I was driving thru the OC today anyway, so I decided to stop by the stadium. Not to be a masochist, not to try for an autograph, just to connect. I pulled up to purposefully park in the diamond club parking by the Helmets that I would never get for a game. There were maybe ten cars. Over by the offices there were lots of cars parked. I thought maybe a lot of season seat holders are asking for refunds on their postseason packages instead of keeping the monies reserved as down payments on 2009. You gotta think in a cash-tight economy that some of them need an infusion of the green and that, repaid and clear, some of them won’t be back.
By the 3B Gate a truck was loading up what appeared to be the disassembled parts of the vendor booths, those irritating saps hollering to win season tickets if you just give them you personal ID-theft ready information. A reminder that the Angels’ biggest sponsor was Shell Vacations Club, a TIME-SHARE outfit. So there were PVC tubes, tables and signage. A lone folding table stood at the front of the stadium on the bricks.
I went into the store. There was one other guy in there buying stuff. There were three girls working. Nothing had been discounted yet. I asked if they had been busy. They emphatically answered "No." Fact of life: If a girl in her 20s gives a guy in his 40s the time of day it is because she is bored as shit. These three girls were so bored, they were up for an extensive chat session. "We were busy earlier today with returns." I asked her if that meant they were returning merchandise to the manufacturer or a warehouse. "No, no. People are bringing back their jerseys and jackets for refunds." I was stunned, "WHAT!?!?" They explained that any merchandise can be returned if the person has the receipt and the tags are still on them. The only exceptions are if the item has obviously been worn.
"So a lot of people are jumping off the bandwagon and want their money back?" I asked, almost scared of the answer I would be given. "Oh yeah," they said in unison, matter-of-factly, like jaded retail pros who know the way the system works. This is now easily my longest conversation with a group of 20-something chicks since I was, oh 25, almost 20 years ago. They needed no prompting from this point on. One told about a guy who brought back men’s women’s and children’s jerseys, caps and shirts and said his neighbors were Dodgers fans and that his family just could not wear their Angels stuff. One mentioned that a lot of people were pissed about the early exit. They all nodded that this was the common refrain from customers.
If you like the Angels enough to be reading about them on internet blogs you have probably come across the refrain that Angels fans are just bandwagoneers. I have written passionately that this is not the case; a core fan base has always been here. Well, today, the opposite rang true, to the sound of cash registers clinking in reverse.
I had seen the death last night, written about it into the wee hours and read about it all over again this morning. And now I had attended the funeral, just a preacher, me and the sun.
I left the store without buying anything. A truck was picking up that last folding table out front. The other one down the line was gone. My journalistic instinct to take a picture of all these events was outweighed by my fan’s still-broken heart. I stopped on the way back to the car and had to mark the moment. I lifted the camera and snapped the Big A. When I started the car, Elton John’s "I’m Still Standing" was on the radio. I examined the picture I had taken on my camera’s digital screen and for the first time in 18 hours, I smiled. The first thing we have for the 2009 season is a theme song. YEah yeah yeah.
0 recs | 58 comments
Wow, that's heavy
I’m sure Arte doesn’t need any additional signs to know how disappointed everybody is with the club… but if the bandwagoners want to leave & root for the Dodgers, let ’em
Neo8234 - October 8, 2008
Agree with Neo.......We dont need no bandwagoners, Screw them.
Its funny how the 20 year old chicks told you, you can return anything with a Tag on it that looks like it has not been worn. I still have the Tag on my Guerrero Jersey but its now going to be 4 years old on December 25th 2008. I have not washed it, and only wear it on special occastions like, going to the game or if its an important game (Playoffs/Clinching/Fighting for 1st Place.) I am waiting for the Angels to win the World series to cut the tags off and frame them with the date, and then my Jersey will get its much diserved wash. Until then, she will hang in my closet waiting for the World Baseball Classic to Kick off the 2009 along with Spring training. And then its time for the 2009 season to start.
GO ANGELS!!!!!!!!!
acuda27 - October 8, 2008
I know bandwagon fans are good for more ticket/merchandise revenue
but I really dont like them. Its easy to like the team thats cool right now, and i say good riddance to the fickle types. But we need these types for more money, exposure, etc etc. Quite the conundrum. Fairweather climates lead to fairweather fans…its a trade off. I would love the consistent numbers at a Boston or New York game, the numbers, but not the fans or the environment where this game is literally your life.
There’s really no easy choice. I’ll take a good Angels team with the token bandwagon fans because face it they are good for the franchise. I dont really want to return to the bad teams with low attendance numbers…creates a circle of mediocrity.
linkbruin - October 8, 2008
Hey do the returned items get sold at a lower price?
