Gary Armida's Blog
Kansas City seems like a lovely place. The setting of Kauffman Stadium is idyllic when it comes to watching a Baseball game. The recently renovated park is one of Baseball’s greatest cathedrals in that it blends some of the most modern amenities yet still holds all of that history. There is the Buck O’Neill seat, a special seat behind homeplate that was the legend’s seat when he attended games. Now, it is given out as a special honor. Mrs. Jackie Robinson sat in it last night. George Brett compiled his Hall of Fame career within those lines. Dan Quisenberry racked up saves while sidearming his way past hitters. Players like Frank White, Kevin Seitzer, Willie Wilson, Brett Saberhagen, and Mark Gubicza all upheld the dignity that came with being a Kansas City Royals player.
And even as the team couldn’t compete on financial grounds anymore--they did have the league’s highest payroll in 1994--fans stayed loyal. As losing season after losing season mounted, Kansas City kept its dignity. There were no paper bags or even anything that resembled a boycott. Then, Dayton Moore began to rebuild. The Royals have a great nucleus of young talent. If they can develop some of their own pitching, they will compete for the playoffs for the next decade.
As the franchise began to get healthy, the Royals began their refurb of Kauffman Stadium. They kept the character of it while adding things that all franchises need in a modern ballpark. For their efforts, they were awarded the 2012 All-Star Game. The midsummer classic is meant to be played in places like Kauffman Stadium. The people, the city, the stadium all add up to the perfect baseball experience.
It should’ve been perfect. Baseball, the nation’s great game should be played in the type of small town setting that writers use to craft the ideal baseball novel. But, human nature tends to ruin the ideal. It’s almost as if we don’t want things to be perfect. The people of Kansas City behaved the same way that the people of Arizona behaved last season. Kansas City--at least the people who showed up at Kauffman Stadium--showed a type of ignorance that clouds what truly lies beneath all of that disgusting behavior--a great fan base and an even better city.
It all started with the Home Run Derby. That is worth repeating here: It all started because of the Home Run Derby. As last season’s winner, Robinson Cano was selected as captain of the American League team. Cano selected a team of Jose Bautista, Mark Trumbo, and Prince Fielder to join him against the National League team. When first named captain, Cano had promised to take a Royals player. But, he instead elected to take the Major League homerun leader in Bautista, a player who hits them farther than most in Mark Trumbo, and a previous champion in Fielder. There wasn’t one argument against having one of those players.
For Cano’s correct change of mind, he was lustily booed during the introductions for the Derby. Ok, fans wanted to voice their displeasure for not being able to see Billy Butler is fine. It’s their right. But, then, it got worse. Cano came up and was booed loudly. With each failed homerun swing, the fans began to cheer, jeer, and do whatever other nasty thing to voice their displeasure for not seeing Billy Butler.
That’s the same Billy Butler who many Kansas City fans have opined will never be that good because he is “only” a doubles hitter. He’s a player who has hit at least 40 doubles in each of the last three seasons, but has failed to top 20 homeruns or a .469 slugging percentage. This season, he does have 16 home runs and is slugging .487. But, a home run hitter, he is not. It’s a bit ironic that the fans booed and behaved that classless over a very good player who isn’t a home run hitter. It is the Home Run Derby, right?
Many have the opinion that once a fan buys a ticket, that entitles him to be able to behave in any manner possible. That just doesn’t make sense. A ticket to a Broadway show does not entitle a patron to heckle for two straight hours. A ticket does not to the movies does not entitle someone to be able to talk all the way through the movie. Why does a ticket to a Baseball game give someone the right to act like a buffoon?
But, it was the Home Run Derby. Certainly the fans wouldn’t carry it over into the game. They did. Cano was booed at every move. Fans continued to chant Billy Butler’s name as Cano took his swings. Their actions seem petty and a result of a very insecure fan base. Yes, the Yankees will always be hated. But, to boo a player, especially a player who may be one of the top five in the entire sport who also has an unparalleled work ethic, is just small. It takes away from the supposedly knowledgeable fans who love and respect the game.
