While no decision has been publicized as of yet, the speculation on the fate of the 2012 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees continues.
During last night’s Phillies viewing party (pix below) and although I didn’t expect to break any story, I searched diligently for anyone whose opinion would be noteworthy.
The first quote of the night, was: “If I did know, I wouldn’t tell you (giggle) – but I really don’t know” and that is the central theme at this point. It wasn’t personal – no one is talking – mainly because they just simply don’t know yet. In a recent e-mail exchange with Mr. Landes, he was kind enough to reply with a very polite “no comment” and understandably so.
I was able to conduct an informal, impromptu conversation with another IronPig’s insider to gain their perspective on some of the ideas that have been mentioned by Dan, Kram, Decal and others. Everyone seems to agree that money is certainly the central theme here, but there have been a number of other theories discussed that may effect the IronPig’s fans 2012 season at Coca-Cola Park.
While joking about the LHV Yankees, someone named Slim Too None was mentioned – not sure who he is (ha). Regardless, there is little likelihood of that happening for a myriad of reasons.
In a recent post Dan mentioned the wear and tear on the field and employee fatigue. I discovered in the past when SWB “borrowed” CCP in 2009 due to drainage issues, their employees traveled south. Unfortunately, not many fans would have realized they were there. Upon their arrival they were unfamiliar with CCP’s systems/procedures and wound up mostly just enjoying the game with the fans. We’ll have to keep an eye on this one and how it may effect the fan’s enjoyment of the 2012 season.
The discussion then turned to the dilution of the IronPig’s brand. The organization has spent untold time and money carefully crafting the brand to the point of number one attendance in all of MiLB. Would the Yankees marching into town in some way tarnish the IronPig’s sterling product?
The overall consensus seems that a home “away” opener on April 5 and 8 extra games would be mostly welcomed and not very taxing on the IronPigs, Yankees, or their respective fans. This would also result in a season long home stand of 11 consecutive games at the end of June through the beginning of July.
It’s been a fun ride speculating, debating and theorizing where this will all end up. I’m confident Mr. Mobley, Mr. Landes, the IronPigs, and the Yankees organization will do what’s best for the business. Hopefully, what’s best for the business will be best for the fans as well.
At the end of the night it was bittersweet to say one last goodbye to the good folks of CCP and spend one final evening of 2011 with old friends and even a few new ones.
Finally, I noticed one thing that sort of bothered me (which doesn’t happen often). I watched people who brought bags with them to carry home 12 boxes of popcorn – I know – I counted. Others were leaving with plates of pizza and bunches of hot dogs. Maybe in the future there will be a new rule – what’s cooked in CCP stays in CCP!
A few snaps of Phils Viewing Party 9/22/11
Cuuttt On and missed (the ticket)
One final view...
OinK On!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
It’s amazing what people do when there’s free food.
Maybe it was just me but even with the small turnout at the viewing party, I saw mostly unfamiliar faces. I think I only saw about 5 people I knew. It almost seemed like the season ticket holders who picked up tickets wound up giving them away. I left before 8 PM with a half empty box of popcorn and a partially consumed Coke that was mostly ice. I’m so tired of the ballpark food I stopped at the Brass Rail and bought hoagies before heading to CCP. No one seemed to mind that I took them in the ballpark with me. It was much more satisfying than the CCP pizza and red hot puppies.
(I wish there was a way to attach photos to a reply.)
Decal – if you upload an image to the blog then click the “img” button and add the link for photos in comments.
Testing.
If it works it’s a picture of the big crowd of season ticket holders at the Thursday night viewing party. If not, nevermind.
I think the people walking out with extra food is more a case of the concessions staff trying to give it away rather than throw it away. I remember at a viewing party last year toward the end of the night the concessioniers were begging us to take extra popcorn, pizza etc. Remember it is not always a case of greed. I personally would rather see the food go home with people than be tossed in the trash.
Good point D – hadn’t thought of that and I agree it’s surely much better than throwing it away. The particular people I noticed seemed to be doing this at the beginning of the night, perhaps that’s why I thought it odd.