I have never had the slightest interest in baseball and freely admit that I don’t even know the rules. But what I do know is that literally millions of our cousins across the Pond are hopelessly devoted to the game that continues to rival American Football in the popularity stakes.
So why should I develop an overnight interest in it now?
I haven’t really of course, but with the news that Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio was at Carrow Road last Sunday together with sons Dan and Mike as well as a clutch of senior Brewers’ executives – or Presidents as they prefer to call them over there – I thought I’d have a glance at Milwaukee Brewers, as perhaps others of us have done as well.
Okay, I learned nothing about the game itself but that did not stop me from picking up some very interesting information about Attanasio and, importantly, most of it seems so positive, verging sometimes on the point of the heart-warming, that on the face of it even Delia couldn’t find fault with his credentials.
Sure, he might fail the criterion that he *isn’t a fan* but he’s been to a game and if he thought we were playing in white against the yellow shirts of Tottenham he might even have been impressed with the team. His son Dan is also part of the Brewers set-up and sported a rather suave college-style NCFC scarf and you can be sure that unlike Delia he has never worn the Ipswich equivalent.
So, for me, that box is actually ticked in a funny kind of way!
Mark Attanasio was born in the Bronx, moved to New Jersey at an early stage and made more than a few bucks through various investments – all of which seem absolutely legitimate and the guy is seemingly well thought of in Milwaukee [currently the home of Schlitz, Miller Lite and Coors amongst loads of US beers I’ve never heard of] from what I could garner from various sources.
But what I found the most interesting thing about Attanasio is that when he bought the Brewers 16 years ago he laid out his four cornerstone principles. And fans seem to love him for it – yes, I did take a look at a couple of their fansites too.
Have a look at those principles, dear readers.
⚾ Fielding a perennially competitive team.
⚾ Delivering the best fan experience possible, whether in the stadium itself, via broadcasts or our presence online.
⚾ Continuing [for the Brewers] to be a leader in the local community.
⚾ Being behind an organisation where people want to work, whether on the field or behind the scenes.
Two other stated objectives were to continue to invest significant resources to enhance the fan experience at [their stadium] American Family Field and to sustain continuity among the leadership by securing long-term contracts with players and management alike.
He would say that, wouldn’t he?
Well, maybe not as current Brewers manager Craig Counsell has been with the team for nine years, which is in itself unprecedented in football since the retirements of Sir Alex and Dario Gradi. That Milwaukee team has been successful throughout his tenure.
So I at least can see some shared values here.
We do not know how long this has been brewing [sorry!] behind the scenes and there’s many a slip twixt cup and lip but the more I find out the more I like the sound of it.
I’d have to refer you to Gary Field’s fine explanatory article of yesterday if you wish to discover exactly how it might all work out, whether takeover, investment or something in between.
To be fair if everything is as it ostensibly seems to be, I cannot see Delia being able to put her parts on about this particular investor. I’m sure there’s a life vice-presidency in there somewhere for her and MWJ and I would have no wish to deny them that.
And then their good times could still roll – and with honour.
Gary G used Happy Days yesterday, but although I considered it this was always my choice
He seems to fit the bill, I wonder if this would have slipped under the radar if our local papers had not informed us. The club may have stayed quiet, o they have sorry.. that will have to change know we know. Or will it ?
One of the investors that doesn’t exist, I had a Google of the man and the sports side of his empire. He is also also a part-owner of the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals..Apparently the Brewers have doubled in value, since he took over.
Talking of money, found this interesting “For many years Mark Attanasio has made educated guesses on where to put money—lots of money. He has succeeded more times than not by analyzing countless amounts of information and data and making sound financial decisions. Not just any old decision, but the type that can mean millions.”
Wonder if he see City as one of those?
I still hold to my belief, the Stowmarket Duo will not part their position,
Hi Lad
He seems to be the closest fit Delia will ever get so we should find out once and for all what her intentions really are.
