Brownian Motion Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 . This article can be found on the web at http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060619/zirin Southpaw by Dave Zirin The Rockies Pitch Religion [posted online on June 2, 2006] In Colorado, there stands a holy shrine called Coors Field. On this site, named for the holiest of beers, a team plays that has been chosen by Jesus Christ himself to play .500 baseball in the National League West. And if you don't believe me, just ask the manager, the general manager and the team's owner. In a remarkable article from Wednesday's USA Today, the Colorado Rockies went public with the news that the organization has been explicitly looking for players with "character." And according to the Tribe of Coors, "character" means accepting Jesus Christ as your personal lord and savior. "We're nervous, to be honest with you," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "It's the first time we ever talked about these issues publicly. The last thing we want to do is offend anyone because of our beliefs." When people are nervous that they will offend you with their beliefs, it's usually because their beliefs are offensive. As Rockies chairman and CEO Charlie Monfort said, "We had to go to hell and back to know where the Holy Grail is. We went through a tough time and took a lot of arrows." Club president Keli McGregor chimed in, "Who knows where we go from here? The ability to handle success will be a big part of the story, too. [Note to McGregor: You're in fourth place.] There will be distractions. There will be things that can change people. But we truly do have something going on here. And [God's] using us in a powerful way." Well, someone is using somebody, but it ain't God. San Francisco Giants first baseman-outfielder Mark Sweeney, who spent 2003 and 2004 with the Rockies, said, "You wonder if some people are going along with it just to keep their jobs. Look, I pray every day. I have faith. It's always been part of my life. But I don't want something forced on me. Do they really have to check to see whether I have a Playboy in my locker?" Then there is manager Clint Hurdle and GM O'Dowd. Hurdle, who has guided the team to a Philistine 302-376 record since 2002, as well as fourth or fifth place finishes every year, was rewarded with a 2007 contract extension in the off-season. Hurdle also claims he became a Christian three years ago and says, "We're not going to hide it. We're not going to deny it. This is who we are." O'Dowd, who also received a contract extension, believes that their 27-26 2006 record has resulted from the active intervention of the Almighty. "You look at things that have happened to us this year. You look at some of the moves we made and didn't make. You look at some of the games we're winning. Those aren't just a coincidence. God has definitely had a hand in this." Or maybe the management that prays together gets paid together. O'Dowd and company bend over backward in the article to say they are "tolerant" of other views on the club, but that's contradicted by statements like this from CEO Monfort: "I don't want to offend anyone, but I think character-wise we're stronger than anyone in baseball. Christians, and what they've endured, are some of the strongest people in baseball. I believe God sends signs, and we're seeing those." Assumedly, Shawn Green (Jew), Ichiro Suzuki (Shinto) or any of the godless players from Cuba don't have the "character" Monfort is looking for. Also, there are only two African-American players on the Rockies active roster. Is this because Monfort doesn't think black players have character? Does the organization endorse the statement of its stadium's namesake, William Coors, who told a group of black businessmen in 1984 that Africans "lack the intellectual capacity to succeed, and it's taking them down the tubes"? These are admittedly difficult questions. But these are the questions that need to be posed when the wafting odor of discrimination clouds the air. Then there are the fans. I spoke with journalist Tom Krattenmaker, who has studied the connection between religion and sports. Krattenmaker said, "I have concerns about what this Christianization of the Rockies means for the community that supports the team in and around Denver--a community in which evangelical Christians are probably a minority, albeit a large and influential one. Taxpayers and ticket-buyers in a religiously diverse community have a right not to see their team--a quasi-public resource--used for the purpose of advancing a specific form of religion. Have the Colorado Rockies become a faith-based organization? This can be particularly problematic when the religion in question is one that makes exclusive claims and sometimes denigrates the validity of other belief systems." You might think MLB Commissioner Bud Selig would have something stirring to say about this issue. But Selig, who hasn't actually registered a pulse since 1994, only said meekly, "They have to do what they feel is right." It's not surprising that Selig would play it soft. First and foremost, Bud's First Commandment is "Thou Shalt Not Criticize the Owners. Second, Selig and Major League Baseball this year are experimenting for the first time with Faith Days at the Park. As if last season's Military Appreciation Nights weren't enough, the New York Times reported yesterday that this summer "religious promotions will hit Major League Baseball. The Atlanta Braves are planning three Faith Days this season, the Arizona Diamondbacks one. The Florida Marlins have tentatively scheduled a Faith Night for September." These religious promotions are attractive to owners because they leverage a market of evangelical Christians who are accustomed to mass worship in stadiums at events staged by sports-driven proselytizers like Promise Keepers and Athletes in Action. As part of the MLB promotion, the Times reports, "local churches will get discounted tickets to family-friendly evenings of music and sports with a Christian theme. And in return, they mobilize their vast infrastructure of e-mail and phone lists, youth programs and chaperones, and of course their bus fleets, to help fill the stands." At one of the Faith Days in Atlanta, the team will sell special vouchers. After the game, the stands will be cleared and then only those with the specially purchased vouchers will be re-admitted. Those lucky chosen "will be treated to an hour and a half of Christian music and a testimonial from the ace pitcher John Smoltz." Smoltz is the player who in 2004 opined on gay marriage to the Associated Press, saying, "What's next? Marrying an animal?" Good times for the whole family. The Rockies right now are a noxious reflection of a time in US history when generals speak of crusades and the President recounts his personal conversations with Yahweh. ("You're doing a heckuva job, Goddy!") If Monfort, O'Dowd and Hurdle want to pray on their own time, more power to them. But the ballpark isn't a church. Smoltz isn't a preacher. And fans aren't a flock. Instead of using their position of commercial power to field a God Squad, the Rockies might want to think about getting some decent players. There was once this guy named Babe Ruth. Not too much for the religion, and his character was less than sterling. But I hear he could play some decent ball. