change the name of the local baseball team. In that case, screw 'em.
(http://www.milb.com/y2013/images/main_logo/t564_main_logo.png)
My favorite is the logo where the "tenacious shrimp" appears to be sexually assaulting the entire state of Florida.
That is one "tenacious" looking shrimp.
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 10:52:48 AM
My favorite is the logo where the "tenacious shrimp" appears to be sexually assaulting the entire state of Florida.
(https://s13.postimg.org/q8bzz7tpj/shrimp.png)
Quote from: BridgeTroll on November 02, 2016, 06:43:38 AM
Wow... if ya wanted to do "ocean-y" how bout... Barracudas? or Mako's, or... um... Sting rays?... maybe even Kingfish... Redfish? ... the Jacksonville suk just keeps marching on... ::)
If we bring back the Barracudas, it BETTER be for the hockey team.
I think the new logo may actually be... (gasp) a prawn...
(http://i.stack.imgur.com/GyirW.jpg)
Quote from: Adam White on November 02, 2016, 10:27:36 AM
Quote from: TimmyB on November 02, 2016, 10:23:27 AM
Hilariously (or not), someone has already changed the listing on Wikipedia. It still is under the Jacksonville Suns listing, but the first sentence reads, "The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp..."
The team's Facebook page (official page) has been changed already. Logo and everything.
Wow. Nice job of welcoming yourself to the community, new owners!
Also, from what I'm seeing, he didn't even reach out to any local designers for the logo. It was done by a designer in San Diego.
Additionally, if we were going down Crustacean Road anyways, The Prawns would have sounded so much better.
With all apologies to Mel Brooks, "Jacksonville is only prawn in game of life."
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 10:52:48 AM
My favorite is the logo where the "tenacious shrimp" appears to be sexually assaulting the entire state of Florida.
I guess that at least allows for continued use of the "Baseball's never been hotter" slogan.
I guess it's just me but I've always loved Minor League teams having over-the-top, ridiculous nicknames. It's part of the charm.
Hopefully the Jumbo Shrimp get some match ups against the Savannah Bananas or perhaps the El Paso Chihuahuas.
Shrimps are wimps. There are no "Jumbo Shrimp" in baseball. Shrimp have no tie to Jacksonville. Cashing in on new merchandise sells? Really? What women is going to go around wearing "Jumbo Shrimp" on her chest? The new mascot will scare the hell out of kids. Instead of racing with a dog they'll be running in horror from a giant sea monster. Stupid, STUPID idea.
Quote from: stpauliegirl33 on November 02, 2016, 11:27:59 AM
Shrimp have no tie to Jacksonville.
Not strictly true. I used to date a girl from Panama Park whose father was a shrimper. And I'm not referring to toes.
It's an elaborate scheme to attract a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co restaurant to Jacksonville
Quote from: lastdaysoffla on November 02, 2016, 11:33:46 AM
It's an elaborate scheme to attract a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co restaurant to Jacksonville
Nah, they're gonna tie it into that new Trent's downtown. It was mentioned in another thread, yesterday! ;D
People who've never even been to a game suddenly remember we even have a baseball team and are up in arms about a name change that they'll forget about tomorrow.
We're literally in the same league as a team named the Biscuits. Get over it.
Quote from: rylo on November 02, 2016, 11:48:11 AM
People who've never even been to a game suddenly remember we even have a baseball team and are up in arms about a name change that they'll forget about tomorrow.
We're literally in the same league as a team named the Biscuits. Get over it.
I've been to a number of games. Does that mean I don't have to "get over it?"
Quote from: rylo on November 02, 2016, 11:48:11 AM
We're literally in the same league as a team named the Biscuits. Get over it.
The Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are my favorite minor-league squad
Quote from: rylo on November 02, 2016, 11:48:11 AM
People who've never even been to a game suddenly remember we even have a baseball team and are up in arms about a name change that they'll forget about tomorrow.
We're literally in the same league as a team named the Biscuits. Get over it.
I think you should read the history of Baseball in this city before commenting like that... the "Suns" and the history before them going back to 1904 are an institution in this city and whether it was Wolfson Park or the new Baseball grounds have always been a top performer attendance wise.
Quote from: Adam White on November 02, 2016, 11:32:17 AM
Quote from: stpauliegirl33 on November 02, 2016, 11:27:59 AM
Shrimp have no tie to Jacksonville.
Not strictly true. I used to date a girl from Panama Park whose father was a shrimper.
Yes, northeast Florida and southeast Georgia are well known in culinary circles for having outstanding local shrimp. So I wouldn't say shrimp have no tie to Jacksonville. That doesn't make them any less of a ridiculous baseball mascot, though.
Getting rid of a kid-friendly mascot like Southpaw the dog doesn't make much sense either, as noted upthread. When the Norfolk Tides changed affiliation from the Mets to the Orioles, they changed their colors and logo and incorporated a King Neptune-ish mascot figure, but retained the well-liked, cuddly former mascot Rip Tide.
Seriously, this story reads like one of those missives from the "Letters from a Nut" books where the author would do things like write to the San Antonio Spurs and accuse them of conspiring to change their name to the Paper Towels.
To quote George Carlin... "The term Jumbo Shrimp has always amazed me. What is a Jumbo Shrimp? I mean, it's like Military Intelligence - the words don't go together, man."
So lets name that thing... ;D
Gimpy the Shrimp? Shemp? Perhaps... Limpy? Skimpy the Shrimp? Wimpy is probably not right... How bout... Jambalaya?? Pesto? Ooh...Ooh... Alfredo the Shrimp...
Quote from: BridgeTroll on November 02, 2016, 12:27:44 PM
So lets name that thing... ;D
Gimpy the Shrimp? Shemp? Perhaps... Limpy? Skimpy the Shrimp? Wimpy is probably not right... How bout... Jambalaya?? Pesto? Ooh...Ooh... Alfredo the Shrimp...
