Hello There, Guest! (LoginRegister)

Post Reply 
Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
Author Message
WRCisforgotten79 Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 10,600
Joined: May 2007
Reputation: 50
I Root For: Rice
Location: Houston
Post: #1
Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
After seeing how few "views" there were of recent baseball games on the Parliament, I decided to see if this could be quantified.

In the 12 games beginning with the home game against UTSA and ending with a road game against Lamar (and not including game 1 of East Carolina that was an aberration with 23,272 views), there was an average of 5,399 views.

For the next 11 games, beginning with game 1 versus UCF, and ending with game 3 against UAB, there have been 3,447 views, on average.

For the last 4, the average is 998.5, so far.

Because I have had to miss many recent home games due to track and field obligations, I don't know if there has been a similar reduction in the number of BIS. Perhaps someone could provide some observation as to in-house attendance.
05-13-2013 04:39 PM
Visit this user's website Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


Caelligh Offline
La Asesina
*

Posts: 5,950
Joined: Jul 2004
Reputation: 87
I Root For: Rice U
Location: Not FL

New Orleans BowlDonators
Post: #2
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
I've just had way, way, way too much stuff going on in non-Rice life to manage to watch basketball or baseball games this year. :( Sorry, athletes.
05-13-2013 05:02 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
owlsfan Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,054
Joined: Apr 2007
Reputation: 11
I Root For:
Location:
Post: #3
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
I feel it; it is tangible. We have slipped from being an annual national power and threat to get to the CWS to an interesting 2 or 3 seed possibility. You love your school; you support and admire its athletes, (who actually go to class and excel on the field), but it is just harder to get excited.

And pardon my pessimism, but this is a pitching based team that has its top pitchers walking out the door (and into nice pro contracts, I would guess) when this season ends.

This is a baseball team with eight hitters who could hit in the #1 or #2 hole, but not in the #3, #4 or #5 slots, and who cannot run (at a 63% SB success percentage, we would be better off if we never attempted a SB-we are giving up more value in the extra outs when we are caught then we are getting in the extra base when we are successful). We run into way too many outs, mistaking aggression as a virtue when the risk is not worth the reward. This is a team built to scratch out 2-1 wins, but which has trouble prevailing when the poor starter gives up a few runs.

I believe the FB team will have a higher winning percentage in 2013 than the baseball team will (2013 or 2014). I never thought I would say that about Rice.
(This post was last modified: 05-13-2013 05:08 PM by owlsfan.)
05-13-2013 05:07 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Antarius Offline
Say no to cronyism
*

Posts: 11,959
Joined: Sep 2010
Reputation: 87
I Root For: Rice
Location: KHOU
Post: #4
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
(05-13-2013 05:02 PM)Caelligh Wrote:  I've just had way, way, way too much stuff going on in non-Rice life to manage to watch basketball or baseball games this year. :( Sorry, athletes.

Same. I moved away from Houston and travel M-F most weeks. I follow on parliament and online but haven't been able to make it for most games.

Quote:I believe the FB team will have a higher winning percentage in 2013 than the baseball team will (2013 or 2014). I never thought I would say that about Rice.

I'll believe it when I see it.
05-13-2013 05:14 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
mrbig Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 8,662
Joined: Jun 2008
Reputation: 127
I Root For: Rice
Location: New Orleans
Post: #5
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
I'll admit my interest has lagged slightly, but that is not just due to on-field results, as we are getting ready to move, had our 3rd baby since last baseball season, etc. I think the disappointment toward basketball and the Greenspan allegations have also tainted my interest slightly. Combine that with it being a down year by Rice baseball standards which are on the heels of a couple other slightly down years. I've been following games mostly on twitter and game stories, rather than on the parliament.
05-13-2013 05:15 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
MemOwl Offline
All American
*

Posts: 3,031
Joined: Aug 2006
Reputation: 28
I Root For: Owls
Location: Houston
Post: #6
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
Our schedule is also down a bit. The UT and TAMU mid-weekers were traditional high points of message board participation. UTSA and La Tech and SFA not so much.
05-13-2013 05:23 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


At Ease Offline
Banned

Posts: 17,134
Joined: Jun 2005
I Root For: The Rice Owls
Location:
Post: #7
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
Interest would almost certainly be higher if the team were playing at a higher level, and playing a more attractive schedule.