Had Webber not fallen out with Archant the Pink Un would surely have kept schtum until releasing their stories about any deal as an exclusive at the appropriate time but bridges were burned so hey ho.
I read the same article as yourself by the looks of it as well as a few others and I couldn’t find anybody with a word against the man.
Cheers
The Jerry Lee Lewis version is the definitive one, Martin, but I guess you’re too young to remember that! Try it, it’s better than Rod Stewart’s effort.
The American party seem to have been here for a reasonable period of time, so there could well be some meat on these bones. I presume they wouldn’t have brought such a large group unless discussions had got to an advanced stage, so it could indicate there is some hope of a deal with what seems like a very good fit for us. Mr Attanasio apparently places great value on community involvement, so I hope he’s had a good look at the Nest. The improvements at Colney should also impress.
Fingers crossed!
Hi Jim
Yes I am a little bit too young to remember the Jerry Lee version at the time but I did listen to it as an alternative but went for the Rod take as I just love the Faces.
I totally agree with you about Colney and the Nest, plus our academy programme *covers all the bases* so hopefully Mark A & Co will have been suitably impressed.
We need to keep our community together as the first signs of fissures have appeared.
Cheers
I would concur with your thoughts on this one Martin.
I looked on line and my only reservation was that it sounded too good to be true.
Let’s hope for a much needed happy ending.
Hi John
As regular MFW readers will know I am often a tad too lazy to indulge in very much research but I did a fair bit of digging here and all seems true from what I’ve discovered.
But will even this be good enough for Delia?
We shall see.
Cheers
Sorry but for Milwaukee it has to be the theme song, not from Happy Days, but from another sitcom, Laverne and Shirley, the music from which was called “Making Our Dreams Come True (doin’ it our way)” … which might be perfect… hopefully! https://youtu.be/bJzF8_df1R8
Hi fellow Martin P
I never really watched very much of Laverne and Shirley so I’ll have to look that one up when I get the chance.
American comedy sitcoms are not really for me but despite that I love Happy Days, Bilko and No Time for Sergeants. Happy Days was possibly the best *feelgood* show ever.
Cheers
Hi Martin
Good choice of music.
Can our esteemed majority share holders find something to disapprove off only time will tell.
For such a large contingent to hop on a private jet just seems too good to be true unless their is a clear plan to invest both in the team and stadium.
Can we see whole sale changes in how the club is run I would hope so and as many have mentioned recently the club has lacked any real customer relationship with supporters and most American companies regard keeping customers happy as the best way to make a profit.
Baseball is the old English school game of rounders taken to the next level not sure if Carrow Rd is big enough to hold a game but you never know as there is a few teams looking to put games on in the UK so another reason for investment.
Will the old carrot come out if this doesn’t happen saying that no one what’s to invest??
There is now the opportunity to take the club forward so please don’t screw it up that’s what I would ask the Board.
Hi Alex. Derby County used to play at the Baseball Ground, so maybe you can fit a pitch on a football ground? Not sure what the groundstaff would make of the pitcher’s mound, though!
I know – I went there. Sorry DCFC supporters but it was a dreadful arena and the pitch was a quagmire: when I visited, anyway.
Yes, it was so bad the groundsman had to come out and repaint the penalty spot before a kick could be taken!
Went their once to see city play Tommy Doc was manager at the time.
Stopped of in Grantham for fish and chips and the whole city team with John Bond were queuing for Fish and Chips
Not that night but it wouldn’t have surprised me!
🙂
Queuing for fish & chips?
Professional footballers wouldn’t dare to be caught out eating it these days, any more than most of them would stand in a queue!
Those were the days I suppose.
Reminds me of the story that Bobby Robson and that lot stopped off for a meal on the way back from Manchester, and Robson ordered a steak. When the waitress asked “what about the vegetables?” He answered “oh, just give them fish and chips.”
When Chairman of Fulham Tommy Trinder announced on stage that he’d got a transistor radio for the team.