Alfredo the Shrimp is pretty good.
I'd also like to go on record and state that "Savannah Bananas" is inspired.
Quote from: stephendare on November 02, 2016, 10:51:28 AM
(https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1044321_390178561086387_1096097173_n.jpg?oh=01420f858c51cfbd584965f5cf33b01d&oe=588C1467)
For some reason, this penislike logo is also on their Facebook page, so I guess it could have been worse.
Might as well go full phallic
(http://s3images.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/232899_hZa_4_y92538Z9wXW7vBv6gxm.jpg)
The new name is gravy
'Fresh from Florida'
(https://s13.postimg.org/q8bzz7tpj/shrimp.png)
It's like a bad dream.
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 01:16:29 PM
(https://s13.postimg.org/q8bzz7tpj/shrimp.png)
It's like a bad dream.
Meet... Brawny the Prawn...
Top Ten Rejected Replacement Names For Jacksonville Suns
Jacksonville Crabz
Jacksonville Enlarged Prostrates
Jacksonville Saliva Strands
Jacksonville Paper Mill Smells
Jacksonville Suspicious Moles
Jacksonville Bloomin' Onions
Jacksonville Unlimited Breadsticks
Jacksonville He-Manatees
A Flock of Seagulls
Anthony Weiner
I'll have to admit the uniforms are nice but that logo looks like the aftereffect of an untreated STD.
With so many former MLB greats having donned the Suns unis over the years, why LaVilla decades of history?
Suggestion for new ownership next year to incorporate a Throwback Day - or 20...
Crazy, I normally don't do online petitions, but this one's up to almost 3,500 signatures in barely four hours:
https://www.change.org/p/ken-babby-save-the-jacksonville-suns-from-being-called-the-jacksonville-jumbo-shrimp
Quote from: finehoe on November 02, 2016, 01:47:44 PM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on November 02, 2016, 12:27:44 PM
So lets name that thing... ;D
Dumbo the Jumbo Shrimp.
OK, this forum seriously needs a "LIKE" button. This, and the list above, are hilarious.
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 01:32:54 PM
Crazy, I normally don't do online petitions, but this one's up to almost 3,500 signatures in barely four hours:
https://www.change.org/p/ken-babby-save-the-jacksonville-suns-from-being-called-the-jacksonville-jumbo-shrimp
4,000+ signatures and climbing.
And those comments, yikes.
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 12:08:28 AM
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/mb/sports/suns-changing-name-to-jumbo-shrimp/346015121
Sorry for the language, but I repeat. Are you fucking kidding me?
A 50+ year Jacksonville tradition, flippantly tossed out the window.
Absolutely reckless and insane.
Ok so Im up here in Atlanta at my desk and co worker comes over and ask
"Do you like JUMBO SHRIMP?" and starts laughing
Im confused and he sends me this link
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2016/11/02/jacksonville-suns-announce-changes-respond-to.html
Im looking at this link....I thinking of all the disses the media has dealt to Jax over the Jags. Im in total disbelief.
Quote from: Tacachale on November 02, 2016, 08:09:06 AM
Who buys a team with a 50+ year history just to change the name to something stupid?
Millennials
http://jumboshrimp.milbstore.com/store_contents.cfm?store_id=213&dept_id=4211&product_id=84531 (http://jumboshrimp.milbstore.com/store_contents.cfm?store_id=213&dept_id=4211&product_id=84531)
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o247/funwithteeth/Capture_zpsr3vlg7oi.png)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgpshdZIdPQ/TzfQUsWtM6I/AAAAAAAAAuU/rhNfLt9mQ88/s1600/jack-nicholson-nodding.gif)
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on November 02, 2016, 02:56:22 PM
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand now it's reached Deadspin: http://deadspin.com/minor-league-baseball-teams-new-logo-is-a-musclebound-1788498897
Rofl... here is one of the comments...
QuoteWhat the fuck are you bitching about? This is amazing and a very fitting mascot for a double A ball club located in the great state of Florida.
I even love the image here where its erupting out of a fleshlight with some ribbed buttplugs and Molly. I give this 8/10 Floridas. Fuck the shit out of some Florida there little guy. Everyone else is. Aggressively.
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--JBDkNEGE--/eu2ks61ujwxnnpoph9wl.png)
Quote from: Snufflee on November 02, 2016, 12:00:02 PM
Quote from: rylo on November 02, 2016, 11:48:11 AM
People who've never even been to a game suddenly remember we even have a baseball team and are up in arms about a name change that they'll forget about tomorrow.
We're literally in the same league as a team named the Biscuits. Get over it.
I think you should read the history of Baseball in this city before commenting like that... the "Suns" and the history before them going back to 1904 are an institution in this city and whether it was Wolfson Park or the new Baseball grounds have always been a top performer attendance wise.
The second verse on this rap song shows many Jacksonville people love the Suns, minor league or major league. He mention dumping Yankees clothes for Suns clothes. Nice beat too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l8ytRknuC4
Dear Citizens of Jacksonville and Metro Jacksonville Readers,
I like the new name but would suggest that the mascot be named Richard, or more informally, Shrimp Dick.
Just a thought. It's very pleasant here in the afterworld, but I do so miss Lubi's.
Hugs,
Madeleine L'Engle
5,500 signatures and counting.
https://www.change.org/p/ken-babby-save-the-jacksonville-suns-from-being-called-the-jacksonville-jumbo-shrimp
Seriously, do Jacksonvillians even cast this many ballots at the box?
The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Sauce Party
Quote from: thelakelander on November 02, 2016, 08:41:14 AM
(https://media.giphy.com/media/S3Ot3hZ5bcy8o/giphy.gif)
(http://www.djfoodie.com/Uploads/90202/Recipes/Cocktail-Sauce-2-800.jpg)
2016-305 "AMEN" brother and sister those No Shrimpin signs are coming down.