The fans seemed to redeem themselves when they paid tribute to Chipper Jones. Jones made his pinch hit appearance and was visibly emotional as the fans stood and cheered. In that moment, fans showed that reputed respect for the history of the sport. Chipper Jones has compiled a Hall of Fame career in an era that is forever stained. Yet, he has managed to keep his dignity and produce. Even at 40 years old, he is the central force in the Braves lineup. The fans did well.
That feeling quickly went away as reports came out that Cano’s family was harassed in the crowd and on their way to the bathroom. There was no violence, but Cano’s family, who were sporting replicas of his jersey, were shouted at, jeered, and treated rudely. All because of a Homerun Derby.
Somewhere we have lost a sense of morality when it comes to sports. Fans feel they have the right to treat athletes as less than human beings. They yell unimaginable things to men. These are men who have families just like us. These are men with relationship problems, family health problems, and the same daily struggles that we have. They make more money than us and they get to play a game that we wish we could play for a living, but they are human beings. Robinson Cano and his family were not treated as such.
That’s a shame as Cano is essentially what is right about the game. He came up as a natural talent, took it for granted, and failed. He then dedicated himself to the sport and has made himself one of the best players in the game. His work ethic and maturity should be celebrated. He plays the game hard. On a team full of stars and big contracts, he is the single most important player. He plays with a smile on his face, runs hard, and has grown into a mentor for younger players.
Instead, Kansas City fans chose to boo him. This is not a case of the media blowing something harmless out of proportion. The fans of Kansas City chose to jeer him. They chose to harass his family. Admittedly, these are not to represent all of Kansas City. But, these fans, on a National stage, showed a type of insecurity and lack of Baseball knowledge and appreciation that makes them look myopic in their view of the sports world. In a stadium where so much good has happened and in a place that housed Buck O’Neill--who would certainly not approve of the fans’ actions--it just seemed all wrong. The behavior of the fans stained the otherwise perfect performance of Kansas City as host of the All-Star Game.
Yet, twitter is littered with unapologetic Royals’ fans. Tweets range from, “I’m proud of our fans” to “I could care less about Robinson Cano’s work ethic”. Mob mentality can certainly cause people to do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do, but to be blind to the fact that they harassed a family, booed during the All-Star game over the Home Run derby, and booed a player who does things the right way makes the small town look...well...small. And, that is a shame.
# 2
Gary Armida @ Jul 11
Yeah, I can see how arguing for decorum, decency, and intelligence in fans can be embarrassing. FYI-- I loathe red wine. But, thanks for reading and responding.
# 3
inkcil @ Jul 11
Gary are you a Yankee's fan? Probably anybody with a Cano jersey on got heckled. Heckling is part of baseball. Bottom line is Cano should have picked Butler over Trumbo. Bautista stunk it up in the Home Run derby finals and in the All Star Game, but since he happens to lead the Majors in homers...Fielder is ultimately justified b/c he ended up winning the contest.
Cano didn't get bood b/c fans don't appreciated his work ethic, etc. He got booed for not picking up Butler in the derby, which was a jerk move since he "promised" to roll with a KC guy. If he had not made the "promise" he probably doesn't get booed.
Cano didn't get bood b/c fans don't appreciated his work ethic, etc. He got booed for not picking up Butler in the derby, which was a jerk move since he "promised" to roll with a KC guy. If he had not made the "promise" he probably doesn't get booed.
# 4
Gary Armida @ Jul 11
Fandom is irrelevant. I wrote a similar thing about Arizona getting on Fielder last year. Write all the time about how NY fans can be ridiculous.
Why would it be ok for anyone to be heckled because of a jersey choice?
Trumbo does have 22 home runs and is slugging .608. Pretty worthy.