His punchline was that his mate said to him *well done Tom, that was a bl00dy good swap*.
Hi Alex
Will they screw it up? We don’t know the answer but they might if they want to, if you see what I mean.
Rounders was a mixed sex game we played at junior school and I thoroughly enjoyed playing it – at least I can remember the rules!
I don’t know if Mark A & crew used a private jet for certain, although I would be very surprised if they chose to *slum it* with Virgin Atlantic or whoever;
You’re absolutely right with your take on the [archetypal] US attitude to business.
Cheers
I am with you Martin these investors seem to fit even Delia’s high standards for a takeover.
And here I find myself in agreement with her over the suitability of an incoming custodian, as it seems Burnley’s investors borrowed money using the club or its’s properties against the loan. Not what we want here.
Baseball was explained to me and my wife way back in October 1993 in the greatly lamented Cricketers Arms Pub in The Mecado Village, International Drive, Orlando by three very nice American guys.
I am still non the wiser other than what Alex says, that it resembles rounders.
After this absolutely dreadful season has Delia and Michael actually listened to common sense coming from a lot of us fans ? I hope so.
Hi Tim
Our CEO at BASF’s son and would-be journalist Michael had a two week work placement with me and grew up largely in Texas, so was as American as they come although his father Barry was born in England and lived in Princes Risborough.
He tried to explain baseball to me and I ended up none the wiser than you.
I fought back with questions about the offside law but he was a big **soccer** fan and knew the score on that one so I remain bemused.
I really hope this deal works out but it is indeed early days – although how early I do not know as this could have been bubbling under for some time.
Cheers
I once asked a very good American friend could he tell me what sport if any is original to the USA he mentioned
Basketball so I said taken from the European ladi3s game of Netball
American Football again taken from English Rugby
Baseball taken from the English game of Rounders
Ice Hockey taken from a Dutch game played on frozen rivers
He gave up so I suggested that Lacrosse was either Native American or Canadian and he accepted that
Lacrosse was played in the UK for a while [maybe still is] but maybe the French origins of its name points towards Canadian settlers robbing it from Native Americans?
The only sports I know that have single national identities are pelota in Spain which is similar but very different to Squash and boules or petanque [aka boules] in France.
While petanque is surely derived from bowls, pelota remains unique.
What I will add is that Milwaukee is considered a “small market” team (NY Yankees, LA Dodgers are “big market” teams) and as such, and while you somewhat commented to it, there is an understanding that there aren’t limitless resources ($) and the team organization has to work a bit harder to keep the team competitive and fans coming through the gates on a very regular basis (the season is 162 games long, 81 home, 81 away) versus Saturday afternoon, and Stoke on a Tuesday. To me, it sounds like a philosophical/organisational/leadership/expectation match.
Now it’s up to the negotiations….
Hi Ennis
Yes I read that too which led me to the same conclusion as yourself.
I wish we knew what stage negotiations are at but toyally understand why we don’t!
Cheers
An encouraging analysis of Norwich City’s potential future Martin!
I cannot imagine, despite the criticism aimed at the NCFC board this season, that Canary fans would begrudge Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones honorary places on a new board if this deal happens. It has to be acknowledged that their business stance kept the club healthier than it might have been, and far healthier than many other clubs can boast.
Self-funding doesn’t work in the Premiership, but its kept the club healthy enough for the two failed attempts we have made thus far, and healthy enough to attract an interested consortium, it seems.
From the things I also have read, Attanasio’s interest in sports investment brings success for the teams he buys, so, as you have asked, ‘What’s not to like’?
COYYs !
Hi Kev
Yes I must admit I feel quite positive about this.
As I said in the original I am one of Delia’s biggest critics but there must surely be very, very few of us who would deny her and MWJ retaining a high level of status. In that sense NFCF has been an integral part of their lives and I have no wish to deprive them of that.
It seems to be the original *what’s not to like*, doesn’t it?
Cheers