Visit Jacksonville!
So will there be an all-you-can eat jumbo shrimp night? Perhaps a shrimp boil Saturday or a 99 cent po' boy Tuesday?
You might as well dive in head first to reach the bottom of the sea with this shrimp branding thing.
If so, I'd consider becoming a season ticket holder.
Quote from: Noone on November 02, 2016, 05:23:16 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 02, 2016, 08:41:14 AM
(https://media.giphy.com/media/S3Ot3hZ5bcy8o/giphy.gif)
(http://www.djfoodie.com/Uploads/90202/Recipes/Cocktail-Sauce-2-800.jpg)
2016-305 "AMEN" brother and sister those No Shrimpin signs are coming down.
Visit Jacksonville!
OMG. This must be a sign of the apocalypse. That comment actually made sense. It was, dare I say it, pertinent.
Quote from: thelakelander on November 02, 2016, 05:31:34 PM
So will there be an all-you-can eat jumbo shrimp night? Perhaps a shrimp boil Saturday or a 99 cent po' boy Tuesday?
You might as well dive in head first to reach the bottom of the sea with this shrimp branding thing.
If so, I'd consider becoming a season ticket holder.
Ennis, you don't troll often, but when you do, it's a thing of beauty.
Man, the dumpsters are gonna stink in the summer......and the cats. My God, the cats.
Just another sign of corporate greed. Babby buys the team from out of town and doesn't care one bit about tradition. All he cares about is making money. The Jacksonville Suns have always had great attendance because of the loyal fan base that now stretches across generations.
If he really wanted to change the name, he should have engaged the fans and let us submit ideas and then have a vote.
Maybe I will get over my negativity, but having to go and cheer for the Jumbo Shrimp is embarrassing.
Guess there will be a bidding war among all the shrimp businesses in the area for sponsorship deals.
We need Babby to clarify if there will be an opportunity to stick our jumbo shrimp in a home plate of grits.
The old adage that any publicity is good publicity applies here. When was the last time the "Suns" ever made national news outside of when a star player (A-rod, Michael Jordan, Tommy John, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Tug McGraw [why son, Tim McGraw lived here for a short while and his mom still does], etc.) was on the local diamond?
By the way, what could be sillier than naming our team after a world's fair in a city over 1,000 miles away (i.e. the '67 world's fair in Montreal, hence the "Expos")?
If we really want to preserve history, how about going back to the "Braves" when Hank Aaron played here? [From 1904 to 1961 the city was home to minor league teams such as the Jacksonville Jays, the Jacksonville Tars, and the Jacksonville Braves... - Wikipedia].
Apparently, this isn't even the original "Suns" team that played here per Wikipedia: "The first team known as the Jacksonville Suns began play in the Triple-A International League in 1962. The team had been founded in Havana, Cuba, where they were known as the Havana Sugar Kings. Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959 the team relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey, but soon folded; the franchise was bought by the Cleveland Indians, who moved it to Jacksonville as the Jacksonville Suns in 1962... [T]he team won the International League championship in 1968. Following that season the team's parent club, the New York Mets, decided to relocate the team to Virginia, where they became the team now known as the Norfolk Tides. Jacksonville was without baseball in 1969, but in 1970 a new Suns team began play in the Double-A Southern League."
I do look forward to headlines like these after a really bad loss by the team: "Jumbo Shrimp Fried by Wahoos!" or "Jumbo Shrimp Smoked by Smokies!" or "Jumbo Shrimp Boiled by Bay Bears!" On a win, it could be "Jumbo Shrimp show grit(s)."
Short name should be the "Ju/m/ps" ;)
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on November 02, 2016, 11:44:58 PM
The old adage that any publicity is good publicity applies here. When was the last time the "Suns" ever made national news outside of when a star player (A-rod, Michael Jordan, Tommy John, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Tug McGraw [why son, Tim McGraw lived here for a short while and his mom still does], etc.) was on the local diamond?
Except that the old adage is clearly just that, an adage, that holds almost no truth whatsoever.
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on November 02, 2016, 11:44:58 PM
The old adage that any publicity is good publicity applies here. When was the last time the "Suns" ever made national news outside of when a star player (A-rod, Michael Jordan, Tommy John, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Tug McGraw [why son, Tim McGraw lived here for a short while and his mom still does], etc.) was on the local diamond?
By the way, what could be sillier than naming our team after a world's fair in a city over 1,000 miles away (i.e. the '67 world's fair in Montreal, hence the "Expos")?
If we really want to preserve history, how about going back to the "Braves" when Hank Aaron played here? [From 1904 to 1961 the city was home to minor league teams such as the Jacksonville Jays, the Jacksonville Tars, and the Jacksonville Braves... - Wikipedia].
Apparently, this isn't even the original "Suns" team that played here per Wikipedia: "The first team known as the Jacksonville Suns began play in the Triple-A International League in 1962. The team had been founded in Havana, Cuba, where they were known as the Havana Sugar Kings. Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959 the team relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey, but soon folded; the franchise was bought by the Cleveland Indians, who moved it to Jacksonville as the Jacksonville Suns in 1962... [T]he team won the International League championship in 1968. Following that season the team's parent club, the New York Mets, decided to relocate the team to Virginia, where they became the team now known as the Norfolk Tides. Jacksonville was without baseball in 1969, but in 1970 a new Suns team began play in the Double-A Southern League."
I do look forward to headlines like these after a really bad loss by the team: "Jumbo Shrimp Fried by Wahoos!" or "Jumbo Shrimp Smoked by Smokies!" or "Jumbo Shrimp Boiled by Bay Bears!" On a win, it could be "Jumbo Shrimp show grit(s)."
