My night out with the Grizzlies
Over the past week, I’ve read stories in the Fresno Bee about the Fresno Grizzlies’ financial woes. I’m not going to weigh in on the baseball team’s fiscal problems or the city’s attempts to help them – but after attending my first Grizzlies game last Friday night, I do have a couple observations regarding the spectator experience…
1. Ballpark food is meant to be greasy, I know. But even at a ballpark, I don’t think your French fries are supposed to be swimming in oil. My baseball companion and I shared an order of fries during the game, and I honestly think the concessions people forgot to drain the oil from the fries. Gross!
2. For last Friday night’s game, BCT Consulting, Inc., a local computer and network consulting firm, partnered with the Grizzlies and the Healthy Marriage Coalition of Fresno and Madera counties to present “Celebrate Marriage Night” at Chuckchansi Park. Was this a political statement on behalf of the baseball team? 
3. OK, so I sometimes get distracted during baseball games. At one point, I looked up and saw the Grizzlies’ mascot, Parker, running around with a toilet seat. Maybe this has some baseball significance… or maybe it was a commentary on the team’s financial state?
All that being said, I actually had a delightful night at Chukchansi Park. I hope to go back very soon! (I’ll just be sure not to order any more French fries.)
#1 – That’s not normally how it’s done in my experience. I do agree — should be greasy but I have yet to see fries swimming in grease so I think you had a one-off experience.
#2 – As to the sponsorship of Healthy Marriage — The Grizzlies I believe (not a spokesman, a fan just like you with good ties to insiders) plan out their agenda well in advance and I believe this one was no exception. I don’t think it was political at all and it wasn’t intended to be. Contact Scott Carter if you need or desire a better answer.
#3 – The Grizzlies financial health is hardly dire. The Grizzlies are known for coming up with themes/events that’re out of the norm — the ‘Toilet Seat Brigade’ being one of them. You probably won’t see that — among other things — at another baseball game. It’s pretty unique to have rallies and the Toilet Seat brigade was here before anything else.
As to seeing you at Chukchansi — hope to see there!
Steve Ryan
3 Aug 09 at 2:30 pm
Never had a bad experience with food at a Grizzlies game – ok, maybe with a burrito once, but maybe I ordered wrong – besides them running out of food early on busy games. Word to the wise, if it is a sell out, get in line for food by the 2nd inning or you might not get any.
Like Steve said, the Grizzlies are nationally known for quirky, and downright fabulous things happening at games – search the Drag Kings and you’ll see what I mean.
Finances are tough everywhere, “it’s the economy, stupid,” but the Grizzlies will be fine.
It seems unprofessional to “report” via ad hominem attacks though. If you don’t like baseball, just say so, and don’t go.
Brian Baker
5 Aug 09 at 10:02 am