Stop Letting Disdain for the Pohlads Ruin Your Enjoyment of Good Baseball

[NYCTK]

39 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

They'll get a little of my money next season (if they still own the team) when I go to all 30 parks in a season.

Entirely possible to purchase tickets on the secondary market and refrain from purchasing concessions. They still wouldn't get your money and you're able to enjoy a baseball game. 

[chpettit19]

10 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

Entirely possible to purchase tickets on the secondary market and refrain from purchasing concessions. They still wouldn't get your money and you're able to enjoy a baseball game. 

I may have access to free tickets to every park, actually. And then they really won't get any of my money. But, in general, the idea is just that I won't "let my disdain for the Pohlads ruin my enjoyment of good baseball."

[RpR]

3 hours ago, Peter said:

Agreed!!! It’s become soooo toxic on Facebook saying sell the team/fire Rocco- F people saying this!!! We have a great team playing fantastic baseball-once at full strength look out!!! Much much much better then vikings/twolves!!!! Twins are best team in state followed by wild!

It has been 49 years since the Viqueens played in the big one, and hockey/basketball, about as exciting as soccer.

[USAFChief]

1 hour ago, NYCTK said:

Entirely possible to purchase tickets on the secondary market and refrain from purchasing concessions. They still wouldn't get your money and you're able to enjoy a baseball game. 

Nitpic: Tickets purchased on the secondary market originate as tickets sold by The Minnesota Twins. They already got paid.

[USAFChief]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

I can enjoy this team without giving the Pohlads any of my money (or at least very little, indirectly). It doesn't have to be one or the other. I don't have to go to Target Field to enjoy the team. I am enjoying the team without paying the Pohlads a dime. It's a lovely situation for me. I know it's not possible for everyone, but it is for me so that's how I'm doing things. I'm able to stream the team without paying for it and I had no problem canceling my season tickets and not attending games in person. I can enjoy the team from my local drinking establishment, a boat, the softball fields, walking my dog, or my couch just fine. 

I don't think anybody needs to fan the way anybody else fans. Go to games if you want to go to games. Pay for Twins.tv if you want to pay for Twins.tv. Listen on the radio if you want to listen on the radio. Don't watch or listen to a single pitch if you don't want to watch or listen to a single pitch. The Twins make decisions and we get to make our own decisions. They made a business decision after 2023 and I've made mine. They right-sized and I've right-sized. I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks about how I choose to spend my money or not spend my money. How I choose to be a fan is my business. I'm not hurting anyone and I'm enjoying the team plenty. I don't need to enjoy the team in the same fashion anyone else enjoys the team. I don't need to buy a jersey or go to games just like some people don't enjoy reading articles online and discussing the team on forums. We do and it's why we're all on TD doing it. Some of us enjoy talking about the decisions ownership makes. Some of us enjoy talking about the decisions the front office makes. Or Rocco makes. Or other teams make. Or swing mechanics. Or base running. Or fielding. Or any number of things. Be a fan however you want to be a fan and let everyone else be a fan how they want to be a fan. It's nobody's business how I enjoy the Twins. I'll fan how I want to fan.

It's not my job to help them sell the team. And if they never sell it it's not my responsibility to ever pay them a dime to own the team. They'll get a little of my money next season (if they still own the team) when I go to all 30 parks in a season. It's a trip I've wanted to do for a while and my thoughts or feelings on the Pohlads won't stop me from doing that. But I don't need to go to Target Field more than that to enjoy the Twins. If they end up owning the team for the foreseeable future and earn my business back I'll return to Target Field more frequently. I'll get season tickets again. A month of winning games after a month of losing games doesn't a "contender" make. (I don't know what "contending with conviction" means, but they weren't even limping through the central for the first month of the season). An offseason of not slashing payroll, but also not adding any real talent doesn't make up for an offseason of slashing payroll after winning your first playoff series in 2 decades. They've made their choices. They've run their business poorly and they're paying for it. It's not my job to bail them out. But they have a fair chance to earn my business back. They haven't done it yet. But I can still enjoy the team by watching the games on my TV, computer, or phone. I don't have to be at Target Field to do that. You're welcome to enjoy them that way, though, if it's how you choose to enjoy them.

30 MLB stadiums in a year?

Holy ****!

[GNess]

People are going to experience being a fan from their own perspective - let's face it some folks would rather be critics than fans and that's ok if it works for them. I am generally an optimist about the Twins fortunes, and I am sure some people find objection to that as a pollyannish outlook. 

Attendance at games for the most part are reflections of the perceptions of the team's quality of play, historical success rate and chances to win in the current season. I am not sure "disdain for the owners" is a major factor in attendance figures. Many owners of professional franchises are out of touch with the average person and dissatisfaction with the manner in which they operate the team is common. It's not just a Twins/Pohlad problem.

[chpettit19]

5 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

30 MLB stadiums in a year?

Holy ****!

You're only middle aged once! Also going to hit up the World Baseball Classic (that's why I chose next year) and some Spring Training games. Should be a nice little summer of baseball. And, technically, it'll only be 29 MLB stadiums because of those other disdainful owners out in California (soon to be, but not yet, Las Vegas). Really putting a damper on my plans.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

The only true way fans can protest ownership is with their checkbook. The fact that people are not flocking out to see this team should speak volumes.

