Boycotting a Mets Game Won't Change a Thing

Angry Mets fans search for an outlet for frustration

If you've spoken to a Mets fan recently, you're probably aware of the fact that they're less than thrilled with the way the 2009 season has played out. That's nothing particularly new for Mets fans, of course, but outside of screaming on WFAN or penning angry screeds on a blog there really aren't any outlets for the frustration.

One Mets fan is trying to change that by organizing a boycott of the team's game on September 8th. CitiFieldEmpty.com offers all the salient details.
 

Mets fans need to show solidarity in their outrage. That is why, on September 8, Mets fans are going to come together and leave the stands of Citi Field empty--laying fallow, if you will--in a protest against the current state of affairs in the Mets organization. Surely, if the stadium is empty, Mets ownership will open their eyes.

Don't count on it. Whatever revenue they'd lose from unsold tickets, merchandise and concessions won't equal the money they've already taken in on advance ticket sales. Sure, they'll lose some money but it won't be enough to force them into any kind of meaningful change.

And don't for one second think that the embarrassment of an empty stadium -- which isn't going to happen no matter how hard anyone tries -- trumps revenue when it comes to the ownership of a major league team. Certainly not the Mets, for they are no strangers to embarrassing situations which haven't once caused the Wilpons a moment's doubt about continuing to own the team and run it as they see fit.

The only way that the Mets would ever feel the pain of a fan reaction is if a ton of season-ticket holders decided not to renew their seats for 2010. That would hurt both the wallet and the public perception of the team a great deal, but the consequences would only serve to make Mets fans angrier. Less revenue equals lower payroll and lower payroll equals salary dump trades and, eventually, that means you're rooting for the Royals or Pirates.

Does that really serve anyone's purpose? Fans may hate the idea of blaming injuries for all that's gone wrong this season, but they're an unavoidable fact that's contributed more than a little to the sad state of affairs. However bad things have gotten this season or in the last two Septembers, it's important to remember that the Mets aren't one of those hopeless, directionless franchises mentioned above. Like it or not, the nuclear option is the only way fans can affect change, and that will simply result in more misery.

It's times like this that you wish the Mets still had a Banner Day. The formerly annual event gave fans a chance to show off their wit and wisdom to skewer the Mets, and the New York Times recently held a virtual version that was no exception. Grin, bear it and wait till next year is a much better prescription for Mets fans than a boycott.

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