This is another of my pet peeves about good things gone wrong. Right up there with the Bobblehead frenzy.
My official position:
Jersey auctions are a great thing. They raise money for a charity, add a little character to the uniforms and break up the monotony of a long season. Don’t get me wrong… I’m all for the idea.
What I don’t like, is how the people act during them. Some observations over time.
1. A clipboard being ripped out of a bidder’s hand mid-bid when the deadline was met. The clipboard cut his hand and the employee offered no remorse for their actions.
2. A 60+ yr old woman blocking the auction table with the skills of a Pro Bowl Tackle.
3. A person trying to get close to the table only to be pushed away by “observers.”
4. A child crying because the player’s jersey his parents bought didn’t deliver the jersey.
5. General panic, anger, pushing and shoving.
All of this over what? A theme jersey.. one of kind. Of a Triple A team for a player who will most likely be in town for only one year. They will not accrue value, not with the prices going from $2-500 each. Being that they are autographed, most will not wash them and even more likely never wear the jersey. Yes, I understand that the point is getting money to the charity but let’s examine the points above and how they relate to charity.
1 – Ok, this is just poor implementation. Soon after it happened there was a change and a “tablecloth” sweep method was applied. Poor judgement on that individual and an example of how “I was just following orders” doesn’t always apply.
2 – This is about greed. Straight selfish, immature greed. (Yes, I feel strongly about this) To stand and block another bidder from trying to donate to a charity is sad. Think about it, if someone outbids you.. bid higher. If they get it in before the deadline and you can’t get another bid in.. well good for the winner, try again next time. If you really HAVE to have the jersey… put a really high bid down so that no one will outbid you. Oh, your finances don’t allow you to spend more than $200 on a novelty item? YOU SHOULDN’T BE PARTICIPATING IF IT PLACES YOUR FINANCIAL WELL BEING IN JEOPARDY! This is about having fun and, most importantly, raising money for charity. It’s not a competition! It’s not a game! It has, however, become an obsession for some.
3 – Again, not being allowed close to the table. Let these people in. They want to participate too. Ok, there are some looky-loos who just want to see what the bids are.. “How DARE they step by my clipboard!?” you ask? Get real. This is FOR CHARITY!
4 – This is one of those double edged sword. No one wants to see a kid cry. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard it promised, but most of the time the players come out after the game to present the jersey to the auction winners. Sometimes they don’t. I can feel for both sides on this one. The kid wants to meet a player and the player just got done with what could have been 3+ hours of physical activity. They smell, they are tired and if the team lost their spirits are low. Some suggestions for those who wish to meet a player… say hello to them. They are people too. Get to know them. You would be surprised on who you run into out on the town (and not just at nightclubs). Be polite, say hello.. offer some encouragement to the team. These folks are not unapproachable. Keep in mind though, don’t be annoying. Would you want someone following you around your backyard with a sharpie while you’re mowing the lawn?
5 – The problem with all of this isn’t the auction, it isn’t the charity.. it’s the people. The “I want it now!” “I NEED it!” “I HAVE to have it!” mentality is just wrong. To fight and argue over something so insignificant is a sad addition to what I feel is an incredible fan base. I guess every group of people has that 10%.
Pointing out flaws without suggestions for improvement? Not today…
1. If sticking with the current Auction procedures… create a “Bidder’s only” lane. Get a few of those movie theater strap stands and block off an aisle. If you’re not physically in the act of bidding, out you go. Perhaps set the clipboards at an angle so others can see them from a distance. The blocking of bidders by others is a shameless and pathetic move intended to save money.
2. A friend recently attended a game with jersey auction at another park. What I feel a true silent auction was held to sell these jerseys for charity. Slips of paper with a line for name, phone address and bid amount were placed in front of a closed box. Bidders put their top bids on the slips and walked away. There was a time limit, not an inning limit. Say, 9:00pm sharp. Get a clock. Instead of worrying, wondering half watching the game and half watching the bid sheets there would be a countdown. Really, I like this idea. People will write down what they are willing to pay. Sure, it won’t induce a bidding war but I feel that a “Fear of the unknown” will prompt folks to bid more. How many times have you seen a jersey go for $200 and think to yourself, “I would have paid $250… darn, shoulda bid.”
Again, just my personal thoughts. I feel strongly about this and am seeking your views on the same. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean 🙂
OinK
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