It Must Be A Two-Way Street.

[hallgrad80]

As the season thankfully comes near its merciful conclusion the debate rages on about our head coach, secret contract extensions , prohibitive buyout clauses, another disappointing year on the court and another year not getting into the tournament and worse not even being close to a bid. As the Seton Hall fan base becomes more disillusioned and the numbers who become disillusioned grows we continue to face a wall of silence from Seton Hall.

Yet SH wants us to keep buying season or individual game tickets. It wants us to contribute to Pirate Blue and for the total raised to beat last year's number. It wants us to donate to the University's general fund raising campaign. It wants us to attend the various athletic fund raising dinners, the BET receptions and of course to meet the goals set for the fund raising challenges like the 50 state challenge and the Pirate Crew challenge.

What do we want in return for all the contributions we make in support of the University and its athletic programs ? It's very simple what we want is for SH to put a team on the court that's well coached , highly competitive, a legitimate tourney contender and that it's actions match its words that winning is important and that athletic success is valued. What else do we want, well we want the school to be honest and up-front with us, no secret extensions , no meaningless words , no promises that can 't be met and to recognize how angry and frustrated this fan base is and that the reasons for our anger and frustration is legitimate.

The SH fan base has done its part in expanding ticket sales for games , beating the previous year's athletic fund raising totals, by having students attend games in larger numbers then we've seen in years . We've done our part , its time SH does its, because so far its a one way street and we're the only ones on it.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

They are expecting everyone to continue to buy tickets and donate but it's clear that's not going to continue at the current rate. I guess they'll see that in due time. I can't imagine they can't foresee it which is the puzzling part to me.

 

[Flnj86]

When we win next year, the fans will pack the Rock.

 

[ArtieLange9]

I think the fans did a great job coming to game this year, showing if we are good then the fans come out.

 

[SHUMA04]

Couldn't have said it any better.

The fan support was tremendous even well after the season was over for all intents and purposes.

This is support that is eroding fast and will need to be earned back the hard way. Every false start and misstep makes the next time that much harder.

It bugs me that many so-called "insiders" love to run down the fan base. The hardened core that's left should be valued a lot more.

Among my close friends and family, the number of Seton Hall fans that have already withered away is very high. You're looking at a 80-90pc attrition rate. I Usually have to gin them up - and its getting harder by the day.

 

[jimmyd36]

I am going to let you guys in on a little secret as I think I fall into the "insider" group based on my donation... As a "bigger" Pirate Blue donor you get:
1. Better seats at home games,
2. Access to away tickets if you want to fly yourself out to a game
3. I was sent a "surprise" leftover Paradise Jam pullover even though I didn't go to the Paradise Jam. Wrong size I might add
4. You are required to buy a ticket to every silly event Felt and Judge think up, even if you can't got

That's what the big donors get at SHU... I think since Willard has been the coach I never even got my picture taken with the guy come to think of it (but he does know my name). There is no secret meeting to discuss basketball, (at least I am not invited), Lyon's has NEVER discussed basketball with me, and I have zero idea if Willard does or does not have a buyout. I did get to have dinner with the donor that got thrown out of a home game (nice guy btw) and I "think" Hank knows my name is Jim/John or Joey. I should probably have pointed this out earlier but I base my arguments against my donation going to "a buyout" on what I read here (is that a mistake? for some reason I am assuming someone here actually knows the truth that a buyout exists). If there are secret meetings for the top 5% of donors to discuss athletics, the administrators leave me off the invite (Esteban wouldn't know me if he was sitting next to me on a plane).

The only information I get "first" is when they need a sponsor for a golf outing or the beefsteak I am one of the "first" calls. As an insider I share the same frustration but I think I find balance in the world because I see Pirate Blue donations going beyond the basketball team. I do get EXTREMELY (some might say over the top) frustrated when people want to spend my donation on a buyout, who may or may not, donate a significant amount of money. I only think that's fair since I get so little in return from Pirate Blue.

I know a lot of people are frustrated and angry but let's not lose sight of the fact that there are a few hundred student athletes outside basketball that need our donations to be competitive. I think (based on the board) you can earmark your donation for specific teams so instead of just pulling your donation think about shifting it.

