51s’ fans, players ‘strike’ accord

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002 | 9:03 a.m.

Two days from now, major league baseball parks will be empty if the players go through with their purported strike.

But at Cashman Field, games will continue as usual, because the strike won't affect the minor leagues.

On the night of possibly the ninth work stoppage in major league history, the 51s will open a four-game series against Sacramento at 7:10 p.m.

"I'll definitely be here," 11-year 51s season ticket holder Marc Rothman said. "These guys still want to play baseball down here.

"They're trying to get to the big leagues. I think it's (the strike) terrible. There's enough money in the sport for everyone to be happy. I'm sure a lot of these guys would play for less money if they could get to the big leagues."

In the clubhouse before the 51s' 6-5 victory over the Nashville Sounds Tuesday night, players nonchalantly mulled the possibility of a strike.

"I don't think it's going to happen," 51s infielder Jeff Branson said while playing cards. "I know it doesn't need to happen."

Branson was with the Cincinnati Reds during the 1994 strike. He believes the sides are much closer now than they were then because there are fewer issues of contention.

Veteran outfielder Brad Tyler said the future of baseball is difficult to predict.

"It's hard to know what's going on," he said. "We're just sitting and waiting to see what's going to happen."

Durango High School athletic director Roger Ewan attended Tuesday night's game with friend Bernie Kaufman.

They agree the strike would be bad, but disagreed on the affect if would have on the game once play resumes.

"The media and (other) people are saying the strike will make them lose fans, but the fans are going to come back strike or no strike," Ewan said. "I would be angry, but I'd probably come back."

Kaufman travels to Phoenix and San Diego to watch major league games, but said he would stop if there is a strike.

"I think if they strike they will lose a lot of fans," Kaufman said. "If they do strike, I think the owners should call up the triple-A guys and tell the other guys to shove it.

"It's a great sport and the players want to ruin it."

Larry and Lila Arnold have been season ticket holders for 20 seasons. They don't care what happens as long as the 51s continue to play.

"We're going to be here Friday night, just like we always are," Lila said. "This is one of the best teams we've had for many, many years."

"We really like the manager (Brad Mills)," Larry Arnold added. "He plays the kind of baseball people like to watch."

Mills would like to see the sides reach an agreement as soon as possible.

"I sure hope they don't strike," he said. "I don't want a strike, not in the least.

"Let everything get back to normal. Let the players play and let the fans watch baseball."

If Kaufman and Rothman are right, there might be fewer fans if the situation isn't resolved in the next couple of days.

Rothman said he would consider only following football and the 51s while ignoring Major League Baseball for good.

Ditto for Joel Cella, who attends about five 51s games per season.

"If there's a strike, I won't be going to any more ballgames."