Short name should be the "Ju/m/ps" ;)
We already know all that stuff. The Suns have been the longest running name in history and will continue to be the longest name in history. The Jacksonville Suns name will return again once Babby cashes out. Enjoy the joke or enjoy the embarrassment either way Babby has a bigger agenda. He want the Baltimore Orioles and Suns and that other team in Ohio are just pawns for that goal. I guess that is the American way, too bad Jacksonville is involved in this agenda.
Quote from: Coolyfett on November 03, 2016, 09:01:09 AM
We already know all that stuff. The Suns have been the longest running name in history and will continue to be the longest name in history. The Jacksonville Suns name will return again once Babby cashes out. Enjoy the joke or enjoy the embarrassment either way Babby has a bigger agenda. He want the Baltimore Orioles and Suns and that other team in Ohio are just pawns prawns for that goal. I guess that is the American way, too bad Jacksonville is involved in this agenda.
FIFY
Quote from: finehoe on November 03, 2016, 10:44:13 AM
Quote from: Coolyfett on November 03, 2016, 09:01:09 AM
We already know all that stuff. The Suns have been the longest running name in history and will continue to be the longest name in history. The Jacksonville Suns name will return again once Babby cashes out. Enjoy the joke or enjoy the embarrassment either way Babby has a bigger agenda. He want the Baltimore Orioles and Suns and that other team in Ohio are just pawns prawns for that goal. I guess that is the American way, too bad Jacksonville is involved in this agenda.
FIFY
Snicker
If were going all out on stupid team names, I humbly submit the new team name and logo for The Jacksonville Micro Penis.
(https://scontent-mia1-2.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14855929_10208488809679199_4317530565047609694_o.jpg)
Quote from: TPC on November 03, 2016, 01:33:43 PM
If were going all out on stupid team names, I humbly submit the new team name and logo for The Jacksonville Micro Penis.
Now, it's SUPPOSED to have something to do with local ties. Is there something that I should know about the Jacksonville area that I haven't been told of??? ::)
As someone pointed out, the other team names in our division are pretty ridiculous, but this makes me wonder if we've outgrown our minor league roots. Is there a next level up in the minors like AAA, international league Jacksonville could get into? I know we're not a baseball town but this makes me wish we had the population to support a major league team. The over the top team names just seem like a fad that will look even more absurd in the future than they already do today.
It is still not as bad as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and yes, Binghamton, NY is a much smaller market but here they are throwing out 25+ years of a good name for the... Rumble Ponies. "...one of the owners, told milb.com that Rumble Ponies are a "fierce horse that no carousel can contain.""
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/bye-bye-binghamton-mets-binghamton-rumble-ponies-article-1.2857010 (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/bye-bye-binghamton-mets-binghamton-rumble-ponies-article-1.2857010)
Bye bye Binghamton Mets, hello Binghamton Rumble Ponies
BYANTHONY MCCARRON
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, November 3, 2016, 2:15 PM
With apologies to famed ring announcer Michael Buffer, we're imagining something like this from the Mets' Double-A team to its players:
"Let's get ready to (be) Ruuuuuumble...Ponies."
In a wave of rebranding, the Mets' Binghamton affiliate, known as the Mets since the club's inception in 1992, is changing it's nickname to Rumble Ponies, the owners announced Thursday.
Rumble Ponies is apparently a nod to Binghamton's rep as the "Carousel Capital of the World." According to milb.com, Binghamton has six vintage carousels donated by a local businessman and philanthropist named George F. Johnson.
One of the logos for the team is a carousel horse with a red mane on a pole and wearing a helmet. John Hughes, one of the owners, told milb.com that Rumble Ponies are a "fierce horse that no carousel can contain.
"The aggression and fighting spirit in the horse represents the fighting spirit of Binghamton," Hughes added. "Ready to do battle. Ready to take on the world."
Rumble Ponies beat out these other finalists: Bullheads, Gobblers, Rocking Horses, Stud Muffins and Timber Jockeys. The team got more than 1,500 name submissions from fans.
Last season, the Binghamton Mets finished 63-77. Maybe the Rumble Ponies will be better next year.
Quote from: David on November 03, 2016, 04:28:53 PM
As someone pointed out, the other team names in our division are pretty ridiculous, but this makes me wonder if we've outgrown our minor league roots. Is there a next level up in the minors like AAA, international league Jacksonville could get into? I know we're not a baseball town but this makes me wish we had the population to support a major league team. The over the top team names just seem like a fad that will look even more absurd in the future than they already do today.
We should have initiated the plan to move up to AAA when the Baseball Grounds were complete. Much larger crowds. However the team ownership has a long history of not carrying their weight compared to what the city and fans put in. To his credit, Babby at least looks like he'll put in work for the team. I just wish the way he's going about it weren't so, well, dumb.
Quote from: subro on November 03, 2016, 04:49:35 PM...Rumble Ponies beat out these other finalists: Bullheads, Gobblers, Rocking Horses, Stud Muffins and Timber Jockeys. The team got more than 1,500 name submissions from fans.
Last season, the Binghamton Mets finished 63-77. Maybe the Rumble Ponies will be better next year.
And,
THERE is the difference which has everyone pissed off!
Quote from: David on November 03, 2016, 04:28:53 PM
As someone pointed out, the other team names in our division are pretty ridiculous, but this makes me wonder if we've outgrown our minor league roots. Is there a next level up in the minors like AAA, international league Jacksonville could get into? I know we're not a baseball town but this makes me wish we had the population to support a major league team. The over the top team names just seem like a fad that will look even more absurd in the future than they already do today.
The problem is that it is hard to get a AAA franchise. Basically impossible while the Bragans owned the team.