 

[Seton75]

The rock was often great this year, but we had more sellouts under bg

 

[Turiddu]

For those over the garage it is important to note that Jimmy obviously loves the Hall and though his style and tone are sometimes reminiscent of Donald Trump(I am sure that he has a better hair do) don't throw the baby out with the bath water.He has every right to suggest how his substantial yearly donation is spent, but though you are peons you have a right to say how your measly two hundred dollars are spent.It is obvious that the administration will not consult those in the penthouse nor the garage about the decision regarding the coach,

 

[Section112]

Originally posted by Seton75:
The rock was often great this year, but we had more sellouts under bg

I have not checked the stats but I trust that you are correct. Gonzo got a boost from moving to the Rock and the Old BE traveled very well with teams like Louisville and Syracuse and UConn coming to town and filling the place. I think the new facility was also a draw but he was a magnanamous character too which sold some seats as well. That all had a big effect on attendance in the Gonzo era which I'm not sure is comparable to this Big East.

But I agree I thought the crowd was really good this year. Best student section in years for sure. Was it the promise of the freshman class and more talent? Was it the better marketing by the Hall? Hard to say.

 

[jimmyd36]

Exactly! The only differentiator is my free Paradise Jam pullover. My humor here is misunderstood given the crisis mode of this board. From a go forward basis if you read my posts please read it in a humor tone because that is how it is intended (Donald Trump is the farthest thing from the intended tone). If you ever meet me in person it is going to be the biggest letdown of all time as I'm the most humble guy who just wants to support our school and occasionally guilt a few people into giving more. I drive a pickup truck to work and put my jeans on one leg at a time just like the guys who live in their parents basement.... Between us friends I can't even fist bump properly. It's sad...

 

[donnie_baseball]

It's fortunate that you made a lot of money doing whatever you do, because you weren't going to make a dime as a comic or a writer.

You do seem humble next to "Mr. Cafone," who got thrown out of a home game, Fabio, who sits next to him, and George Costanza, who sits a few seats further from midcourt than both of them.
This post was edited on 3/10 10:33 AM by donnie_baseball

 

[Pirate6711]

Originally posted by jimmyd36:
Exactly! The only differentiator is my free Paradise Jam pullover. My humor here is misunderstood given the crisis mode of this board. From a go forward basis if you read my posts please read it in a humor tone because that is how it is intended (Donald Trump is the farthest thing from the intended tone). If you ever meet me in person it is going to be the biggest letdown of all time as I'm the most humble guy who just wants to support our school and occasionally guilt a few people into giving more. I drive a pickup truck to work and put my jeans on one leg at a time just like the guys who live in their parents basement.... Between us friends I can't even fist bump properly. It's sad...

I usually jump into my jeans in order to put them on two legs at a time.

 

[Shuathelete]

Originally posted by jimmyd36:

I drive a pickup truck to work ...

But is that pickup truck bigger than donnie's?

 

[donnie_baseball]

Originally posted by Shuathelete:

Originally posted by jimmyd36:

I drive a pickup truck to work ...

But is that pickup truck bigger than donnie's?

I'm sure it is, but mine is better than a bus pass. How bout them Flyers last weekend? Shit the bed (again). LOL

 

[jimmyd36]

I'm not a good comic Donnie? Come on if you read any thread I am involved it there are many "lol's" (ok so most are at my expense). I feel like I'm the comic relief on this trainwreck of a season... We each have our part to play. I would like to add my goal for 2015 is not only that Willard wins the Big East and lands a center but also that Jerry1992 unblocks me. I know I'm reaching with the Jerry1992 thing but one can hope...

 

[Shuathelete]

Originally posted by donnie_baseball:

Originally posted by Shuathelete:

Originally posted by jimmyd36:

I drive a pickup truck to work ...

But is that pickup truck bigger than donnie's?

I'm sure it is, but mine is better than a bus pass. How bout them Flyers last weekend? Shit the bed (again). LOL

Yea realistically theyre a 1st round exit anyway. Hextall's got 4 developing defenseman about 1-3 years from being a big difference maker. Holmgren realistically put us in a terrible situation.


Trust me through all of this Willard/Seton Hall chaos, a Philadelphia fan is probably the most qualified to identify a loser. Cant argue that.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

Yea realistically theyre a 1st round exit anyway. Hextall's got 4 developing defenseman about 1-3 years from being a big difference maker. Holmgren realistically put us in a terrible situation.


Trust me through all of this Willard/Seton Hall chaos, a Philadelphia fan is probably the most qualified to identify a loser. Cant argue that.