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Gould Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 Why this means you should boycott baseball as opposed to rooting against the Rockies is beyond me. Or do you find "Faith Days" at the park that offensive? BTW, a baseball team isn't a "quasi-public resource". Its a private organization that can make decisions based on whatever criteria they choose. And the local population can decide to support them or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Alfredson Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 BTW, a baseball team isn't a "quasi-public resource". Its a private organization that can make decisions based on whatever criteria they choose. And the local population can decide to support them or not. Really? So how much public taxpayer's money goes into those stadiums anyway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Alfredson Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 A quick google search answers my own question: Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies team, has turned out to be a great deal for baseball fans like me. But for Colorado taxpayers, it's been lousy. During the campaign for a taxpayer-subsidized baseball stadium, voters were promised that the stadium would be the best in baseball. And that promise was kept. The stadium is beautiful inside and out. It is a delightful place to watch a ballgame. As a season ticket holder, I love it. Unfortunately, all the promises made to the taxpayers failed to come true. Voters were promised that the private sector would pay 30 percent of stadium construction costs. Voters said yes. But taxpayers ended up with the entire $156 million cost; the team ownership didn't pay a penny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7/4 Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 That's evil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 (edited) BTW, a baseball team isn't a "quasi-public resource". Its a private organization that can make decisions based on whatever criteria they choose. And the local population can decide to support them or not. Really? So how much public taxpayer's money goes into those stadiums anyway? Don't get me started. Ameriquest Field used to be called The Ballpark in Arlington in honor of those of us who footed a huge chunk of that bill. (note tense) Edited June 6, 2006 by Big Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 Y'know, a part of me wonders if this isn't just some sort of hoax perpetrated because of today's date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7/4 Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 Y'know, a part of me wonders if this isn't just some sort of hoax perpetrated because of today's date. but... [posted online on June 2, 2006] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 Y'know, a part of me wonders if this isn't just some sort of hoax perpetrated because of today's date. but... [posted online on June 2, 2006] oops. Missed that part. My bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Gould Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 BTW, a baseball team isn't a "quasi-public resource". Its a private organization that can make decisions based on whatever criteria they choose. And the local population can decide to support them or not. Really? So how much public taxpayer's money goes into those stadiums anyway? Regardless of how much money may be put into a stadium, it doesn't make a baseball team a "quasi-public resource". Its a private business, run by its owners in the way they see fit. Doesn't matter a whit that they con a state or local government authority into building them a stadium. Or were you under the impression that Chrysler became a "quasi-public resource" when it was bailed out? Or does any other corporation receiving "corporate welfare" become a "quasi-public resource"???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Berger Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 shrug I guess I'd be annoyed if I lived in CO or was a Rockies fan. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSngry Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 http://the-light.com/mens/samson/4/samson.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brownian Motion Posted June 6, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 http://the-light.com/mens/samson/4/samson.html One of Fletcher Henderson's best recordings--"The House of David Blues". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Wheel Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 (edited) Somewhat OT, but two great articles on the baseball-team-as-public-shakedown-machine phenomenon can be found here: http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/...nd-get-over-it/ http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/dumb-and-dumber/ An excerpt: What Bud and the owners say: “The Yankees and Red Sox payrolls make it impossible for other teams to compete." What they mean: “We need more free money.” What Bud and the owners say: “Our small markets need faith and hope.” What they mean: “We need more free money.” What Bud and the owners say: “A new stadium is vital to make [insert team name] a viable franchise.” What they mean: “We need more free money.” What Bud and the owners say: “Salaries are out of control.” What they mean: “We need more free money.” What Bud and the owners say: “Competitive balance is something we‘re striving to achieve.” What they mean: “We need more free money.” What Bud and the owners say: “We lost several million dollars this year.” What they mean: “We need more free money.” (Via Lawyers, Guns, and Money.) Edited June 6, 2006 by Big Wheel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Alfredson Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 BTW, a baseball team isn't a "quasi-public resource". Its a private organization that can make decisions based on whatever criteria they choose. And the local population can decide to support them or not. Really? So how much public taxpayer's money goes into those stadiums anyway? Regardless of how much money may be put into a stadium, it doesn't make a baseball team a "quasi-public resource". Its a private business, run by its owners in the way they see fit. Doesn't matter a whit that they con a state or local government authority into building them a stadium. If my hard earned tax dollars went into building a $160,000,000+ stadium, I might disagree. But then again, who cares? