2007 Calgary Vipers Thread

[soulchoice]

I appreciate what the Dawgs and Vipers are trying to do, which is keep some semblence of higher calibre baseball in Calgary, I applaud them for that. However, I used to frequent the Cannons game quite alot and since they left, I have little, if no interest in a lower quality baseball game.

Hence I dont go to either games. When one is used to a high calibre such as the PCL, it is hard to accept anything less, in my opinion. It is the same as if the Flames were to leave and we were stuck with a league even lower then ECHL, say the old UHL, I prob would have little interest.

I agree with the previous poster, there is absolutely no way the Dawgs are single A ball. In addition, there is also no way that the Vipers are AA ball. They are barely single A ball.

[Resolute 14]

Skill level, yes. Calibre of play, no.

[Resolute 14]

Vipers drop the Fish 3-2 again, and with Fargo losing, take a 1.5 game lead on the RedHawks, and 2.5 on Winnipeg.

As far as Edmonton goes, 7.0 games back of us now.

Big series this weekend at home against Kansas City.

[Resolute 14]

Vipers win 4-2 this afternoon. Magic number to clinch the first half pennant is 4, with 6 to play.

[Cowboy89]

So I went to my first Vipers game last night . . . I have to admit the owner has really put his blood and sweat into the operations with improvements to the stadium, in-game promotions, first place team, etc. However it was missing one thing: People. They swept Fargo last night in front of just about 1,200 fans. At one point I dropped my empty beer can and echo's can be heard. I know it was only about 17 degrees last night but I recall going to many Cannons games in April where the weather was damn near freezing and seeing more fans in the stands. I used to have the attitude that I didn't want to bother with the Vipers because they weren't the Cannons, however I figure if we're ever going to get an affiliated team again we're going to have to show Winnipeg-like support for the Vipers. I love baseball and wait in hopes of an affiliated franchise back to town possibly in that 'A' Rookie league that has teams in Montana.

[Resolute 14]

1200 isnt bad for a Wednesday, actually. Last year, it would have been announced in the 700 range.

[Engine09]

I've only been to a couple games this year, really need to get out there this week.

Last games of the season go Wed-Sun.

[Resolute 14]

And we host games 1 and 2 of the playoffs next Tuesday and Wednesday - most likely against Fargo-Moorhead.

[CrusaderPi]

Speaking of the Vipers, I've been hearing talk that both Calgary and Edmonton will migrate into the Golden League for next season. I wouldn't put much stock into it, but I'm hearing it all over the place.

[Resolute 14]

Yeah, that is a very popular rumour.

It might make a little sense, given the salary cap (and therefore expenses) are lower, and both Alberta teams' attendance would actually look decent in that league, but I really can't see any reason why teams like Yuma and Chico are remotely interested in flying to Alberta several times a season.

I suspect much of this is a bluff related to the Vipers not being happy with the perpetual travel subsidy that the teams agreed to when entering the league. Note that Gidney is not the original owner, so this clause was hoisted upon him.

Really, it's just more of the same nonsense Peter Young is famous for. It is definitely being driven by Calgary though. I suspect that the Crackercats are just along for the ride more than anything else.

[lifer]

The game in WPG is on Shaw 10 right now. That sure is a nice stadium in Winnipeg.

[Resolute 14]

It is. Best baseball facility in Canada, by far.

[Resolute 14]

Vipers take game one against Fargo tonight, 9-4. Very good game by the Snakes. Hopefully they can keep it up tomorrow for game two.

[Engine09]

Anyone have the score for Game 2?

No info I can see on fan960.com

[Trojan97]

Looks like the boys pulled it out! Good on em

credit to northernleague.com:

"Calgary, AB--The Calgary Vipers defeated the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 6-4 Wednesday night to take a 2-0 North Division Championship Series lead at Foothills Stadium in Calgary, Alberta.

For the second straight night, the Vipers jumped out to an early lead behind a five-run inning. In game one, it was the third inning, this time in the bottom of the first. The early outburst was enough runs to win the game as the Vipers held onto the lead."

[Resolute 14]

And the Vipers sweep the defending champs right out of the playoffs with a 2-1 win that included surviving a bases loaded, one out situation in the 8th.

On to the league championship series against either Gary or Winnipeg. Calgary hosts games 1 and 2 next Tuesday and Wednesday.

[JayP]

Great series by the Vipers.

Let's hope the fans show up this week though. It's not AAA ball, but championship pro baseball for $10-$15 is still worth it.

[Resolute 14]

Playoff crowds often arent that great in minor league baseball. Even the legendary St. Paul Saints don't typically draw more than 1500 for playoff games. And this is a team that averages 6000 in the regular season.

[Jiggy_12]

Originally Posted by Snakeeye

Playoff crowds often arent that great in minor league baseball. Even the legendary St. Paul Saints don't typically draw more than 1500 for playoff games. And this is a team that averages 6000 in the regular season.

Do you know why that is? Seems so backwards to me.

[Resolute 14]

Typically because season ticket holders have to repurchase their seats, often at inflated prices. There usually is no group sales in playoffs, and the number of freebies often gets cut way down.

Fargo had 2600 out tonight, 1000 fans below their season average - and they were selling tickets at a flat $5.

Happens in most minor leagues too. The WHL often laments lower attendance in the first and second round of their playoffs, and NLL attendance is often lower as well. The Roughnecks selling out the Dome in 04 for the championship is rather remarkable for this reason.