The Phillies are going to be very bad for a very long time, but the Sixers will probably be the next Philly team to contend. Setback for Embiid this week but I'm hoping they end up with a top 3 pick and draft Russell or Mudiay (can't keep drafting big men every year) and that the Lakers pick ends up at 6-7 range.

 

[chickenbox]

Pro Tip: When you have to continually explain to people you're making funny jokes, you're not.

 

[Jerry1992]

Just because you got over 11,000 posts does not mean you are smart. . That was a joke. Haha

This post was edited on 3/10 2:21 PM by Jerry1992

 

[jimmyd36]

Has my virtual life coach become a guy named Chickenbox? How my life has taken a turn for the worse. Parents garage here I come...

 

[chickenbox]

Originally posted by Jerry1992:
Just because you got over 11,000 posts does not mean you are smart. . That was a joke. Haha

This post was edited on 3/10 2:21 PM by Jerry1992

I'd go farther and say it's evidence to the contrary

 

[chickenbox]

Originally posted by jimmyd36:
Has my virtual life coach become a guy named Chickenbox? How my life has taken a turn for the worse. Parents garage here I come...

Don't despair, Daddy Warbucks. We all know you have your pick of your own many, many spacious garages. We all know this because you tell us about it every day, multiple times a day.

 

[deheremike]

Jimmy, what kind of truck do you drive? Does it fit in your garage?

 

[jimmyd36]

F150 what other truck is there Dehere! Oh and I live in a rental, I lost the house to my ex-wife lol. I said that earlier but you guys must have missed it! I don't have a garage but thankfully my parents do! I'm just playing along with you guys in good fun as I have taken on a life of my own as Piratecrews Gordon Gekko! I feel like it's therapeutic in a down season. The only things I have ever posted are that I own a recruiting firm and donate a bit more than most and I'd love to see people donate more! The posts that follow me are hilarious though. I love you Piratecrew guys for thinking I'm successful it helps with the sting of my alimony and ex wife!!!

I would like to say to the young hipster kids, if you think being a pirate fan is painful don't ever get divorced!!!

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

.

Jimmy

 

[jimmyd36]

One of the best characters on the show! I feel like I'm more like Liz Lemons boyfriend on 30 Rock w the pager though. Does anyone else remember some of the players wearing those shoes on campus in the 90's btw?

This post was edited on 3/10 3:52 PM by jimmyd36

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

Originally posted by jimmyd36:
One of the best characters on the show! I feel like I'm more like Liz Lemons boyfriend on 30 Rock w the pager though. Does anyone else remember some of the players wearing those shoes on campus in the 90's btw?

This post was edited on 3/10 3:52 PM by jimmyd36

The Strength Shoe I believe they were called. I was at basketball camp (either West Point or Holy Cross) and one of the coaches worked out in them for like 20 minutes and then dunked for the first time after switching back to his regular kicks. Not sure what happened to them. I imagine too many lawsuits from too many ruptured Achilles.

 

[jimmyd36]

They actually still make them and you can get them at Eastbay. My nephew did Willards camp this past summer and I asked one of the coaches (it was an Iona player, name escapes me) if my nephew wants to improve his vertical leap what does he reccomend? His answer "yoga". He said that and stretching had the biggest impact on his verticals leap which surprised me.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

Originally posted by jimmyd36:
They actually still make them and you can get them at Eastbay. My nephew did Willards camp this past summer and I asked one of the coaches (it was an Iona player, name escapes me) if my nephew wants to improve his vertical leap what does he reccomend? His answer "yoga". He said that and stretching had the biggest impact on his verticals leap which surprised me.

That actually makes sense. I think that was the premise behind the Strength Show (stretching the Achilles). I couldn't afford them and as someone who could barely get net they wouldn't have done me much good anyways.

 

[jcalz88]

BTW I sit right behind Fabio ha he would laugh pretty hard at that.... I love that many have no idea who he is or his family, if only you knew....

 

[Save Continental]

I prefer the Spicolli reference, but yes, Fabio will do just fine.

 

[jcalz88]

Originally posted by Save Continental:
I prefer the Spicolli reference, but yes, Fabio will do just fine.

Spicolli it is..

 

[Bobbie Solo]

Originally posted by jcalz88:
I love that many have no idea who he is or his family, if only you knew....

Is it that crazy a factoid if people know that his family owns the company that provides the food services on campus, and therefore make alot of $ from the school? Is that why you think it's a big deal?