I didn’t quite get to this story earlier in the week, but beginning over the weekend, the new owners in Texas did some amazing things to say thank you to fans.  They cut prices of parking and concessions.  In the midst of what has been their best season in at least a dozen years, with attendance really jumping, new owners didn’t take a wait and see approach.  They immediately recognized that this was their moment to tell fans they were something different, and that the fans needs were important.  Maxing out profit was not the only reason to become an owner, and building long-term success comes from partnering with the fans, not bilking them.

What’s more, Chuck Greenberg spent Sunday’s game moving around the stands- just like I do- to see what fans were experiencing in all parts of the ballpark.  He stood in lines at the concessions, and listened to what fans were saying.  This is something owners don’t do anymore, but Greenberg’s experience as a minor league owner has taught him a lot about winning the loyalty of those that come through the gates.  The question will be does he see this important enough to continue to do it throughout his tenure.  Will he get too comfortable in his luxury suite, or will he always remember that spending a little time in the seats down the line, or the upper deck tells you more about your team than any other metric.

Texas and new owners Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan get a big thumbs up from me.  This is just big for Texas fans.  They now have a winning organization to root for both on and off the field.