Vipers suffer serious SoCal heartbreak

[fredr123]

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...7-8f25556efaaf

I thought we had a 2008 Vipers thread. Maybe not.

Vipers lose the fifth and deciding game against the league's best team, the Orange County Flyers. That's two years and two leagues in a row the Vipers came up short in the finals.

[Resolute 14]

I listened to the last two innings, and I'm sad to say, but only one word describes the 9th inning: CHOKE!

The Vipers had the bases loaded, one out in the top of the 9th and came away empty. They then failed to record a single out in the bottom of the 9th.

That really had to hurt.

I can't even think of the last time a professional baseball team won a title in Calgary. Maybe the old Stampeders baseball club of the 50s...

[worth]

I went to the game last week when they lost 13-1 and stayed for the whole thing. Yayyy! Sucks they lost again in the finals. How many chances are they going to get? even in a small league it's tough to make the final series.

[Resolute 14]

It will be interesting to see the roster turnover this season. Calgary and Edmonton had existing contracts grandfathered into the league, as the GBL has a smaller salary cap compared to the NorL. Both teams are going to have to make some hard decisions, I think.

As disappointing as this loss was, the Vipers did well to take the series to the limit against the best team in the league given their injury problems late in the year. Guys like Kit Pellow and Mac Suzuki were brought in at the last minute to fill holes.

[troutman]

Could be last game ever? Word is EDM is losing $ like crazy and will fold. CGY is not exactly packing in the fans either.

[Resolute 14]

Doubtful. Calgary was fourth in the GBL in attendance, and saved a ton of money moving from the NorL to the GBL. Plus they wouldn't have been putting the money into things like the Absolute Baseball Academy like they have if they were going to bail.

Edmonton is a mess. I mean, it takes skill to F up a sports team worse than Peter Young, but this Dan Orlich character in Edmonton pulled it off.

Even if Edmonton folds, Calgary will be alright, as the league is looking at adding more Canadian teams. The Vipers were promoting this as part of season ticket pitches during the playoffs, even though no teams have been formally announced. However, a Herald story from a few weeks ago said the league was big on Victoria, and wanted a team in the BC interior to pair it with (Kelowna or Kamloops). I'd say if Edmonton goes under, they might put a team in Saskatoon to replace it. Preferably, someone else steps up and keeps the team in Edmonton.

Victoria averaged nearly 2000 fans per game for the Canadian League. A decent owner in that market might do very well.

[worth]

I'm pretty sure the commissioner was sitting around me during the second game of the series and i overheard him say there would be a team in the lower mainland of BC for sure next year.

[Resolute 14]

That's what the indications are. But which city? Compete with the college team in Kelowna, or go to Kamloops?

Though if the league goes to Victoria, I think a place like Bellingham would make a better pair. A place that you can bus to easier than the 6? hour ferry/bus to the interior BC followed by an 8 hour drive to Calgary/Edmonton.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Doubtful. Calgary was fourth in the GBL in attendance,

But what does that mean? How many tickets are sold (not given away) and how many people are actually in the park?

[Resolute 14]

As I said, the Vipers are drawing enough that Gidney is planting roots, i.e.: the Absolute Baseball Academy. Basically, the only way the potential demise of the Cracker Cats takes the Vipers with it is if no other Canadian teams come into play. All indications are the opposite is true.

[Julio]

I agree Res...the Victoria BC bid is headed by Darren Parker, son of former Cannons owner Russ. Darren's company did some good work with the Vipers at the end of last year (there was moe promos in August last year, including a fireworks night) than there was all this year for the Vipers), and were going to operate Edmonton until they figured out what a smozzle the situation there is. Not sure if Kamloops or Kalowna would be a great fit, but I guess they would have the sports market to themselves in the summer.

[krazycanuck]

I've heard Orlich here in Edmonton is going to give it one last year, but in reality he should just look for a seller or fold, he has killed that franchise...in the playoff series against the Vipers announced crowds were about 500.

I've heard Russ will be involved in the Victoria Franchise as well as his son. Also alot of talk about Kamloops getting a team. Even if Edmonton goes (and it could work, with the right owner). The Vipers don't have anything to worry about and have done a decent job of improving attendance.

[Resolute 14]

I'd say if Edmonton does go, Saskatoon probably takes their place.

Victoria, Kamloops/Kelowna, Calgary, Saskatoon in a division. CBL part two.

The GBL itself is going to be twelve teams next year, I think. They've already announced Tucson, so will want to pair that up with another southern team. Plus two more in Canada.

[fredr123]

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...e-d192885800a3

Rumours swirl of a shakeup in the Vipers' front office.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by fredr123

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...e-d192885800a3

Rumours swirl of a shakeup in the Vipers' front office.

But at the gates, the Vipers suffered this season and had an average attendance of 1,269 per game.

Gidney said the Vipers cleared around 3,500 fans per game last season and largely attributed this year's attendance to bad weather. He claims the club broke even this season.

[worth]

That is total BS. There is no way the Vipers averaged 3500 per game last year. I don't think the attendance has changed all that much during the vipers tenure here.

[Resolute 14]

rofl.

The Vipers averaged 1551 fans in 2007, not 3500.

1088 in 2006

1197 in 2005

That said, punting Peter Young would be a good thing.

[Engine09]

Listened to the 5th game online, very disappointing to be so close and especially 2 years in a row.

I regret only making it out to 1 game this Summer, but I went to around 5 last year, always a lot of fun at that little park.

[Julio]

And Peter Young is out, at least as the president and chief public figure for the Vipers:

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...6-0d0f23df16db

What he would be doing as a player personal manager I am not sure, but it is smart to divorce the 'playing' side of the club from the 'business' side. My favorite quote is this one:

"I believe he was over his head as president of the club," said Gidney. "He's even admitted it himself."

[troutman]

The Herald is also reporting Victoria is joining the league.