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonF Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 Hurdle and O'Dowd are stinking up the joint and this is most definitely an embarrassment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quincy Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 I must say I've never cared for the Padres or the Angels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzmoose Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 I have no problem with Jesus being an important part of the ballclub. Mind you, I always preferred Felipe, but whatever... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7/4 Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 I have no problem with Jesus being an important part of the ballclub. Mind you, I always preferred Felipe, but whatever... Where's the guy who says, "Jazzmoose, Jazzmoose"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BERIGAN Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 (edited) If my hard earned tax dollars went into building a $160,000,000+ stadium, I might disagree. But then again, who cares? Brownian Motion! He's gonna boycott baseball because of what one team does.(Don't tell him that Bonds, McGuire, and Sosa are/were chuck full of steroids, it would crush him! ) Of course, to win in that thin air, the Rockies would need Jesus on their side.... Edited June 7, 2006 by BERIGAN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzypaul Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 Shouldn't this be in the politics forum? Religion, tax dollars, etc... That said, this is one thing I really hate about liberals, even as I see myself becoming more and more of one: animosity towards religion. Wait, strike that. Animosity towards Christianity. The tone of this article is flat out ridiculous. Brownian's claim that such a team would make him boycott baseball, even moreso. Simply said, there's no need for it. Yes, it's a ridiculous premise. The team's goal should be nothing short of winning. If you win with a bench full of Mickey Mantles, then you do so. As a White Sox fan, I could care less about the personal lives of the team members. Just win. That's all I ask. However, to call Christianity offensive IS offensive. Does Christianity call for a very specific way to live one's life? Absolutely. But, so does every other major religion. Judaism, Islam, (real) Buddhism, Hinduism, all of these expect its adherents to live life in a certain way. So, when I see this... Have the Colorado Rockies become a faith-based organization? This can be particularly problematic when the religion in question is one that makes exclusive claims and sometimes denigrates the validity of other belief systems." I have to think, "gee, does this guy know anything about religion at all? In other words, if The Nation was that concerned about the situation, then by all means, they should write an article. But it does not have to be an article that condescends and is offensive to me and my faith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzmoose Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 I have to think, "gee, does this guy know anything about religion at all? Yeah, I was shocked to discover that Christianity makes exclusive claims. Really stands out like a sore thumb among all the other religions... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzmoose Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 Speaking seriously for a moment, I have to agree with it being an issue. It isn't just one club; check the part of the story about "faith days" with the Braves and the Diamondbacks. Even that doesn't bother me; heck, it can replace the long missing "ladies night" or something. But this turning the ballpark into a revival meeting after the game does kind of rub me the wrong way. I won't be joining the boycott, though, as I haven't been back to the ballpark since the strike in '94 or whenever it was... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheldonm Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 Shouldn't this be in the politics forum? Religion, tax dollars, etc... That said, this is one thing I really hate about liberals, even as I see myself becoming more and more of one: animosity towards religion. Wait, strike that. Animosity towards Christianity. The tone of this article is flat out ridiculous. Brownian's claim that such a team would make him boycott baseball, even moreso. Simply said, there's no need for it. Yes, it's a ridiculous premise. The team's goal should be nothing short of winning. If you win with a bench full of Mickey Mantles, then you do so. As a White Sox fan, I could care less about the personal lives of the team members. Just win. That's all I ask. However, to call Christianity offensive IS offensive. Does Christianity call for a very specific way to live one's life? Absolutely. But, so does every other major religion. Judaism, Islam, (real) Buddhism, Hinduism, all of these expect its adherents to live life in a certain way. So, when I see this... Have the Colorado Rockies become a faith-based organization? This can be particularly problematic when the religion in question is one that makes exclusive claims and sometimes denigrates the validity of other belief systems." I have to think, "gee, does this guy know anything about religion at all? In other words, if The Nation was that concerned about the situation, then by all means, they should write an article. But it does not have to be an article that condescends and is offensive to me and my faith. ...while I'm certainly not a bible thumper and stay away from religious fueds, I agree with this statement 100%! I've probably seen more Christian bashing on this board than anywhere other than Iraq !!! That said, I come here for the jazz!!! m~ m~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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