Look: Upset MLB Fans Have Message For Rob Manfred
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred speaks to the media prior to Game Three of the 2015 World Series between the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals at Citi Field on October 30, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Instead of preparing for spring training, MLB remains marred in a lockout that threatens to jeopardize the scheduled March 31 start to the season. A group of disgruntled fans took matters into their own hands and directed their anger toward Rob Manfred.
Courtesy of Tom Haudricourt, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ran an open letter to MLB's commissioner.
This comes in response to Manfred's letter to fans in December, where he blamed the Players Association for being "unwilling to move from their starting position, compromise, or collaborate on solutions." He alleged that their actions "forced" MLB owners to institute a lockout.
The fans don't make their stance clear on specific labor disputes causing friction between the players and owners. Instead, the letter demands "a seat at the table" for fans.
"It's time for fans to be part of the conversation over how our dollars should be spent, and how our favorite pastimes treat us," the letter said. "To all fans of MLB or professional sports who agree that fans have been ignored for too long, please join us. Our strength lies in our numbers."
The open letter ends by directing readers to join the National Fans Union. According to its website, "The NFU provides a forum for fans to debate, vote, and coalesce on critical issues facing sports. Then, with a strong collective voice, we will take our rightful seat at the table in the service of championing and defending the fan experience."
It's far-fetched to envision a scenario where fans truly get a direct say in business decisions made by major sports organization. However, growing resentment toward the lockout could pressure Manfred to push for a deal in time to save Opening Day.
As fans get more irritated throughout the lockout, MLB could have a difficult time recovering if cancelling regular-season games for the second time in three years.