Im still lookin for a Morales Jersey with the OG 22 on it.
acuda27 - October 8, 2008
I cant wait until the Angels Stuff goes on that like 50 percent off sale.
I needs a new winter jacket etc.
deejayelleseven - October 8, 2008
When is that?
acuda27 - October 8, 2008
Unreal
I don’t know what people get out of being a fairweather fan, to be honest. I mean, what’s the point of watching the game, going to the game, buying the merch, unless you’re a true fan?
Part of being a fan means that you have to take the hits like one, becuase when you win it’s all the greater. Let these people return their stuff; when we win another World Championship, I know I’m going to get a lot more out of it than someone who just buys goodies during a playoff run.
Kernel - October 8, 2008
Fairweather fandom
You get the “cool” of supporting a winner minus the time, effort, & pain associated with being a full-time fan.
TheTypingFiend - October 8, 2008
reallly,
i am proud to wear my halo gear throughout the postseason, whether we’re in it or not. i dont care if our team goes 0-162, ill represent
AnaheimHalos61 - October 8, 2008
That's how I am about the M's, I always wear my M's stuff regardless of the standings..
And oh lord have they been miserable for a while (Except last year, but that was more of a tease than anything).
There was something that I noticed in class that was sad/funny at the same time. This guy in my class has worn an Angel’s hat EVERY class session, without fail, until yesterday, that is. I don’t think it was a coincidence.
I admire the Angel fans that stick it out and have been around since before 02/04, there aren’t too many of them out there though sadly.
seamariners85 - October 8, 2008
A short protest
It will rise again
eyespy - October 9, 2008
This story made me sick, Rev. These are the people I was referring to in a recent Fanpost
“My journalistic instinct to take a picture of all these events”
So… where’s the pictures of the 20 year old girls? LOL
I might make a trip down to the stadium, ya know, to pick up some merchandise…
Chone's Chonies - October 8, 2008
I'm Still Standing?
What the hell kind of radio stations are you listening to? Last time I heard that song was in the waiting room at the dentist’s office.
Doctor Wu - October 8, 2008
So, what, do these people go to the playoff games in jerseys with tags hanging off of them?
Have some faith people, save it for next year… unless it’s a K-Rod, Teix, Garland, etc. jersey.
Chone's Chonies - October 8, 2008
soooooo
you can goto the stadium and there will be people working in the team store? I did not know this. How long is it open til’?
angelskid2210 - October 8, 2008
On the Angels site
Third item down on this page
red floyd - October 8, 2008
sweet
thanks! are there any sales, after a while?
angelskid2210 - October 8, 2008
Awesome.
Mayheminthehood - October 8, 2008
Good riddance
to the bandwagoneers!
This is the first day I’ve felt emotionally composed enough to read any Halo blogs or series recaps. Let the catharsis begin.
Ando775 - October 8, 2008
F-them
The idea of “fans” returning their gear after the L makes me sick. Worst or first, you stick by your team. Why do you think winning it all in 2002 was oh so sweet?
Ajax - October 8, 2008
I'd love to see them have to buy it all again next season.
TheTypingFiend - October 8, 2008
We need a new song.
I’ve been complaining all season long about the song they play at the seventh inning. Ironically, I and it predicted the ’08 season.
“Why do you build me up… just to let me down”
DaBigKahuna - October 8, 2008
Lose the song. Period.
Put back the second iteration of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”
red floyd - October 8, 2008
PANTHER!
jjackflash - October 8, 2008
I like it
deejayelleseven - October 8, 2008
this too will pass
and payback is gonna be a bitch. i pray third time is the charm and Scioscia takes this latest ousting by the sox to sleep every night. this will definitely be the busiest off season since…last year? everyone cover the del taco in your area!
SCHalo - October 8, 2008
so when do things go on sale at the team store?
thrill000 - October 8, 2008
That damn song!
I hate that song too and for the same reason.
What kind of moron chose that loser song!
Angelino Angel - October 8, 2008
Fuck 'em
There…I used my annual F bomb. I actually like the song and I am in the opinion that we had a GREAT season. I had a lot of highs and lows. We sucked in the playoffs, but I refuse to be one of the Yankee faithless who insist that any season without the trophy is an abject failure.
There was never one point in the season, even after game four thyat I was ashamed to be an Angel fan and stop wearing my Angel cap (Angel jacket, Angel shirt, Angel pocket protector). We lost. Oh well, wait till next year. I’ll be back.
btw…the day after we got bounced, we received the box of Angel game day give-aways tghat we ordered at the beginning of the season. Great timing guys.
Rev — great photo.