Quote from: pierre on November 04, 2016, 10:02:36 AM
Quote from: David on November 03, 2016, 04:28:53 PM
As someone pointed out, the other team names in our division are pretty ridiculous, but this makes me wonder if we've outgrown our minor league roots. Is there a next level up in the minors like AAA, international league Jacksonville could get into? I know we're not a baseball town but this makes me wish we had the population to support a major league team. The over the top team names just seem like a fad that will look even more absurd in the future than they already do today.
The problem is that it is hard to get a AAA franchise. Basically impossible while the Bragans owned the team.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's a locational issue as well, right?
I think travel logistics make AAA baseball in Jacksonville prohibitive.
Quote from: KenFSU on November 04, 2016, 10:07:38 AM
Quote from: pierre on November 04, 2016, 10:02:36 AM
Quote from: David on November 03, 2016, 04:28:53 PM
As someone pointed out, the other team names in our division are pretty ridiculous, but this makes me wonder if we've outgrown our minor league roots. Is there a next level up in the minors like AAA, international league Jacksonville could get into? I know we're not a baseball town but this makes me wish we had the population to support a major league team. The over the top team names just seem like a fad that will look even more absurd in the future than they already do today.
The problem is that it is hard to get a AAA franchise. Basically impossible while the Bragans owned the team.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's a locational issue as well, right?
I think travel logistics make AAA baseball in Jacksonville prohibitive.
No, not really. There have been AAA teams in Florida (including Jax) in the past. It's only a matter of owners not making it happen.
If I remember correctly AAA has more strict attendance policies and revenue sharing. I believe we never moved up because we consistently dominate the AA in attendance figures. I know I've heard stories that the other teams wanted us to move up when we were constructing our new stadium.
Quote from: jaxjaguar on November 04, 2016, 10:49:12 AM
If I remember correctly AAA has more strict attendance policies and revenue sharing. I believe we never moved up because we consistently dominate the AA in attendance figures. I know I've heard stories that the other teams wanted us to move up when we were constructing our new stadium.
The last owners just never wanted to invest in moving up to AAA. They were never big on carrying their own weight; with everything the city gave them they knew they'd be successful without it.
Quote from: David on November 03, 2016, 04:28:53 PM
As someone pointed out, the other team names in our division are pretty ridiculous, but this makes me wonder if we've outgrown our minor league roots. Is there a next level up in the minors like AAA, international league Jacksonville could get into? I know we're not a baseball town but this makes me wish we had the population to support a major league team. The over the top team names just seem like a fad that will look even more absurd in the future than they already do today.
I think the Suns started out in AAA. According to Wikipedia, they won the International League championship in 1968.
It's really about getting an affiliate agreement with a AAA club. There's only 30 AAA teams, and those don't change every day.
Quote from: jaxjaguar on November 04, 2016, 10:49:12 AM
If I remember correctly AAA has more strict attendance policies and revenue sharing. I believe we never moved up because we consistently dominate the AA in attendance figures. I know I've heard stories that the other teams wanted us to move up when we were constructing our new stadium.
I hadn't yet moved to Jacksonville when the Baseball Grounds was built, but from what I understand, there was a lot of talk that the Dodgers wanted us to move up to AAA to replace their Las Vegas squad. I also know that the Baseball Grounds was built with AAA baseball in mind, not AA, as evidenced by the capacity (10,000+, reflective of AAA minimum capacity requirements, and still the largest AA ballpark in the country). In fact, I believe we're one of only three or four AAA squads who could hypothetically move into AA tomorrow without stadium expansion.
As much as I dislike the Jumbo Shrimp move (I will admit, I'm warming to it ever so slightly as the realization sets in that it's not changing), who knows, Ken Babby pumped a
lot of private money into the Akron team and facilities, maybe he'll be the one who is finally able to push Jacksonville into AAA territory.
We'd need to up attendance by 2,500 a game to hit AAA average.
You guys think that's realistic?
Long term, I'd say sure, but short-term, I do worry about whether we'd start to see cannibalization with other sports franchises in Jax.
My brother was a radio play-by-play man for a VERY successful Class A team in Michigan. When I asked him if he thought they should go AAA, his response was immediate, and negative. The reason? In A and AA, everyone is on the way up. In AAA, half the players on the team don't want to be there. They are either there on a rehab assignment, or because they are sent down from the bigs, never to return. In A and AA, players have that carrot out in front of them, and they're all hungry.
Yeah, the best talent in minor league baseball is located in AA not AAA.
If I remember correctly, the Suns were once in AAA. I think they moved the AAA team here from Jersey City. There was definitely a better grade of ball over AA. I remember seeing players who made it big later, and many others who were almost to the major league talent level, but for whatever reason hadn't been called-up. There were a lot of talented players in AA, but more in AAA. My first reaction to the name change was I thought it was a joke. It's growing on me though. I think there are too many people in Jacksonville who feel that everybody is trying to hose the city. Let's see what happens. This could be a good thing for the owner AND the city.
Quote from: Snaketoz on November 04, 2016, 02:15:41 PM
My first reaction to the name change was I thought it was a joke. It's growing on me though. I think there are too many people in Jacksonville who feel that everybody is trying to hose the city. Let's see what happens. This could be a good thing for the owner AND the city.
+10000000
Quote from: Steve on November 04, 2016, 11:47:01 AM
It's really about getting an affiliate agreement with a AAA club. There's only 30 AAA teams, and those don't change every day.
Exactly. The only recent opportunity that would have remotely been possible is when the Braves moved their AAA franchise from Richmond to Gwinnett.
I doubt the Braves would have moved here in the first place.
And second, the Suns would have basically been forced to move to another city as the Braves own their AAA franchise. And I don't think the Bragans were interested in not having a team at that time.
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on November 03, 2016, 03:19:13 PM
Only humbly submitted if you are Chad, who I am pretty sure designed that...