But I think this is more a function of the general malaise with Rice athletics right now. This has been a rough year, and things don't look to get better anytime soon.

Edit: These new bats also haven't helped. Fewer people enjoy watching baseball where the power element is extensively and artificially removed.
(This post was last modified: 05-13-2013 07:05 PM by At Ease.)
05-13-2013 06:00 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
grol Offline
Baseball Fan
*

Posts: 10,668
Joined: Jun 2005
Reputation: 42
I Root For: Rice Owls
Location: Wimberley

Donators
Post: #8
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
It's a lot more fun to jump on the board and praise the team for its successes than to pile on about its failures (or failures to meet our expectations). I am just as interested, but have not as much to say, therefore less posts. My guess is taht there are others who feel the same, therefore less posts, less threads.

I like our team, the players and coaches, just as much as always (as a fan and alumnus). I go to as many games as I can and will continue to do so.
05-13-2013 06:16 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
waltgreenberg Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 33,138
Joined: Feb 2006
Reputation: 138
I Root For: Rice Owls
Location: Chicago

The Parliament Awards
Post: #9
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
(05-13-2013 05:07 PM)owlsfan Wrote:  I feel it; it is tangible. We have slipped from being an annual national power and threat to get to the CWS to an interesting 2 or 3 seed possibility. You love your school; you support and admire its athletes, (who actually go to class and excel on the field), but it is just harder to get excited.

And pardon my pessimism, but this is a pitching based team that has its top pitchers walking out the door (and into nice pro contracts, I would guess) when this season ends.

This is a baseball team with eight hitters who could hit in the #1 or #2 hole, but not in the #3, #4 or #5 slots, and who cannot run (at a 63% SB success percentage, we would be better off if we never attempted a SB-we are giving up more value in the extra outs when we are caught then we are getting in the extra base when we are successful). We run into way too many outs, mistaking aggression as a virtue when the risk is not worth the reward. This is a team built to scratch out 2-1 wins, but which has trouble prevailing when the poor starter gives up a few runs.

I believe the FB team will have a higher winning percentage in 2013 than the baseball team will (2013 or 2014). I never thought I would say that about Rice.

First off, though I know several others disagree with me, I still believe there is a pretty good chance that Kubitza is the only one of our primary pitchers to move on after this season. I'd be very surprised if McDowell does not return (unless he has already earned his degree) and I still think there's better than a 50-50 shot that John Simms returns for his Senior year (given the scouts are not particularly enamored with his stuff). And on offense, I think there's a very good chance that everyone returns save for Perrott, Stringer and Ratterree, all of whom have used up their eligibility. If all this occurs, we will quite likely enter next season as a preseason Top 10 team-- with Simms, Stephens, McCanna. McDowell, Lemond, Fox, Ditman and Rutter all returning on the pitching staff, along with Ewing, Teykl, Fox, Hunter K., Hoelscher, Stainback, Cook, Byrd and Aquino as position players.

As for this season, my interest has not waned, nor has my hope that we exceed expectations over the next month. This team has the talent and potential, but has underachieved so far as best reflected in a lack of consistency. We are a much better defensive team than we've displayed over the past several weeks, and our ace is a much better pitcher than he's been the second half of the season.

Yes, recruiting has been a bit down the past couple years (though I do think this year's Freshman class will yet prove to be one of our best), but we do have a couple elite potential, albeit raw talent committed for this year's incoming class, and next year's recruiting class is shaping up to be one of our most highly regarded ever (if we can get them to show up on campus).

