Author:
Oak Lawn Guy
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Date Posted: 14:39:07 09/22/03 Mon
It appears that Chuck would not be retained if the club were sold, according to the originally posted story. In fact it looks like Rhomberg is already moving here to step into the GM spot. And that's the worst part of the whole thing, that Chuck Heeman has to pay for ownership's mistakes. His efforts and those of his staff made coming to the park a lot more pleasant than it could have been. If your boss is not going to put money and time and thought into the franchise, how much can you really do?
That said, this team needs an infusion of new blood. The non-baseball aspects of attending a game have gone downhill over the last 2-3 years. It is apparent that Arch cannot work with Crestwood and as long as that situation persists, the team will remain moribund. Let's face it, attendance is down two years in a row now. There is no reason that other teams within major metro areas like St. Louis should outdraw the Cheetahs, and outdraw them by substantial numbers. In fact there is no reason that Rockford should outclass the Cheetahs in attendance numbers, especially considering the location of their park (Marinelli Field).
Pat O'Malley is a long time politician who knows the value of publicity and giving the people what they want. The involvement of the Stranczeks can only help this cause, they want people to come to Crestwood and visit their park, and they want people to do this more than just once or twice a summer.
I don't see the area kids involved in the team or the games much anymore, except for the skills challenge that the Star sponsors every year. I feel that the new owners would encourage that involvement.
This is a quality product and a tremendous value. Kane County is at least an hour's drive for many of us, and outside the first round draft picks, the level of play is not much different. The Jackhammers play a slightly higher level of baseball, featuring ex-pro players who spent considerable time in the ranks, but they too aren't that close. And I don't know anyone that relishes driving to Gary. I can get to The Hawk in 15 minutes from Oak Lawn and the trip is a lot quicker from other suburbs.
Personally I am all for new ownership. Sure they would have to prove to me, the consumer, that they mean business. They need to show that they are interested in producing a good product at a good price, for the good fans of the Southland. And they would need to start this winter. But a change is needed, and it's needed before this team is left in the dust of the Frontier League, and forced to move. You'd think a Chicago area team wouldn't fail, but the Cheetahs are on the brink of doing just that.
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