Yup, it's me.
I have a few issues with the new ownership/name change. To me Babby has no respect for the tradition and history of the team and Jacksonville itself. The new name totally disregards the long standing name and replaces it with what is already considered a joke. Yes, there has been a trend to rename teams something goofy, but to me it's shortsighted.
I also don't like the fact that he farmed out new logo design to a company in San Diego. Why? We have award winning agencies and freelancers here that could, pun intended, knock a logo out of the park.
Babby seems like a guy who gives two craps about Jacksonville.
Quote from: Snaketoz on November 04, 2016, 02:15:41 PM
I think there are too many people in Jacksonville who feel that everybody is trying to hose the city. Let's see what happens. This could be a good thing for the owner AND the city.
The city does not trust Ken Babby. He is young, not from Jax, no connection to Jax. He is a Baltimore-DC guy. That is where his roots and family is. Things take time. People didnt trust Khan when he first got to Jax and many still do not trust him. Why change the name? Why change the culture if its not for the better? Only time will tell if the Jumbo Shrimps are forever or if the Suns name returns. Just honor the history. All 7 Pennants need to be visible at the park. The team should wear SUNS Throwback jerseys sometimes. From what I remember the Suns was the top of Attendance in the Southern League and top 5 in all AA ball for some time. Not sure what the average attendance was last year, but I dont see why it would be lower than the past 10 year average. 1962-2016 thats a lot of seasons and people are just supposed to get over that? The Barons and the Suns were the top of the Southern League. At least when the other teams changed to the wacky daffy names it was after a move or relocation. The Suns are still in Jax. RED WHITE and Blue?? Every baseball team has those colors. Navy Blue and Sun Gold should have stayed. AHH this guy Ken Babby man....
I don't love the re-branding, but then again, I don't really care. Going to a Suns game was never about the Suns or the product on the field. It has always been a way to enjoy time with friends with some extra entertainment.
My guess is that this is also the case for the majority of spectators. So, if nobody takes the baseball seriously, then I think this the owner just doubling down on the entertainment factor.
Quote from: DrQue on November 04, 2016, 03:56:04 PM
I don't love the re-branding, but then again, I don't really care. Going to a Suns game was never about the Suns or the product on the field. It has always been a way to enjoy time with friends with some extra entertainment.
My guess is that this is also the case for the majority of spectators. So, if nobody takes the baseball seriously, then I think this the owner just doubling down on the entertainment factor.
Speak for yourself man. I went for the competition and pro baseball, which is what its always been PRO BASEBALL. Jax will never have a MLB team and there are enough of those already. Some may agree with your point of view, but many will not. The indifference you speak here to me thats one of Jacksonville biggest problems, people just dont care enough. Thats why things like JUMBO SHRIMPS happens to us. No one cares or everyone does not care.
Quote from: pierre on November 04, 2016, 02:44:29 PM
Quote from: Steve on November 04, 2016, 11:47:01 AM
It's really about getting an affiliate agreement with a AAA club. There's only 30 AAA teams, and those don't change every day.
Exactly. The only recent opportunity that would have remotely been possible is when the Braves moved their AAA franchise from Richmond to Gwinnett.
I doubt the Braves would have moved here in the first place.
And second, the Suns would have basically been forced to move to another city as the Braves own their AAA franchise. And I don't think the Bragans were interested in not having a team at that time.
This isn't quite right. Getting into AAA would require buying one of the AAA franchises, and then selling the current AA franchise. The owner could hang onto the existing Suns/Shrimp name and identity in the deal. The issue with the Gwinnett Braves is that the Atlanta Braves actually own the team. Others have independent owners.
Moving up would take a lot of coordination, but it certainly could be done. The main reason AAA teams don't move much is because only certain cities have or want to build big enough facilities. Jacksonville already has a AAA quality field. The Bragans obviously didn't ever want to do this. Perhaps Babby will be different.
To another point mentioned before, the quality of play isn't much different from AA to AAA. AA is more up and comers, while AAA is in large part major league reserves. However, attendance and resources are typically considerably higher in AAA. Hence, they tend to be in larger cities. In general it's a better fit for us and it's a shame the Bragans wouldn't do it.
The city and fans are lighting Ken Babby up on the official facebook page. WOW. Its like Jacksonville fans have become Philly fans. Some of these in your face comments are pretty rough. Im both impressed and a lil ashamed of the hostility presented here. Jacksonville has grown.
https://www.facebook.com/jaxshrimp/
Say what you will about the Suns name change...at least it's not nightmare inducing.
http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/an-mlb-minor-league-team-renamed-itself-the-baby-cakes-111516
(http://baby-cake-3.vadapt.664.high.41.jpg)
(http://a.fssta.com/content/dam/fsdigital/fscom/mlb/images/2016/11/15/baby-cake-3-1024x575.vadapt.664.high.47.png)
Real missed opportunity with their mascot:
(http://i40.tinypic.com/doxrh4.jpg)
(https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/baby-cakes-nola.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
I used to live in OKC and when our AAA team changed affiliation to the Dodgers, the name was changed from Redhawks to....wait for it...the Dodgers.
Also, to the previous comments about AA being better than AAA. Come on, no one is buying that non-sense. Not a single AA player has ever said, "I don't want to move up to AAA because that is a step down."
This all seems like a real life version of BASEketball
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fictional_sports_teams#BASEketball_teams
Dallas Felons.
Detroit Lemons.
Los Angeles Riots.
Miami Dealers.
Milwaukee Beers.
New Jersey Informants.
Roswell Aliens.
San Antonio Defenders....
Quote from: Kerry on November 16, 2016, 11:03:56 AM
I used to live in OKC and when our AAA team changed affiliation to the Dodgers, the name was changed from Redhawks to....wait for it...the Dodgers.