Those claiming we're no longer considered a national power are being way too critical and cynical, IMO. That is most certainly not the perception of those who closely follow college baseball on a national level.
05-13-2013 06:31 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
OptimisticOwl Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 58,536
Joined: Apr 2005
Reputation: 854
I Root For: Rice
Location: DFW Metroplex

The Parliament AwardsNew Orleans BowlFootball GeniusCrappiesDonatorsDonators
Post: #10
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
In recent years, the late season topic of discussion has slipped from "Which national Seed will we get?" to "Will we get a top 8 National Seed?" to "Will we host a regional?" to "Will we be a 2 seed?" to "Will we make the playoffs?"

Success breeds a thirst for more - diappointment breeds indifference.

I am a season ticket holder who lives in the Metroplex area. Most years I travel to Houston for 3-4 weekends of baseball. This year, so far - one, the opening weekend vs. Stanford. We were planning to come this last weekend, but had conflict on Friday, so the plan was to leave early Saturday. By the time we finished with Friday night, we had lost interest in getting up early and traveling 250 miles.

I've noticed the game threads dropping by 80-90%.

It's like we keep hearing about football and basketball - winning breeds interest. Less winning, less interest. Plus, expectations are higher for baseball, due to past success, hence disappointment is greater.
05-13-2013 07:07 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
ETx Owl Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,073
Joined: Jul 2005
Reputation: 17
I Root For:
Location:
Post: #11
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
I have been chastised for being negative, and in some instances questioning Wayne , but I have realized that in baseball , parity has hit and of course we have been spoiled by success for many years and we dont like it. Baseball has been our flagship to brag about athletically. It has always given me great pleasure to read where Aggies and Longhorns would rather beat us than anybody, and a victory over Rice baseball was a feather in their cap. If you polled the state of Texas today, I think we would be at the top of the measuring stick still. Look at the miserable record almost all of our state teams have this year. I attribute it to college baseball popularity and becoming almost a minor league, more and more kids specializing in baseball (My nephew who played football at Rice, will not let his kids play football, but pushes baseball!?)and more talent being spread around than when you had the dominance of Rice, UT and A&M. Add this to the raid of the draft on our underclassmen every year, I now think Wayne has done a remarkable job of reloading and recruiting and being near the top every year. Just my 2 cents.
05-13-2013 07:30 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


greyowl72 Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 5,643
Joined: Apr 2008
Reputation: 60
I Root For: Rice
Location: Permanent Basement
Post: #12
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
I will drink the Walt Kool-Aid and believe that we could be better next year if we can hold on to some key guys.
This year has been a disappoinment..especially after the Stanford and Hawaii series. I went to the Minute Maid Tournament where we played NC such a good game..only to lose in the 8th or 9th. After that game it seemed that the wind went out of our sails and we got flattened. And the rest of the season has been "on the brink". We put ourselves in a position to win, only to lose the key games with too many walks, a key error or no offense when we've got 2 or 3 on base. Things that we didn't see much of in the past.
I'm still on board for the games, though. After Minute Maid, I was able to get to Houston for the Easter Tulane series. I should be able to see the all of the Marshall games via Owlvision. And I plan to make it down for the CUSA tournament.
Hope springs eternal, and I'm hopeful that we will catch fire, catch some breaks and get into a Long Beach mode soon
05-13-2013 08:13 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Fort Bend Owl Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 28,343
Joined: Jun 2005
Reputation: 448
I Root For: An easy win
Location:

The Parliament Awards
Post: #13
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
Walt - I actually feel you're a big part of the problem.

I'm just being honest - you need to tone down your top-10 rhetoric. Unless we make a miraculous post-season run, we will not come close to being a top-10 team in the preseason polls next year.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

I appreciate your enthusiasm but why don't you try lowering your expectations just a bit based on the past 2 1/2 seasons of results, and maybe be pleasantly surprised if we actually surpass your goals instead of under-achieving?

(05-13-2013 06:31 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  
(05-13-2013 05:07 PM)owlsfan Wrote:  I feel it; it is tangible. We have slipped from being an annual national power and threat to get to the CWS to an interesting 2 or 3 seed possibility. You love your school; you support and admire its athletes, (who actually go to class and excel on the field), but it is just harder to get excited.

And pardon my pessimism, but this is a pitching based team that has its top pitchers walking out the door (and into nice pro contracts, I would guess) when this season ends.