I do agree that Cano should've shut his mouth and not promised. Led to all of this. Seems ridiculous that a home run derby selection led to this.
Why would it be ok for anyone to be heckled because of a jersey choice?
Trumbo does have 22 home runs and is slugging .608. Pretty worthy.
I do agree that Cano should've shut his mouth and not promised. Led to all of this. Seems ridiculous that a home run derby selection led to this.
# 5
BIG17EASY @ Jul 11
To compare Royals fans to a mob is pretty irresponsible. Sure, some fans harassed his family, which is inexcusable. But do you know how many people actually yelled at his family? There were more than 40,000 people there. It's reasonable to assume the number of people who yelled at Cano's family was less than 100. Even if it was 100, that's 0.25% of the people in attendance. Yet you condone all KC fans because of the actions of a tiny minority. Yes, it was wrong of them to act that way, but it's also wrong to blame the entire KC crowd for the actions of a few.
Fans have a right to boo Cano because he slighted their team. That's called loyalty, not disrespect for the game. When fans stop booing, it'll mean they've lost their passion for the game. That's when the game will die. So instead of wagging your finger at a fan base that shows passion after years of losing seasons, perhaps you should consider the fact that they're enduring their 27th straight season of watching their team miss the playoffs, yet they are fiercely loyal to the Royals.
Also, baseball is lowercase. Major League Baseball is uppercase. And home run is two words.
Fans have a right to boo Cano because he slighted their team. That's called loyalty, not disrespect for the game. When fans stop booing, it'll mean they've lost their passion for the game. That's when the game will die. So instead of wagging your finger at a fan base that shows passion after years of losing seasons, perhaps you should consider the fact that they're enduring their 27th straight season of watching their team miss the playoffs, yet they are fiercely loyal to the Royals.
Also, baseball is lowercase. Major League Baseball is uppercase. And home run is two words.
# 6
huntt26 @ Jul 11
I thought the Royals fans made for good TV, and didn't see any issue with what they were doing. They were just having a good time and didn't hurt anyone. I understand what you're trying to say in the article though - no worries.
# 7
Gary Armida @ Jul 11
I'd ordinarily go into an entire grammar lesson about when something like Major League Baseball is inferred therefore using a capiltal b is appropriate. But, no need. And, I'd say that I acknowledged that the fan base is great and loyal right away and throughout. But no need as those points are skipped. And, I'd say that it doesn't matter how many fans harassed his family because even one is too many. But no need because nobody wants to see it. And, I'd say booing does equal passion. Sticking with your team despite 20 years of losing is passion. But no need.
And, I'd point out that I said that it was a portion of the fans and not all KC fans but that's ok. And, I'd point out that condone is the absolute wrong word choice there because you meant condemn but that would just be flat out rude and show that I have no argument for your points. But, that's just me.
As always, I appreciate the read and discussion. It's what makes Baseball such a great sport and writing about it so great.
And, I'd point out that I said that it was a portion of the fans and not all KC fans but that's ok. And, I'd point out that condone is the absolute wrong word choice there because you meant condemn but that would just be flat out rude and show that I have no argument for your points. But, that's just me.
As always, I appreciate the read and discussion. It's what makes Baseball such a great sport and writing about it so great.
# 10
Vikefan24 @ Jul 11
So you'd write a lengthy article if ONE fan had said something here? because you and I both know(assuming you follow sports) that there isn't one fanbase in the entirety of baseball that wouldn't have said something to his wife if she was in the stands amongst home fans and she was wearing his jersey and was easily identified as his wife..
It doesn't really matter that you praised them as being great/loyal when the rest of your article is about how unintelligent and crappy they are.. It's like saying "no offense by I hate you because you're gay.. but don't be bothered by that, I said 'no offense'"..
It doesn't really matter that you praised them as being great/loyal when the rest of your article is about how unintelligent and crappy they are.. It's like saying "no offense by I hate you because you're gay.. but don't be bothered by that, I said 'no offense'"..