Moondoggy - October 8, 2008
Well said
I am still wearing my angels gear with pride and will back them up whenever some moronic dodgers or boston fans come knockin. and i cant wait until we get to do it all over again next year.
angelskid2210 - October 8, 2008
Probably my favorite piece here
Really well-written.
scareduck - October 8, 2008
How tp spot a bandwagon fan
http://www.dailynexus.com/article.php?a=13327
AnaheimHalos61 - October 8, 2008
Thats where John is hiding out
eyespy - October 9, 2008
how about a post season meet up in the parking lot? Think we can have a tailgater?
ladybug - October 8, 2008
I'll be there
Anyone else?
Zoe Necrosis - October 8, 2008
I'll Go
acuda27 - October 8, 2008
Holy Fucking Crap
I find that disgusting. Granted, I am an A’s fan, and we don’t have a whole lot of bandwagoners (they like flocking to the Phone Booth accross the Bay), but just reading that makes my skin crawl.
If you buy your teams gear, even if you are a bandwagoner or a fairweather fan, and they make the playoffs, why the fuck are you returning your gear? I mean, its not like they are going to be horrible next year? And you fucking made the playoffs! Its people like that who, after being beaten by the Red Sox, will be sporting Red Sox gear the next week, claiming to have been a life long fan.
Even with the A’s being shitty this year and last, I still wear my gear. And while I still give a glare to anyone wearing an Angels hat when walking down the street, I at least appriciate now, with the Angels being knocked out of the playoffs, that they are at least showing their pride in their team. RedSox Nation on the other hand? If you’re not from Boston, GTFO.
Being in Chicago for School, one of my great fears, while rooting for the Cubs as a second team, was that if the Cubs did win the World Series, they would become the Red Sox 2.0, with Cubs gear everywhere, but no one able to name a player in the lineup not named Soriano, Lee or Ramirez.
Zonis - October 8, 2008
Someone...
Let this LA based Halo fan know when those dugout jackets go on sale. God, I’m depressed.
iliveforthis - October 8, 2008
Kudos
Just visiting from Lookout Landing, where we tend to give you guys a lot of shit. I was impressed with this piece of writing though. Nice job Rev.
I probably just like it because I’m a Seattlite, and it had a depressed, rainy day with a cup of coffee vibe. That’s how we roll.
johnbai - October 8, 2008
kudos back at ya
send me some Cowchip Cookies, will ya???
ladybug - October 8, 2008
i wud like it
AnaheimHalos61 - October 10, 2008
wow.... misplaced reply button
that was supposed to be to the big parking lot meet up lol
AnaheimHalos61 - October 10, 2008
The Death-Walk... To create more Sky.
Thanks, Rev. Those last lines brightened up my day a bit.
BTW, What up with the Elton John add? (top right) Coincidence or freakish?
Funke5ive - October 8, 2008
*coincidentally freakish or good marketing?
Funke5ive - October 8, 2008
Let's start talking about midget porn and see what pop up.
44FAN - October 8, 2008
More Elton John probably
Rev Halofan - October 8, 2008
google
has a way of putting up ads where people talk about that, sometimes in the absolute wrong places. everytime i open my spam folder, i get an ad for some kind of spam recipe.
AnaheimHalos61 - October 8, 2008
15 misplaced ads
they’re pretty funny, lol
http://www.bspcn.com/2007/07/17/15-unfortunately-placed-ads/
AnaheimHalos61 - October 8, 2008
That's a crack up!
Thanks for sharing.
WiHaloFan - October 10, 2008
np
AnaheimHalos61 - October 10, 2008
Sometimes, the logic behind that ad applet is absolutely hilarious.
The stuff it puts in the ad box, in relation to the thread topic, can be brilliantly ironic and/or playful.
Stirrups - October 8, 2008
It's weird
but I don’t get any ads on these pages other than the CBS one. Must have my browser set up not to accept them or something.
WiHaloFan - October 10, 2008
Stuck in NY
I saw a kid in the subway today wearing an angels hat. I was wearing mine too. We made eye contact, both smiled and shook our heads at the same time. It was like we didn’t need to say anything…both knowing the heartbreak.
Yet, we still had the balls to wear a halos cap on a new york subway. Across the country and still sporting our halo love with pride. Wont be seeing either of us returning our hats anytime soon, I’m sure.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - October 8, 2008
Bravo
SonomaCoHalofan - October 8, 2008
So, maybe it was you or that other kid that robbed that bank a while ago...
Chone's Chonies - October 8, 2008
Seen my first Angels cap of the new era at HNL today
eyespy - October 9, 2008
Love Lies Bleeding...
Stirrups - October 9, 2008
Re:
NBA Betting
01001 - November 1, 2008
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