After reading the coverage of Frank McCourt’s decision to take the Dodgers into bankruptcy in a last ditch effort to retain control of the club, my heart sank. If it proves anything, it proves that McCourt is willing to do preserve his ownership, no matter what the long term damage is to the organization.
Frankly, it sickens me to see a proud and historic franchise like the Dodgers dragged further into the mud. Fans are clearly staying away from Chavez Ravine, and Frank has to be aware that the actions of the fans amounts to nothing less than a silent boycott of his ownership, right?
In the end, I just don’t see how McCourt wins (if there can even be a winner in such matters). But regardless of who owns the team or how bad the baseball is on the field, I’ll always love coming to Chavez Ravine as long as the likes of Vin Scully and Tommy Lasorda still walk the halls, reminding all of us of happier days and the promise of the future.
But it could get worse. My greatest nightmare is that these proceedings are so distasteful to the stately Scully that he silently walks away at the end of the season. The fans need him more than ever to return for the 2011-12 season, ideally with a new owner in tow. Vin Scully retiring now would deprive Dodger fans not only of one of the greatest treasures this franchise has ever had, and also an element of hope. A light to see them through the darkness. Scully leaving would send this silent fan revolt to a level we haven’t imagined.
I have no reason to think this will indeed take place (and certainly don’t believe Vin would ever discuss his personal feelings on the subject), but in my opinion, that would be the saddest day in Dodger history. And Frank McCourt’s greatest crime of all.