# 12
Gary Armida @ Jul 12
Actually, I wrote a pretty long piece for a site that is no longer around or else I'd link to it when a few NY fans got all over Cliff Lee's wife during the World Series. It was only a few fans who really got into her--even Lee said it during his press conference. I've always been in the minority with this and expected no less when I hit the publish button on this.
Your analogy doesn't work though. I believe you can acknowledge the good while also taking the bad to task. Most Kansas City fans are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and dignified. But, those people in the stands for the past two days unfortunately didn't act anything close to what they've done since the Royals have been in town. Their behavior was terrible and immature.
We act like these things aren't a big deal, but when do they become a big deal? Is it only bad when supposed team loyalty leads to the crazy behavior like beating up an opposing fan in a parking lot? Fans yelling and harassing a player's family isn't the same thing by any means, but why is any of it necessary? It's, in my mind--coming from a guy who has attended so many games I can't count them---it's just low class behavior. It doesn't mean that everyone in KC is like that, but those fans didn't give a great impression.
Your analogy doesn't work though. I believe you can acknowledge the good while also taking the bad to task. Most Kansas City fans are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and dignified. But, those people in the stands for the past two days unfortunately didn't act anything close to what they've done since the Royals have been in town. Their behavior was terrible and immature.
We act like these things aren't a big deal, but when do they become a big deal? Is it only bad when supposed team loyalty leads to the crazy behavior like beating up an opposing fan in a parking lot? Fans yelling and harassing a player's family isn't the same thing by any means, but why is any of it necessary? It's, in my mind--coming from a guy who has attended so many games I can't count them---it's just low class behavior. It doesn't mean that everyone in KC is like that, but those fans didn't give a great impression.
# 13
BIG17EASY @ Jul 12
The correct way to refer to Major League Baseball in a shortened sense is MLB, not Baseball. Yes, I meant condemn rather than condone. I appreciate your sarcasm and ability to take criticism. I think the reaction of every single person who has commented so far speaks for the quality of your work. Good luck.
# 14
Gary Armida @ Jul 12
So quality of work has to do with whether or not you agree with a position? I've been at this for quite some time: criticism comes with the territory. I relish it actually. It's the only way to improve. But, the best part of new media is that there are no walls. Writers can interact with readers. It's what makes this so great. So, if my returned sarcasm offended, I apologize.
# 15
brettford @ Jul 12
Look I am from KC. Here is the reality. This fanbase has endured one of the worst stretches in professional sports. We aren't good. We never make the playoffs. We don't have the history, success, or payroll of the Yankees....and we likely never will. We don't have a lot to cheer for when it comes to KC baseball.
Getting to host the All Star game in KC was a big deal for us. Sure the game is kind of a joke now. But the city has been preparing for this game for months. Did you notice how even the Celebrity softball game was sold out?! The energy at Kauffman was electric and probably 90% of the fans were from KC.
Is Billy Butler the next Ken Griffey Jr? Of course not. He is a pretty good hitter who made his Royal debut 5 years ago at 21 years old and is good for ~15 HRs a year. This year he has had a mini break out and is on pace for ~30 HRs.
Maybe 30 HRs doesn't light up the newspapers in NYC, but it's been exciting to watch for a fanbase that can't afford a lineup of power hitters. Especially for a player who is loved by the community and is already a veteran on a team at an age where most players are just reaching the bigs.
People who were at the HR derby said it was the most exciting atmosphere they had seen at Kauffman in decades. Imagine how much more excitement there would have been with the hometown guy and his (new found power) in the derby. As you said, Cano said he would pick a Royal to be on the team. Then he didn't.
Here comes the big bad Yankee, who will end up in the playoffs yet again this year, who will get all the coverage and headlines on ESPN yet again this year. And he goes ahead and ignores all the fans who are hosting this party. Of course there are guys out there who are probably better home run hitters. BUT THIS IS THE HOME RUN DERBY!!! It’s stupid! It’s for fun! It’s pure entertainment!
