I always find it interesting when fate puts 2 issues together producing a somewhat humorous result. In this case AZ columnist, Mr. Bickley has chosen to attack fair weather fans at approximately the same time the Cards became the major sports team with the longest period since a championship. Quite frankly the Cards are lucky in my estimation to have fans of any ilk.
They left Chicago after trading away one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL, Ollie Matson, receiving a stack of near useless journeymen in return. When they ran to St Louis they got lucky and ended up with one of the best coaches in the game. They put on an offensive display seldom seen. That coach, Don Coryell, did everything but publicly beg for a safety that could have given them a real shot at the tittle. Like in Chicago Dollar Bill Bidwil simply didn't want to pay the fare. So while exciting that team produced no championship.
With the St Louis fans following Chicago into disillusionment the Cards ran to AZ. There they were stuck in a college stadium again trying to spend as little money as possibly. They stumbled into the occasional talent but by continuing their pattern of cheap, unqualified talent evaluators they seldom threatened other teams.
Finally the citizens of Arizona took a huge leap of faith, buying the Cards a stadium that triggered a management change which eventually resulted in a franchise that resembled an NFL contender. It's fairly typical to have some new fans flock to a winner. Fans come in all levels of devotion. I think it should be that way. If every team filled their stadium weekly even if performing poorly, where would be the incentive to win. Management should have to generate success to fill their stadium. Most of this board has hung in there win or lose. We're the fanatics. I enjoy all the diverse points of view this board generates. Still I have no hesitancy in the fair weather fans putting the pressure on Cards' management. This management seems motivated to respond. So I'll go about throwing out my opinions to those willing to read them even if some visitors will vanish with a losing season. Football is expensive from jerseys to tickets. Most people work hard for their money. If the Cards want that money they should have to produce to get it.
They left Chicago after trading away one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL, Ollie Matson, receiving a stack of near useless journeymen in return. When they ran to St Louis they got lucky and ended up with one of the best coaches in the game. They put on an offensive display seldom seen. That coach, Don Coryell, did everything but publicly beg for a safety that could have given them a real shot at the tittle. Like in Chicago Dollar Bill Bidwil simply didn't want to pay the fare. So while exciting that team produced no championship.
With the St Louis fans following Chicago into disillusionment the Cards ran to AZ. There they were stuck in a college stadium again trying to spend as little money as possibly. They stumbled into the occasional talent but by continuing their pattern of cheap, unqualified talent evaluators they seldom threatened other teams.
Finally the citizens of Arizona took a huge leap of faith, buying the Cards a stadium that triggered a management change which eventually resulted in a franchise that resembled an NFL contender. It's fairly typical to have some new fans flock to a winner. Fans come in all levels of devotion. I think it should be that way. If every team filled their stadium weekly even if performing poorly, where would be the incentive to win. Management should have to generate success to fill their stadium. Most of this board has hung in there win or lose. We're the fanatics. I enjoy all the diverse points of view this board generates. Still I have no hesitancy in the fair weather fans putting the pressure on Cards' management. This management seems motivated to respond. So I'll go about throwing out my opinions to those willing to read them even if some visitors will vanish with a losing season. Football is expensive from jerseys to tickets. Most people work hard for their money. If the Cards want that money they should have to produce to get it.