This is a baseball team with eight hitters who could hit in the #1 or #2 hole, but not in the #3, #4 or #5 slots, and who cannot run (at a 63% SB success percentage, we would be better off if we never attempted a SB-we are giving up more value in the extra outs when we are caught then we are getting in the extra base when we are successful). We run into way too many outs, mistaking aggression as a virtue when the risk is not worth the reward. This is a team built to scratch out 2-1 wins, but which has trouble prevailing when the poor starter gives up a few runs.

I believe the FB team will have a higher winning percentage in 2013 than the baseball team will (2013 or 2014). I never thought I would say that about Rice.

First off, though I know several others disagree with me, I still believe there is a pretty good chance that Kubitza is the only one of our primary pitchers to move on after this season. I'd be very surprised if McDowell does not return (unless he has already earned his degree) and I still think there's better than a 50-50 shot that John Simms returns for his Senior year (given the scouts are not particularly enamored with his stuff). And on offense, I think there's a very good chance that everyone returns save for Perrott, Stringer and Ratterree, all of whom have used up their eligibility. If all this occurs, we will quite likely enter next season as a preseason Top 10 team-- with Simms, Stephens, McCanna. McDowell, Lemond, Fox, Ditman and Rutter all returning on the pitching staff, along with Ewing, Teykl, Fox, Hunter K., Hoelscher, Stainback, Cook, Byrd and Aquino as position players.

As for this season, my interest has not waned, nor has my hope that we exceed expectations over the next month. This team has the talent and potential, but has underachieved so far as best reflected in a lack of consistency. We are a much better defensive team than we've displayed over the past several weeks, and our ace is a much better pitcher than he's been the second half of the season.

Yes, recruiting has been a bit down the past couple years (though I do think this year's Freshman class will yet prove to be one of our best), but we do have a couple elite potential, albeit raw talent committed for this year's incoming class, and next year's recruiting class is shaping up to be one of our most highly regarded ever (if we can get them to show up on campus).

Those claiming we're no longer considered a national power are being way too critical and cynical, IMO. That is most certainly not the perception of those who closely follow college baseball on a national level.
05-13-2013 08:35 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
waltgreenberg Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 33,138
Joined: Feb 2006
Reputation: 138
I Root For: Rice Owls
Location: Chicago

The Parliament Awards
Post: #14
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
(05-13-2013 08:35 PM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  Walt - I actually feel you're a big part of the problem.

I'm just being honest - you need to tone down your top-10 rhetoric. Unless we make a miraculous post-season run, we will not come close to being a top-10 team in the preseason polls next year.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

I appreciate your enthusiasm but why don't you try lowering your expectations just a bit based on the past 2 1/2 seasons of results, and maybe be pleasantly surprised if we actually surpass your goals instead of under-achieving?

(05-13-2013 06:31 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  
(05-13-2013 05:07 PM)owlsfan Wrote:  I feel it; it is tangible. We have slipped from being an annual national power and threat to get to the CWS to an interesting 2 or 3 seed possibility. You love your school; you support and admire its athletes, (who actually go to class and excel on the field), but it is just harder to get excited.

And pardon my pessimism, but this is a pitching based team that has its top pitchers walking out the door (and into nice pro contracts, I would guess) when this season ends.

This is a baseball team with eight hitters who could hit in the #1 or #2 hole, but not in the #3, #4 or #5 slots, and who cannot run (at a 63% SB success percentage, we would be better off if we never attempted a SB-we are giving up more value in the extra outs when we are caught then we are getting in the extra base when we are successful). We run into way too many outs, mistaking aggression as a virtue when the risk is not worth the reward. This is a team built to scratch out 2-1 wins, but which has trouble prevailing when the poor starter gives up a few runs.

I believe the FB team will have a higher winning percentage in 2013 than the baseball team will (2013 or 2014). I never thought I would say that about Rice.

