Accord Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 CHICAGO -- Converting Chicago fans into Marlins' supporters isn't an easy assignment. But team president David Samson gave it his best shot Monday morning. Pounding the pavement on the South Side, Samson literally reached out to fans attending Monday's Marlins' home game against the Expos at U.S. Cellular Field of all places. The threat of Hurricane Ivan to Florida caused Major League Baseball to reschedule at least part of the series in Chicago. So for Monday and Tuesday, the Marlins are the home team in the home stadium for the White Sox. Marlins management is trying to maximize the situation. So less than two hours before Monday's afternoon start, Samson was outside the park, shaking hands and talking with the fans waiting for the gates to open. "Everyone is just excited," Samson said. "They're happy to be here." As expected, a contingent of Cubs fans attended to cheer on the Expos because the Marlins are closing in on Chicago in the Wild Card race. One Cubs fan went as far as buying an Expos jersey and cap to wear, throwing as much support as he could. "I don't know if that was a wise investment," said Samson, who handed out Marlins hats to several fans. One Cubs fan in line told Samson, "We have to root on the Expos. The Cubs can't do it themselves." Several Marlins fans made it up from South Florida to attend the weekend series with the Cubs. They stayed over to see a bit of bizarre history -- two National League teams playing in an American League park. "We came to see the Cubs series," said Elvis Gonzalez of Miami Beach. "This is a bonus for us." Michael Becker of Chicago, an avid fan, came for the love of the game. He was set to work at 7 p.m. ET, so he figured he'd catch a day game. "This is part of history," Becker said. "Plus, I'm happy to give to the hurricane relief. I got up at 5:30 a.m. and had two [bratwursts] on my way to the game." Tickets were $15, with $5 goes to the hurricane relief efforts. All seating was general admission, and the Cubs fans huddled over the Expos dugout. The Expos were roundly cheered when they got done with warmups. Still, the Marlins had their share of support, from White Sox fans pulling against the Cubs' playoff chances. "This is a once in a lifetime thing," said Sean Ferguson of West Palm Beach, who was vacationing in Chicago. Ferguson sheltered up his home a few days back, and was without power for five days because of Hurricane Frances. "It's been crazy," Ferguson said. http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...s_fla&fext=.jsp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarlinFan10 Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 Only 4,000 peoples were there. :mischief Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyFan Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 We have to root on the Expos. The Cubs can't do it themselves. :lol I thought it was really cool that White Sox fans actually showed up to support us. Can't wait till they get back though : ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreshFish Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 One Cubs fan went as far as buying an Expos jersey and cap to wear, throwing as much support as he could. "I don't know if that was a wise investment," said Samson, who handed out Marlins hats to several fans. :notworthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miami15 Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 "Everyone is just excited," Samson said. "They're happy to be here." I think he forgot about us. :lol This pisses me off. I know they scheduled these games bracing the worst, but its beautiful down here today. :confused Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishFan24 Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 Its okay guys! It just means that the Marlins owe us a few extra games at the end of the season IE the playoffs. :thumbup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clembasbal Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 First post, and it is cool to be here. I think the Marlins are the best National League team, they have great loyal fans, and they love to have fun! I have to say that I am a diehard White Sox fan, but every baseball fan gets to root for two teams and last year you guys won my heart (beating the Cubs). Anyway, I will be at tomorrow's game and will be rooting for the Marlins. On local TV they were surprised that more than 1,000 fans showed up, and might actually be expecting more (5,000) Tuesday. They did a segment that Cubs fans are cheering for the 'spos (which your owner commented on) and Sox fans for the Fish. Anyway, I will post as often as I can because most of my time is dedicated to whitesoxinteractive.com. You guys are awesome and I look forward to a Championship Team finally playing a home game at US Cellular Field Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 You all already converted me last October...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accord Posted September 13, 2004 Author Share Posted September 13, 2004 First post, and it is cool to be here. I think the Marlins are the best National League team, they have great loyal fans, and they love to have fun! I have to say that I am a diehard White Sox fan, but every baseball fan gets to root for two teams and last year you guys won my heart (beating the Cubs). Anyway, I will be at tomorrow's game and will be rooting for the Marlins. On local TV they were surprised that more than 1,000 fans showed up, and might actually be expecting more (5,000) Tuesday. They did a segment that Cubs fans are cheering for the 'spos (which your owner commented on) and Sox fans for the Fish. Anyway, I will post as often as I can because most of my time is dedicated to whitesoxinteractive.com. You guys are awesome and I look forward to a Championship Team finally playing a home game at US Cellular Field 556819[/snapback] Have fun tomorrow :thumbup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jiggy Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 First post, and it is cool to be here. I think the Marlins are the best National League team, they have great loyal fans, and they love to have fun! I have to say that I am a diehard White Sox fan, but every baseball fan gets to root for two teams and last year you guys won my heart (beating the Cubs). Anyway, I will be at tomorrow's game and will be rooting for the Marlins. On local TV they were surprised that more than 1,000 fans showed up, and might actually be expecting more (5,000) Tuesday. They did a segment that Cubs fans are cheering for the 'spos (which your owner commented on) and Sox fans for the Fish. Anyway, I will post as often as I can because most of my time is dedicated to whitesoxinteractive.com. You guys are awesome and I look forward to a Championship Team finally playing a home game at US Cellular Field 556819[/snapback] Welcome to the board Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wsoxfan30 Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 I was also converted last October, and if it wasn't for me being down at school, i'd be at both games Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Juanky Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 Still, the Marlins had their share of support, from White Sox fans pulling against the Cubs' playoff chances. I love the smell of rivalry after a win Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CapeFish Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 First post, and it is cool to be here. I think the Marlins are the best National League team, they have great loyal fans, and they love to have fun! I have to say that I am a diehard White Sox fan, but every baseball fan gets to root for two teams and last year you guys won my heart (beating the Cubs). Anyway, I will be at tomorrow's game and will be rooting for the Marlins. On local TV they were surprised that more than 1,000 fans showed up, and might actually be expecting more (5,000) Tuesday. They did a segment that Cubs fans are cheering for the 'spos (which your owner commented on) and Sox fans for the Fish. Anyway, I will post as often as I can because most of my time is dedicated to whitesoxinteractive.com. You guys are awesome and I look forward to a Championship Team finally playing a home game at US Cellular Field 556819[/snapback] Welcome! :party Could you please tell me where you saw this so I can try and find some video of it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clembasbal Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 It was on the sports repot on Channel 5 Chicago, which is an NBC affiliate...www.nbc5.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CapeFish Posted September 13, 2004 Share Posted September 13, 2004 It was on the sports repot on Channel 5 Chicago, which is an NBC affiliate...www.nbc5.com 556888[/snapback] thank you, let me search Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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