Fans say the game would suffer from strike

Area baseball fans were hit hard with the news Friday that the players union set the strike date for Aug. 30.

"America's pastime will become America's lost time," Todd Mayberry of Cape Girardeau said. "It will be like the dinosaurs: They went extinct and so will baseball."

Local fans, like many across the nation, said they can't understand how multi-millionaire players and billionaire owners can't come to an agreement.

"I think they're both overpaid," Nick Winters of Ste. Genevieve said.

Winters said that the players should think about what this country has gone through since Sept. 11 before they decide to walk out.

"I don't see how they can be as greedy as they are," he said. "It's just a game."

For Mayberry just the thought of players like Alex Rodriguez -- who makes $25 million a year -- going on strike is frustrating.

"If they strike for more money, that's crazy," he said.

A strike could mean a year without a postseason and World Series, something that could hurt teams like the Cardinals who have high postseason hopes.

"It's bad timing for St. Louis," Winters said. "Maybe some people aren't as affected since their team is last, but people in this are will take it hard since St. Louis is in first."

Not all area fans see the setting of the strike date as a bad thing.

Mike Heggs of St. Louis said that setting the strike date could be a good way to avoid a strike.

"I think they need to set the date to get the sides working," he said. "I think it will make them work harder."

Although there is no way of knowing the possible consequences of another strike, most area fans agree that attendance will suffer.

"I love baseball, but the fans aren't going to come back if they do it again," he said. "I wouldn't myself."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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