First off, though I know several others disagree with me, I still believe there is a pretty good chance that Kubitza is the only one of our primary pitchers to move on after this season. I'd be very surprised if McDowell does not return (unless he has already earned his degree) and I still think there's better than a 50-50 shot that John Simms returns for his Senior year (given the scouts are not particularly enamored with his stuff). And on offense, I think there's a very good chance that everyone returns save for Perrott, Stringer and Ratterree, all of whom have used up their eligibility. If all this occurs, we will quite likely enter next season as a preseason Top 10 team-- with Simms, Stephens, McCanna. McDowell, Lemond, Fox, Ditman and Rutter all returning on the pitching staff, along with Ewing, Teykl, Fox, Hunter K., Hoelscher, Stainback, Cook, Byrd and Aquino as position players.

As for this season, my interest has not waned, nor has my hope that we exceed expectations over the next month. This team has the talent and potential, but has underachieved so far as best reflected in a lack of consistency. We are a much better defensive team than we've displayed over the past several weeks, and our ace is a much better pitcher than he's been the second half of the season.

Yes, recruiting has been a bit down the past couple years (though I do think this year's Freshman class will yet prove to be one of our best), but we do have a couple elite potential, albeit raw talent committed for this year's incoming class, and next year's recruiting class is shaping up to be one of our most highly regarded ever (if we can get them to show up on campus).

Those claiming we're no longer considered a national power are being way too critical and cynical, IMO. That is most certainly not the perception of those who closely follow college baseball on a national level.

FBO, I strongly disagree. Post-season performance has absolutely nothing to do with how the pundits rank teams the following preseason. Rather, preseason polling is based on a combination of: (1) how many key players from the previous season have departed, and (2) how many returning, experienced and proven players are on the roster. If we lose only AK from the pitching staff and Perrott/Stringer/Rat from the lineup, we're going to be one of the deepest teams in the country with regard to proven, returning talent-- both in the pitching staff and the everyday lineup...and many of those returnees will be building off their first full year of D-1 action (including Byrd, McCanna, Ewing, Fox, Teykl, Ditman, Rutter and even Aquino). How many programs would have 3 pitchers of the caliber of Simms, Stephens and Lemond returning (and I could throw Fox and McDowell into that mix, as well)? How many teams would have four proven hitters (Aquino, Cook, Hoelscher, Stainback) returning, along with three others (Ewing, Byrd and Teykl) which most of us expect to become future stars?

Again, still a big IF with regards to both Simms and Aquino, but again, I think all things considered, the odds are better than 50-50 that both will be returning for their Senior campaign. And if they both return, I'll bet you right now (you name the wager) that we'll be preseason Top 10 - 15, regardless to how we fare in the post-season.
05-13-2013 08:54 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
OldOwl Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 2,315
Joined: Oct 2011
Reputation: -12
I Root For: Rice Owls
Location:
Post: #15
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
This is just an off year. We will be alright next year. We just need a batting coach.

(05-13-2013 07:07 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  In recent years, the late season topic of discussion has slipped from "Which national Seed will we get?" to "Will we get a top 8 National Seed?" to "Will we host a regional?" to "Will we be a 2 seed?" to "Will we make the playoffs?"

Success breeds a thirst for more - diappointment breeds indifference.

I am a season ticket holder who lives in the Metroplex area. Most years I travel to Houston for 3-4 weekends of baseball. This year, so far - one, the opening weekend vs. Stanford. We were planning to come this last weekend, but had conflict on Friday, so the plan was to leave early Saturday. By the time we finished with Friday night, we had lost interest in getting up early and traveling 250 miles.

I've noticed the game threads dropping by 80-90%.

It's like we keep hearing about football and basketball - winning breeds interest. Less winning, less interest. Plus, expectations are higher for baseball, due to past success, hence disappointment is greater.
05-13-2013 09:07 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
son of SID Offline
Water Engineer
*

