Cincinnati Reds fans send message to ownership

Cincinnati Reds team president Phil Castellini issued a challenge to his team’s fans. When he asked who his family would sell the team to, he also asked the fans where they were going to go anyway. While the baseball gods have not smiled upon his remarks, the fans have made their feelings known as well.

That continued on Saturday. While The Reds were busy flailing en route to their 11th consecutive loss, fans continued to make their sentiments felt. An airplane flew outside Great American Ball Park with a banner that thanked Castellini for asking where the fans would go since they were already gone.

Fans sending message to Cincinnati Reds ownership

The Reds are not the only franchise facing a fan revolt. Oakland A’s fans have essentially turned their backs on ownership after repeated threats to move to Las Vegas, the doubling of ticket prices and elimination of popular promotions, and jettisoning their stars. It is to the point where the A’s Triple-A franchise, ironically located in Las Vegas, is outdrawing the major league team.

Things have not yet gotten to that point in Cincinnati. The fans have not abandoned the team en masse, leaving more feral cats in the stadium than fans. At least, that is not the case just yet.

It is, however, clear that Reds fans are fed up. Statements such as the one made by Castellini will backfire, especially when there are not many reasons to head to the park. The Reds may have pieces, and appear to be putting a solid core together, but that should be the message instead of asking fans where they are going to go.

Antagonizing a fanbase is never a smart idea for anyone in a position of leadership. That is especially the case when the team made a series of unpopular moves. The fans will not forget, and they will protest in the best way they can – by shutting their wallets and staying home.

Cincinnati Reds fans are sending a message to ownership. Unless things change drastically, that message will keep getting hammered home.