The Tears of a Clown

The hoi polloi were out in force at the old ball yard last evening. Though the Yankees and Giants match up has lost most of its cachet (its sashay too, I imagine), there was a certain air of nostalgia hovering over the scene. The Giants and the Yankees are old school icons in a world where people believe naming teams after fish is cutting edge. While the Yankees will undoubtedly make some sort of splashy trade next month and climb into contention, the Giants may be experiencing the last weekend of the season where PACSBCAT&T Park is the hot spot for the elite to meet and greet. The All Star Game will draw the glitterati but that's not the same thing as trying to draw 8 thousand paying customers when the Pirates come to town. We live in ephemeral times. The next big thing is always just around the corner, except for the Giants who's last big thing happened before Elvis came along.

Billy Crystal and Robin Williams were there last night and I believe they showed up because they are actual baseball fans. I like that trait in people. Baseball is good. Crystal lives in NY so we probably won't see much more of him but I suspect Williams will be back. The Giants disease ravages the rich and famous too. These next few months will separate the hardcore wheat from the "I am only showing up because it's trendy" chaff. This will be a tough slog for the faithful but the faithful have to show up. If not, they simply confirm Magowan's long term claim that his fan base will jump ship at the sight of players they don't know well. Magowan doesn't think much of Bay Area fans, but I do. He says you will never stand for a rebuild. I think that is insulting as hell. I realize Mags is in fear of the leg breakers at Chase and waking up to Lou Seal's severed melon in your bed is down right scary but here's hoping he finally sees the value in building a self sustaining system that doesn't rely on recognizable players, years past their prime, just to soak you for a few extra shekels. It's been proven conclusively that Giants fans have a long attention span. The true believers just don't go away. Mags will lose the casual fringe by rebuilding with some hungry young players but the Lunatic Fringe isn't going anywhere. Stars are entertaining but so is winning. Why don't we shoot for that.