Posts: 53
Joined: May 2013
Reputation: 4
I Root For: owls
Location:
Post: #16
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
I have followed the Owls for over 50 years. Was a Batboy for Dell Morgan's teams in my youth. Have followed the Owls in all sports my entire life. [62 years old] Went to 10-15 games a year the last 15 years, but did not make a game this year. Why? Never felt that "rush" of a team going somewhere. No big non conference games. I still was on game tracker every game, but the edge was gone to get me to the park. I never miss a home football game, and am an AVID fan of the Women's Basketball team, but this year I lost my fire to go to Reckling. I want it back! I guess I have to admidt I was spoiled by our success. Wayne Graham is my hero { I am a Coach, but in HS Football and LAX} and I hope like hell we find a way to Omaha !
05-13-2013 09:41 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


Ricefootballnet Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 2,126
Joined: Jun 2005
Reputation: 94
I Root For: The Institute
Location: Rice/Med Center

New Orleans BowlDonatorsThe Parliament Awards
Post: #17
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
(05-13-2013 09:41 PM)son of SID Wrote:  I have followed the Owls for over 50 years. Was a Batboy for Dell Morgan's teams in my youth. Have followed the Owls in all sports my entire life. [62 years old] Went to 10-15 games a year the last 15 years, but did not make a game this year. Why? Never felt that "rush" of a team going somewhere. No big non conference games. I still was on game tracker every game, but the edge was gone to get me to the park. I never miss a home football game, and am an AVID fan of the Women's Basketball team, but this year I lost my fire to go to Reckling. I want it back! I guess I have to admidt I was spoiled by our success. Wayne Graham is my hero { I am a Coach, but in HS Football and LAX} and I hope like hell we find a way to Omaha !

The context here, for me, individually is this: I am now 63 years old. I have been a fanatical Rice supporter since I was eight years old. I was a basketball nut; went out for the freshman team and got offered the manager's spot, took it. The last time Rice basketball made the NCAA's, I was a 20 year old sophomore (we went one and done, of course). The last time time Rice football won its conference championship was 1957. I was seven years old. Several players on that team, God love 'em, my heros, have died of old age. (Sorry, the five-way tie in '95 doesn't count.)

Rice baseball was one thin reed upon which we consummately loyal Owls could grasp. In 2003, when we won it all, I thought, "OK that one was for the alums. Now we need to win one more for Wayne." The realization this year is that that in all likelihood it's just not gonna happen. I've bit my tongue and not posted following a number of excruciating baseball losses this spring that said to me at the time, "it's over." Will continue to do so, if for no other reason because this team never has quit, for an inning. But man, I am near the end of the road.

I went to one Rice basketball game this season. The last time I saw that few Rice basketball games was 1957....no wait, 1956. The ticket office botched my baseball season ticket app this season and I just let it go, never followed up, and wound up going to no more than 5 or 6 games. Have not yet brought myself to pull the trigger on muy usual pittance Owl Club donation yet this year; deadline is May 31 and imagine I'll get it in before the wire. But can't help but holding off and thinking about other places to put my donation, as meager as it is.

I'm holding by a thread. Am looking for a life line to hang onto. Anything.
05-13-2013 10:58 PM
Visit this user's website Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Tiki Owl Online
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 21,110
Joined: Jun 2005
Reputation: 119
I Root For: Rice Owls
Location: Tiki Island

The Parliament AwardsCrappiesNew Orleans BowlDonatorsThe Parliament Awards
Post: #18
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
(05-13-2013 10:58 PM)Ricefootballnet Wrote:  
(05-13-2013 09:41 PM)son of SID Wrote:  I have followed the Owls for over 50 years. Was a Batboy for Dell Morgan's teams in my youth. Have followed the Owls in all sports my entire life. [62 years old] Went to 10-15 games a year the last 15 years, but did not make a game this year. Why? Never felt that "rush" of a team going somewhere. No big non conference games. I still was on game tracker every game, but the edge was gone to get me to the park. I never miss a home football game, and am an AVID fan of the Women's Basketball team, but this year I lost my fire to go to Reckling. I want it back! I guess I have to admidt I was spoiled by our success. Wayne Graham is my hero { I am a Coach, but in HS Football and LAX} and I hope like hell we find a way to Omaha !