[Mark G]

2 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

I can enjoy this team without giving the Pohlads any of my money (or at least very little, indirectly). It doesn't have to be one or the other. I don't have to go to Target Field to enjoy the team. I am enjoying the team without paying the Pohlads a dime. It's a lovely situation for me. I know it's not possible for everyone, but it is for me so that's how I'm doing things. I'm able to stream the team without paying for it and I had no problem canceling my season tickets and not attending games in person. I can enjoy the team from my local drinking establishment, a boat, the softball fields, walking my dog, or my couch just fine. 

I don't think anybody needs to fan the way anybody else fans. Go to games if you want to go to games. Pay for Twins.tv if you want to pay for Twins.tv. Listen on the radio if you want to listen on the radio. Don't watch or listen to a single pitch if you don't want to watch or listen to a single pitch. The Twins make decisions and we get to make our own decisions. They made a business decision after 2023 and I've made mine. They right-sized and I've right-sized. I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks about how I choose to spend my money or not spend my money. How I choose to be a fan is my business. I'm not hurting anyone and I'm enjoying the team plenty. I don't need to enjoy the team in the same fashion anyone else enjoys the team. I don't need to buy a jersey or go to games just like some people don't enjoy reading articles online and discussing the team on forums. We do and it's why we're all on TD doing it. Some of us enjoy talking about the decisions ownership makes. Some of us enjoy talking about the decisions the front office makes. Or Rocco makes. Or other teams make. Or swing mechanics. Or base running. Or fielding. Or any number of things. Be a fan however you want to be a fan and let everyone else be a fan how they want to be a fan. It's nobody's business how I enjoy the Twins. I'll fan how I want to fan.

It's not my job to help them sell the team. And if they never sell it it's not my responsibility to ever pay them a dime to own the team. They'll get a little of my money next season (if they still own the team) when I go to all 30 parks in a season. It's a trip I've wanted to do for a while and my thoughts or feelings on the Pohlads won't stop me from doing that. But I don't need to go to Target Field more than that to enjoy the Twins. If they end up owning the team for the foreseeable future and earn my business back I'll return to Target Field more frequently. I'll get season tickets again. A month of winning games after a month of losing games doesn't a "contender" make. (I don't know what "contending with conviction" means, but they weren't even limping through the central for the first month of the season). An offseason of not slashing payroll, but also not adding any real talent doesn't make up for an offseason of slashing payroll after winning your first playoff series in 2 decades. They've made their choices. They've run their business poorly and they're paying for it. It's not my job to bail them out. But they have a fair chance to earn my business back. They haven't done it yet. But I can still enjoy the team by watching the games on my TV, computer, or phone. I don't have to be at Target Field to do that. You're welcome to enjoy them that way, though, if it's how you choose to enjoy them.

I hope you enjoy the 30 parks as much as a baseball fan can.  Share a little bit of it with us if you are willing/able.  I envy you.  😇

[Rod Carews Birthday]

4 hours ago, bean5302 said:

The Ishbia's did walk away, then bought a greater share in the White Sox, which is not a negotiation tactic. Not sure what soured the Ishbia's so hard towards the end of negotiations, but it's pretty clear the Pohlads botched it. It sounds like the Pohlads want to roll their debt into the sale and bury it. They've moved down to $1.5B, but even then, rolling $400MM of negative equity into the sale puts the actual price at more like $1.9B.

https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/rumors-team-sale-update-potential-buyers-losing-interest/

https://www.si.com/mlb/twins/minnesota-twins-rumors/report-potential-minnesota-twins-buyers-being-turned-off-by-price

Clearly the Pohlads are asking for the moon for the Twins, but I’m not sure that was really the issue for the Ishbias.  I think it is equally likely that White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf saw what was happening and agreed to boost the ownership stake in the Sox because he sees someone with the deep pockets that he thinks will eventually offer him what he wants for the Sox.  Add in that Justin Ishbia is building a very substantial compound (more than a house) in Chicago and it makes a lot of sense for him to prefer that choice.  

I’m not dismissive of the argument that the Pohlads aren’t making an attractive target out of the Twins.  After all, including the accumulated debt AND asking top dollar is pretty ridiculous, but I think with Justin Ishbia, there was more to it than just that.    

[UpstateNewYorker]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

You're only middle aged once! Also going to hit up the World Baseball Classic (that's why I chose next year) and some Spring Training games. Should be a nice little summer of baseball. And, technically, it'll only be 29 MLB stadiums because of those other disdainful owners out in California (soon to be, but not yet, Las Vegas). Really putting a damper on my plans.

Folks in this thread might enjoy this book; two guys try to visit 30 ballparks in 30 days: 

https://groveatlantic.com/book/i-dont-care-if-we-never-get-back/

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, UpstateNewYorker said:

Folks in this thread might enjoy this book; two guys try to visit 30 ballparks in 30 days: 

https://groveatlantic.com/book/i-dont-care-if-we-never-get-back/

Interesting! 30 days is real aggressive. I'm going to take my sweet time and use the whole summer. Well, at least most of it.

