Astros Giveaways

I was copied on this e-mail that was sent to the Houston Chronicle's Letter to the Editor. I thought it was rather right on the money - and maybe an indication as to why the apple didn't fall too far from the tree on some of my opinions ...

This past Saturday night was another of those Astro giveaways. This time it was Brad Ausmus.

First of all, let's understand that the Astros aren't actually giving away anything as they have a promotional sponsor for all of them.

In the case of the Astros, here's how it works for those who might not know. The advance advertisement is usually always for the first 10,000 only. Parents and adults line up outside the ballpark for more than two hours in 90 degree heat hoping their children get one of the 10,000. (More about that later.) The lines wrap around the ballpark.

I almost hate to go anymore on these nights as I know what is going to happen. For every child that is lucky enough to get one of the prized giveaways, there is an equal number of children crying and upset because they didn't get one. Parents are seen desperately trying to explain this to the children before the same kids go screaming their guts out rooting for the Astros.

Happens every time I promise you.

Sometimes it's heartbreaking to see the children's reactions from the rejection. There's not much worse than seeing a kid's heart broken and for what? Something that costs the Astros nothing and was probably made in China?

Now how many times are these same parents, adults and kids likely to return for another game after that experience?

But wait there's more. About that 10,000. Now if the truth is being told about only 10,000, then stay with me a minute more.

Everyone in the Diamond VIP seats is seen with at least one each and you know they didn't stand in any line. Most of the folks that are able to afford to sit in those seats could probably sponsor the give away.

Yes, wait there's more.

Everyone in the lower working press box has one and I assume the same is true in the upper press box as well. Don't think they waited in any line either, but more importantly are the VIP and press/media distributions subtracted from the 10,000?

Baseball is losing a generation of fans with this type of action along with all of the playgrounds, video and arcade games in the ballpark to distract the kids from even watching a ball game.

Now in Pittsburgh, the Pirates give every fan a giveaway when they have these nights and they do it more often then the Astros.

Oh sure, some will say that they do it to get a big crowd. Well, isn't that exactly what the Astros do it for and it usually works.

I'm sure Drayton McLane and Pam Gardner can't be proud of what's happening at the ball park on these nights. Gee, I hope not!