The context here, for me, individually is this: I am now 63 years old. I have been a fanatical Rice supporter since I was eight years old. I was a basketball nut; went out for the freshman team and got offered the manager's spot, took it. The last time Rice basketball made the NCAA's, I was a 20 year old sophomore (we went one and done, of course). The last time time Rice football won its conference championship was 1957. I was seven years old. Several players on that team, God love 'em, my heros, have died of old age. (Sorry, the five-way tie in '95 doesn't count.)

Rice baseball was one thin reed upon which we consummately loyal Owls could grasp. In 2003, when we won it all, I thought, "OK that one was for the alums. Now we need to win one more for Wayne." The realization this year is that that in all likelihood it's just not gonna happen. I've bit my tongue and not posted following a number of excruciating baseball losses this spring that said to me at the time, "it's over." Will continue to do so, if for no other reason because this team never has quit, for an inning. But man, I am near the end of the road.

I went to one Rice basketball game this season. The last time I saw that few Rice basketball games was 1957....no wait, 1956. The ticket office botched my baseball season ticket app this season and I just let it go, never followed up, and wound up going to no more than 5 or 6 games. Have not yet brought myself to pull the trigger on muy usual pittance Owl Club donation yet this year; deadline is May 31 and imagine I'll get it in before the wire. But can't help but holding off and thinking about other places to put my donation, as meager as it is.

I'm holding by a thread. Am looking for a life line to hang onto. Anything.

PTH, as you are aware I could have written your post. Let me add that the "meager donation" only several years ago was a "substantial one" like you. As I just posted in the realignment thread that if UH gets into the Big 12 I'm probably done. It's not that it is UH but that the administration both University wide and in athletics has failed us.

Like others we made annual reservations for Omaha, attended 85% or more of the home games (and kept our season tickets for the big 3 sports for the 7 years we were in Minnesota), avidly followed the road adventures closely. The last two Regionals started our waning interest and that has only accelerated this year to the point where we will wind up probably making 60% or less of the home games. We elected several weeks ago to make reservations for a little R&R last weekend in spite of the Memphis homestand something we wouldn't have entertained several years ago. Since the LSU Supers in Rendon's freshman year things have trended downward. Combined with the turmoil behind the scenes in all 3 big sports and we are just about worn out. I know others as well judging from the significant drop in attendance at this years RBI Dinner.
05-14-2013 06:14 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Owl 69/70/75 Online
Just an old rugby coach
*

Posts: 80,651
Joined: Sep 2005
Reputation: 3192
I Root For: RiceBathChelsea
Location: Montgomery, TX

DonatorsNew Orleans Bowl
Post: #19
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
Tiki/PTH, you're not alone. Except that I grew up in SEC country and my first real contact with Rice was the 1961 Sugar Bowl, I could pretty much have written the same post. And, of course, it's easier for me to lose interest now that I've moved up to the lake.
05-14-2013 07:50 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Caelligh Offline
La Asesina
*

Posts: 5,950
Joined: Jul 2004
Reputation: 87
I Root For: Rice U
Location: Not FL

New Orleans BowlDonators
Post: #20
RE: Reduced interest in Rice baseball?
I will say that I'm looking forward to football season. The realignment talk is depressing, but winning the bowl game last year is a promising indicator.

Football plays few games compared to basketball and baseball, so there are limited chances to catch a football game and each football game is very significant. There is less urgency to catch a given basketball or baseball game because there are so many to choose from.
05-14-2013 08:22 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Post Reply 




User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)


Copyright © 2002-2024 Collegiate Sports Nation Bulletin Board System (CSNbbs), All Rights Reserved.
CSNbbs is an independent fan site and is in no way affiliated to the NCAA or any of the schools and conferences it represents.
This site monetizes links. FTC Disclosure.
We allow third-party companies to serve ads and/or collect certain anonymous information when you visit our web site. These companies may use non-personally identifiable information (e.g., click stream information, browser type, time and date, subject of advertisements clicked or scrolled over) during your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services likely to be of greater interest to you. These companies typically use a cookie or third party web beacon to collect this information. To learn more about this behavioral advertising practice or to opt-out of this type of advertising, you can visit http://www.networkadvertising.org.
Powered By MyBB, © 2002-2024 MyBB Group.