The BIGGEST rip-off

It's no secret that I love the Portland Sea Dogs. I've been to 4 or 5 games already this season...and while not as many as some folks...with my schedule that's quite a few. The Sea Dogs do a great job providing a great team, quality family entertainment, and solid value for the money. So what I'm about to say has nothing to do with them...it does have something to do with the fan's...not all fan's...just a few.

Over the weekend word got out that Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz would play 3 games in a Dogs uniform in the final phase of his wrist rehab. As expected, all the remaining tickets for those games sold out in hours. That's awesome...our local team playing to a sold out stadium...that's the way it should be.

The problem is that many of those that bought tickets aren't really fans...they're opportunist's. They saw a way to make a quick buck at the expense of families...dad's and mom's with kids...everyday, working class people that otherwise can't afford the cost of tickets, gas, parking, food, and the souvenir's at Fenway Park.

Those are the people that should be filling the stands at Hadlock Field next week...fan's that otherwise will never have a chance to see Big Papi step up to the plate...except on TV.

Sure those people could have gone on-line, or stood in line Monday morning at Hadlock to try and snatch up the last few remaining tickets...but that isn't my point. The fact remains that some of those fortunate enough to score tickets to the hottest game in town...are now turning around and trying to sell a ticket that cost them $7 for as much as $125!

GIMME A BREAK! For that kind of money they might as well fork over the cash to go to Boston and see the entire Red Sox roster!

Look...I'm all for free enterprise...and I understand supply and demand...but I also understand trying to stretch a buck, trying to do something special for your family, and watching your kids face light up when they see a real Big League ball player like David Ortiz.



I'm not saying give the tickets away for free...although there's a lot to be said for good karma...but don't gouge someone on the price so you can finance a trip to Cancun!

We're going through rough times right now...gas is over $4 a gallon and may go as high as $6 before the summer is over, home heating oil is ridiculous, and electricity and natural gas are both going up...I get it...we all have to look for ways to secure the future...but we're talking about a minor league baseball game in Portland, ME that just happens to be featuring one of the biggest major league stars in the game.

Is it worth an extra tank or two of gas to keep some kid from a once in a lifetime opportunity to see their idol?

In my opinion...NO!