July 10, 2003 [LINK]
More stalling
MLB officials said today that there will probably be NO decision on relocating the Montreal Expos by the All Star break, contrary to earlier statements. Apparently, the decision might not happen for months, they said. It would appear to be a ploy to put pressure on Washington and Virginia officials to commit to more stadium funding. Not gonna happen. According to the Virginia section of today's Washington Post, officials in Arlington County are under heavy pressure not to impose additional taxes for purposes of stadium funding.
Atlanta fan retorts
My description of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium as "forgettable" elicited this fan response:
Dear Sir:
Atlanta Fulton County Stadium was forgettable? Frank Cabrerra drives in Sid Bream to win the 92 NLCS. Three games of one of the greatest World Series ever were played there in 1991, including 2 which the Braves won in their last at bat. The Braves won only the third World Championship in franchise history there in 1995. Pete Rose's 44 game hitting streak ended there in 1978. Otis Nixon made one of the most memorable catches in baseball history there in 1992. The Braves won a then record 13th straight game to open the season in dramatic fashion in 1982. Bob Horner hit four homeruns in a single game there. The first ever NLCS was played there. A very dramatic game three of the 96 World Series there saw the Yankees come from 6-0 to win the game and spur them to win the series.
In 1978 the Falcons won a dramatic come from behind playoff victory over the Eagles there, and the Cowboys did the same to the Falcons in a 1980 playoff game there. I could go on and on. Forgettable? Hardly!
David Beall
Lindale, GA
Point well taken. Obviously, my interest in stadium design per se sometimes overshadows the sport itself, which is obviously more important. Just as you can't tell a book by its cover, there is no necessary correlation between stadium excellence and a team's success. (Just ask the long-suffering Cubs and Red Sox fans.) Thanks for the history lesson, David!
Also, I received some useful historical info on Arlington Stadium from Clifford "Bucky" Nance, which I will incorporate into that page soon. Thanks, Bucky! As this site moves forward, I'll probably make room for comments and input on a routine basis. Keep those cards and letters comin' in, sports fans!