"It wasn't impossible to believe him. He was helping his friend, A's owner John Fisher, out of a bind, and he was doing it by offering him a rent-free ballpark in Northern California, which allowed Fisher to stay somewhat local and keep most of his $67 million in annual local television revenue. But beyond convenience, Fisher's soft landing in a minor league ballpark after the team's 57-season stay in Oakland made a measure of twisted sense;"
"Attendance is lower than it was last season, and the lowest in the big leagues despite Tampa Bay having less capacity at George Steinbrenner Field. Game-day employees, who work for Sutter Health Park but are under the A's oversight, say the team's Big Brother approach to management has taken a toll on morale. And many season-ticket holders, who lined up to purchase the most expensive tickets in baseball, were left confused and furious."
John Fisher accepted a rent-free minor-league ballpark in Northern California to keep the team local and preserve about $67 million in annual local television revenue. The move aimed to position the franchise near a major metropolitan area hungry for baseball and to bolster expansion prospects. Early-season realities include attendance lower than last season and the lowest in the big leagues despite Tampa Bay's smaller capacity. Game-day employees report a Big Brother management approach that damaged morale. Many season-ticket holders faced confusion and anger after discounting and specials devalued tickets. Team officials say the quick transition created hurdles that will take time to resolve.
Read at ESPN.com
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