Also, to the previous comments about AA being better than AAA. Come on, no one is buying that non-sense. Not a single AA player has ever said, "I don't want to move up to AAA because that is a step down."
Actually AA baseball is better than AAA baseball. AAA is usually stocked with former major league players, major league players on the DL list rehabbing or career minor league players who are not good enough to make the major league teams. AA is usually stocked with the younger up and coming players that will skip the AAA level and go straight to the major league teams. In a general comparison of the two, AA has the better future talent of the major leagues rather than the no longer able to compete in the major league players of AAA. Don't let yourself be fooled because there is an extra A in the distinction that the league has more talent on the field.
I mean...at least the logo for the Babycakes isn't borderline copyright infringement...
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3555f29e0819d177716f7a79cfe97a84f4535e45cc53065c97f2c01decb7f775.jpg)
Once you see it, you can't unsee it. Sorry not sorry.
Go Jacksonville Trogdors!!
I'd be all for the Jacksonville Trogdors though!
Quote from: camarocane on November 17, 2016, 11:38:55 AM
I'd be all for the Jacksonville Trogdors though!
BURNINATING THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE!
A friend of mine just sent this to me. I'm sure requests of this song is currently burning up the switchboards of WAPE ::)
https://soundcloud.com/holden-mcneely/we-are-the-jumbo-shrimp
I have no words, but if you dare push me on that....
Catchy (get it?).
:-[
Makes my blood... boil... :)
Cool front-page story on ESPN right now about the Jumbo Shrimp outdrawing the Miami Marlins.
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23134000/miami-marlins-outdrawn-double-affiliate-jacksonville-jumbo-shrimp-wednesday-games
Quote from: KenFSU on April 12, 2018, 12:34:25 PM
Cool front-page story on ESPN right now about the Jumbo Shrimp outdrawing the Miami Marlins.
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23134000/miami-marlins-outdrawn-double-affiliate-jacksonville-jumbo-shrimp-wednesday-games
That is hilarious.
There's really no reason to go see the Marlins right now. MLB has screwed the fans over and over again. The team they're fielding this year might as well be the Jumbo Shrimp. I expect attendance to continue dropping.
Quote from: KenFSU on April 12, 2018, 12:34:25 PM
Cool front-page story on ESPN right now about the Jumbo Shrimp outdrawing the Miami Marlins.
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23134000/miami-marlins-outdrawn-double-affiliate-jacksonville-jumbo-shrimp-wednesday-games
Wow, that's not even an over-the-top Shrimps crowd.
I'm chairing the committee to move the Marlins to Jacksonville. It'll take me a little while to make that happen, but that's fine because we don't actually want them right this second.
I wonder what sort of attendance is needed for a MLB team to be sustainable? I think if the Shrimp were and MLB team they would see at least a 25% bump in attendance average.
Quote from: remc86007 on April 12, 2018, 04:34:36 PM
I wonder what sort of attendance is needed for a MLB team to be sustainable? I think if the Shrimp were and MLB team they would see at least a 25% bump in attendance average.
My guess is that you'd see a higher bump than that if the Shrimp were MLB.....but realistically we're probably a quarter (at minimum) of what it takes to sustain a MLB franchise. Remember, the 6,900 number was for their home opener on a beautiful Wednesday night. Realistically, a MLB team should draw at least 35k for their home opener (Which the Miami Marlins game was not)
Here's a reference: http://www.espn.com/mlb/attendance/_/year/2017
Don't use 2018 because the season is too young (plus some of the played game have been below 40 degrees....not exactly going to fill the park).
You really need to average 25k a game to make it work. Now, that's an average....you might get away with some 15-20k games on Tuesday evenings, but you have to then make up with it by having some 30-40k games on the weekends. Anything below that is really not long term sustainable.
Miami has two things going against them:
- Miami's new owner (Derek Jeter) gutted the team (think Hunter Harrison at CSX-style). The team wasn't even close to profitable. It was an interesting strategy because though he dumped payroll and will save expenses, no one wants to see this awful team.
- Miami previously reported tickets distributed. They now report tickets sold. This will inherently make attendance look lower. Many of the 20k a game the got last year were either free tickets or people that came dressed as Empty Seats.
Quote from: remc86007 on April 12, 2018, 04:34:36 PM
I wonder what sort of attendance is needed for a MLB team to be sustainable? I think if the Shrimp were and MLB team they would see at least a 25% bump in attendance average.
Even if they averaged 25 thou a night, had healthy season ticket sales, and sold out pricey PSLs in a renovated Baseball
Grounds the city entirely paid for it would be nearly impossible to have a MLB team in Jax (at least a compettitive one) without one of the current Florida MLB teams folding or moving.
That's because they need to have the backing of one of the regional sports cable networks. The problem is what bargaining power to get a sweetheart deal on Fox Sports Florida or Sun Sports would be harmed by the fact that airing a new Jacksonville team's games would take away from money and viewership of the team that channel is already airing in North Florida. And since both networks are owned by the same company forget any possibility of a meaningful bidding war between them to get the rights to your new team. And then theirs the rise of cord-cutters cutting into your potential revenues.
And what's not going down, the cost of star free agents. Bryce Harper will possibly be getting upwards of $400 million dollars next season and no amount of ticket and merch sales or even a year round entertainment district owned by the team which they city would have to pony up much of the money for could cover costs like that and field a competitive pro team.
Double A baseball will be fine. It's been here for over 50 years now.
Statistically, Jacksonville already overachieves as a city with one major professional sports franchise.
We'd need roughly two million more citizens, plus a ~40% boost in median household income, to sustainably add an NBA, NHL, or MLB team.
Quote from: KenFSU on April 12, 2018, 10:28:51 PM
Statistically, Jacksonville already overachieves as a city with one major professional sports franchise.