The captains don’t need to whip out the sabermetrics and analyze park dimensions and endure a rigorous analysis to ensure the AL “team” can beat the NL “team”. IT’S FOR FUN! Throw the fans a bone and pick a Royal like you said you would. We haven’t hosted an All Star game in like 40 years. We probably won’t host one for another 40.
Cano should have done the right thing. But he didn’t. Now I’m not going to say Cano was “classless”. He likely just didn’t know any better.
The fans booing Cano. The airplane carrying the sign that said “Cano you blew it”. The way the boos grew louder with each pitch. The way the cheers kept building and building as he would foul one off. The fact that the crowd was actually in his head! The realization that the same guy who wow’d everyone at last year’s derby might actually go homerless!
It was hilarious. And it was awesome. And it was a totally sweet moment for KC baseball fans starved of memorable baseball. I’m pretty sure Cano will be able to recover from such a “traumatic” experience. I’m pretty sure he won’t spend too much time thinking about KC the rest of his career.
Probably the best part of all of this is the self righteous indignation of all the NY fans and national media. So wildly out of touch it is stunning.
Getting to host the All Star game in KC was a big deal for us. Sure the game is kind of a joke now. But the city has been preparing for this game for months. Did you notice how even the Celebrity softball game was sold out?! The energy at Kauffman was electric and probably 90% of the fans were from KC.
Is Billy Butler the next Ken Griffey Jr? Of course not. He is a pretty good hitter who made his Royal debut 5 years ago at 21 years old and is good for ~15 HRs a year. This year he has had a mini break out and is on pace for ~30 HRs.
Maybe 30 HRs doesn't light up the newspapers in NYC, but it's been exciting to watch for a fanbase that can't afford a lineup of power hitters. Especially for a player who is loved by the community and is already a veteran on a team at an age where most players are just reaching the bigs.
People who were at the HR derby said it was the most exciting atmosphere they had seen at Kauffman in decades. Imagine how much more excitement there would have been with the hometown guy and his (new found power) in the derby. As you said, Cano said he would pick a Royal to be on the team. Then he didn't.
Here comes the big bad Yankee, who will end up in the playoffs yet again this year, who will get all the coverage and headlines on ESPN yet again this year. And he goes ahead and ignores all the fans who are hosting this party. Of course there are guys out there who are probably better home run hitters. BUT THIS IS THE HOME RUN DERBY!!! It’s stupid! It’s for fun! It’s pure entertainment!
The captains don’t need to whip out the sabermetrics and analyze park dimensions and endure a rigorous analysis to ensure the AL “team” can beat the NL “team”. IT’S FOR FUN! Throw the fans a bone and pick a Royal like you said you would. We haven’t hosted an All Star game in like 40 years. We probably won’t host one for another 40.
Cano should have done the right thing. But he didn’t. Now I’m not going to say Cano was “classless”. He likely just didn’t know any better.
The fans booing Cano. The airplane carrying the sign that said “Cano you blew it”. The way the boos grew louder with each pitch. The way the cheers kept building and building as he would foul one off. The fact that the crowd was actually in his head! The realization that the same guy who wow’d everyone at last year’s derby might actually go homerless!
It was hilarious. And it was awesome. And it was a totally sweet moment for KC baseball fans starved of memorable baseball. I’m pretty sure Cano will be able to recover from such a “traumatic” experience. I’m pretty sure he won’t spend too much time thinking about KC the rest of his career.
Probably the best part of all of this is the self righteous indignation of all the NY fans and national media. So wildly out of touch it is stunning.
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Booing him doesn't mean they don't understand or respect that game of baseball.. Were you being serious here? This was clearly written by a Yankee fan who probably had one too many glasses of red wine.. It's unfortunate you typed all that when you could have just gone to youtube and said LEAVE ROBINSON ALONE like the Britney Spears fan, because that's how this read..