2 hours ago, Mark G said:

I hope you enjoy the 30 parks as much as a baseball fan can.  Share a little bit of it with us if you are willing/able.  I envy you.  😇

Will definitely be sharing my adventures! Will probably start by looking for opinions and ideas on the best foods to try or must sees in each park from folks around here who've already been to different places. Will also put together a bit of a checklist to keep track of certain things at each park to compare them all and will get some input from the TD gang on what they would find interesting for that, too.  Then I'll report back as I go.

[Craig Arko]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

Interesting! 30 days is real aggressive. I'm going to take my sweet time and use the whole summer. Well, at least most of it.

Will definitely be sharing my adventures! Will probably start by looking for opinions and ideas on the best foods to try or must sees in each park from folks around here who've already been to different places. Will also put together a bit of a checklist to keep track of certain things at each park to compare them all and will get some input from the TD gang on what they would find interesting for that, too.  Then I'll report back as I go.

Riverbrian and Ashbury are good resources for that.

[Vanimal46]

Well this gives me hope! 

[Squirrel]

1 hour ago, Craig Arko said:

Riverbrian and Ashbury are good resources for that.

Although, some of Brian’s food choices, while interesting and hilarious in his write ups, had me popping the Prilosec just reading it.

[Squirrel]

3 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

Interesting! 30 days is real aggressive. I'm going to take my sweet time and use the whole summer. Well, at least most of it.

Will definitely be sharing my adventures! Will probably start by looking for opinions and ideas on the best foods to try or must sees in each park from folks around here who've already been to different places. Will also put together a bit of a checklist to keep track of certain things at each park to compare them all and will get some input from the TD gang on what they would find interesting for that, too.  Then I'll report back as I go.

Have you read Brian’s adventures in stadium hopping? He posted them in the Sports Bar. Even if they don’t give you ideas, it’s an entertaining read. 

[IndianaTwin]

 

19 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Well this gives me hope! 

Phooey. They promised me I could in and out of town with nobody noticing. 

[Vanimal46]

10 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

 

Phooey. They promised me I could in and out of town with nobody noticing. 

Nice try, Carl Cook, Mr. $10 billion dollar man 

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, Squirrel said:

Have you read Brian’s adventures in stadium hopping? He posted them in the Sports Bar. Even if they don’t give you ideas, it’s an entertaining read. 

I have not, but I will!

[TheLeviathan]

2 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

Well this gives me hope! 

Just wait until they roll in another failed business venture debt to the sale at the 11th hour!

[Squirrel]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

I have not, but I will!

It’s already three years ago, but here’s the link to the Day One of his adventures. Not sure where all his write ups went on his east coast trip several years prior to that … they may have been game thread intros.

 

[old nurse]

20 hours ago, IndianaTwin said:

I hear the Lynx are pretty good. 

The Frost are 2 for 2 on championships

[Riverbrian]

15 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

Interesting! 30 days is real aggressive. I'm going to take my sweet time and use the whole summer. Well, at least most of it.

Not knowing your planned travel methods. The best advice I can give you is this: Have a schedule and keep it. 

If your day is supposed to start at 8AM... Start your day by 8AM.  

Warning: Others will not understand the importance of keeping the schedule. 

[Squirrel]

3 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Not knowing your planned travel methods

I picture him renting an RV for the summer

[Riverbrian]

4 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

I picture him renting an RV for the summer

 

In 23 years... When I retire at age 83... I've got my eye on an RV. The dream life. 

[chpettit19]

7 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Not knowing your planned travel methods. The best advice I can give you is this: Have a schedule and keep it. 

If your day is supposed to start at 8AM... Start your day by 8AM.  

Warning: Others will not understand the importance of keeping the schedule. 

 

4 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

I picture him renting an RV for the summer

Own a camper van so that'll be part of the adventure. I have a few different itineraries mapped out, though. 

[D.C Twins]

On 5/27/2025 at 9:15 AM, Peter said:

Agreed!!! It’s become soooo toxic on Facebook saying sell the team/fire Rocco- F people saying this!!! We have a great team playing fantastic baseball-once at full strength look out!!! Much much much better then vikings/twolves!!!! Twins are best team in state followed by wild!

eh.. cough....ummm... FIRE ROCCO!

[Sjoski]

On 5/27/2025 at 11:48 AM, chpettit19 said:

I'm able to stream the team without paying for it

Same here.....maybe people want to now how.....Dofu App works well....as well as MLB66.ir ( this one works well with the Brave web browser.  At 66.ir...can also watch replay of games.
Both ways to stream for free allow the user to choose home or away announcers.

 

 

[Adam Houck]

"And while it might not fit the “cheap owners” narrative, this is a roster the Pohlads did invest in."

Pretty intellectually dishonest statement when you have to go back to January, 2023 to name any sort of spending ownership made on the roster. Since then it's been less than zero. Buy hey, as Nick points out, we could be Cleveland or Tampa Bay so everyone thank the Pohlads!

[T.O.]

My main disdain is for article titles that tell me what I can't do.