We'd need roughly two million more citizens, plus a ~40% boost in median household income, to sustainably add an NBA, NHL, or MLB team.
Not to mention, it's an awful lot easier to fill 75,000 seats eight times a year than it is to fill 30,000 seats 81 times a year.
5,300 in attendance at last night's Marlins game....
^Marlins to London, confirmed.
Quote from: KenFSU on April 13, 2018, 07:52:31 AM
^Marlins to London, confirmed.
LOL. Britons don't care for baseball. They think it's a women's game.
Quote from: Adam White on April 13, 2018, 07:56:51 AM
Quote from: KenFSU on April 13, 2018, 07:52:31 AM
^Marlins to London, confirmed.
LOL. Britons don't care for baseball. They think it's a women's game.
Yes, they much prefer manly sport, like bus-stoning and the like!
Quote from: TimmyB on April 13, 2018, 08:15:34 AM
Quote from: Adam White on April 13, 2018, 07:56:51 AM
Quote from: KenFSU on April 13, 2018, 07:52:31 AM
^Marlins to London, confirmed.
LOL. Britons don't care for baseball. They think it's a women's game.
Yes, they much prefer manly sport, like bus-stoning and the like!
Well, there is an actual sport called "rounders" which is primarily played by women (girls, mainly) and is basically baseball (with some minor differences).
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on April 12, 2018, 09:48:40 PM
Quote from: remc86007 on April 12, 2018, 04:34:36 PM
I wonder what sort of attendance is needed for a MLB team to be sustainable? I think if the Shrimp were and MLB team they would see at least a 25% bump in attendance average.
Even if they averaged 25 thou a night, had healthy season ticket sales, and sold out pricey PSLs in a renovated Baseball
Grounds the city entirely paid for it would be nearly impossible to have a MLB team in Jax (at least a compettitive one) without one of the current Florida MLB teams folding or moving.
That's because they need to have the backing of one of the regional sports cable networks. The problem is what bargaining power to get a sweetheart deal on Fox Sports Florida or Sun Sports would be harmed by the fact that airing a new Jacksonville team's games would take away from money and viewership of the team that channel is already airing in North Florida. And since both networks are owned by the same company forget any possibility of a meaningful bidding war between them to get the rights to your new team. And then theirs the rise of cord-cutters cutting into your potential revenues.
And what's not going down, the cost of star free agents. Bryce Harper will possibly be getting upwards of $400 million dollars next season and no amount of ticket and merch sales or even a year round entertainment district owned by the team which they city would have to pony up much of the money for could cover costs like that and field a competitive pro team.
Double A baseball will be fine. It's been here for over 50 years now.
Right on all fronts, but just because your franchise can't afford Bryce Harper doesn't mean you aren't viable. When he hits the free agent market next year there will only be, maybe, four teams who can afford him.
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on April 12, 2018, 09:48:40 PM
Quote from: remc86007 on April 12, 2018, 04:34:36 PM
I wonder what sort of attendance is needed for a MLB team to be sustainable? I think if the Shrimp were and MLB team they would see at least a 25% bump in attendance average.
Even if they averaged 25 thou a night, had healthy season ticket sales, and sold out pricey PSLs in a renovated Baseball
Grounds the city entirely paid for it would be nearly impossible to have a MLB team in Jax (at least a compettitive one) without one of the current Florida MLB teams folding or moving.
That's because they need to have the backing of one of the regional sports cable networks. The problem is what bargaining power to get a sweetheart deal on Fox Sports Florida or Sun Sports would be harmed by the fact that airing a new Jacksonville team's games would take away from money and viewership of the team that channel is already airing in North Florida. And since both networks are owned by the same company forget any possibility of a meaningful bidding war between them to get the rights to your new team. And then theirs the rise of cord-cutters cutting into your potential revenues.
And what's not going down, the cost of star free agents. Bryce Harper will possibly be getting upwards of $400 million dollars next season and no amount of ticket and merch sales or even a year round entertainment district owned by the team which they city would have to pony up much of the money for could cover costs like that and field a competitive pro team.
Double A baseball will be fine. It's been here for over 50 years now.
The TV thing is hugely important in Pro Sports today. It's one of the reasons that Jacksonville is blessed to have their one Major League team be football, where the TV deal is negotiated and held by the league itself. While the other sports have a deal for say, a national Sunday Night game, the primary TV deal is held by the team itself. Big Market teams have their own networks (Yankees have YES, Mets have SNY), where the smaller market teams (Royals) cobble together what they can.
An MLB team is considered failing if they average less than 18-20k per game. Our stadium holds 11k so we would definitely need a new one to make that possible. I don't think Jax could sustain a MLB team with downtown the way it currently is. We need many more people living downtown and many more Corporate entities downtown to make it feasible. Its not nearly as hard to get 60k fans to 7 home football games as it is to get 25k fans to 81 home baseball games.
AND, part of the draw of the Jumbo Shrimp is its good, clean, cheap fun. If they were an MLB team all that would go away to make way for $10 beers. I would rather have the Jumbo Shrimp than the Marlins any day.
I nice little article about the history of baseball in Jax...
https://coastaljax.com/culture/sports/a-brief-history-of-professional-baseball-in-jacksonville/
Highest attendance in a decade for the Shrimp/Suns this year.
The five biggest Southern League crowds of the year were all at the Baseball Grounds.
jacksonville.com/sports/20190828/jumbo-shrimp-overall--crowd-highest-since-2010
So, now that they are winning are you on board?
Quote from: KenFSU on November 02, 2016, 12:08:28 AM
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/mb/sports/suns-changing-name-to-jumbo-shrimp/346015121
Sorry for the language, but I repeat. Are you fucking kidding me?
A 50+ year Jacksonville tradition, flippantly tossed out the window.
Absolutely reckless and insane.