April 20, 2007

The Female Fan and the Business of Baseball

Every game I attend, I see these two teenage girls wearing Ethier jerseys. They stand at the foot of the dugout before the first pitch religiously. When Ethier comes to the field, he is always so gracious with them. He chats with them and they swoon. It’s a really sweet moment that I look forward to seeing every game upon my arrival.

The other night while I was there watching Ethier make these girls' day, it got me thinking –- has free agency affected the female baseball fan? What happens to these girls when it’s Ethier’s time to sign his big contract, Boras is his agent (god forbid) and he goes to another team (god forbid)?

Go with me on this.

In my business, and especially the T.V. side of my business, networks specifically do their best to target the most loyal demographic with their programming. What is the most loyal demographic? The 18-34 year old woman is notably the most loyal fan. Not only are women the most loyal fans, but also they are statistically proven to be the largest consumers. The networks love this because it means they get more money for their airtime. Advertisers paying for the airtime love this because it means the shows that cater to this demographic (Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, etc.), have a loyal following that will absorb what they are selling and be loyal consumers to their product.

The way the baseball business is run nowadays, with players coming and going, I wonder how this affects the female baseball fan -- the teenager who is a fan because of the player she worships. Or the teenager who grows up watching Lo Duca in blue for six years. How does the way baseball business is run affect the loyal female fan or the potential female fan? And do you think baseball would have more female fans if there were more franchise players signed to longer contracts?

It’s just a theory . . . what do you think?

I look forward to reading your thoughts on this.

Be sure to watch the Bottom Line live studio show on MLB.com at 3:25 p.m. ET on Monday, because I will be talking more baseball then!

Peace,
Love,
AND BASEBALL,
Alyssa

April 16, 2007

My baseball and me

Jeeze. Tough crowd. Yes, I really write this blog. Yes, I am a huge baseball fan. Yes, I’ve read all of your comments that you’ve left for me (ouch). No, this isn’t for publicity. And no, my entries won’t come and go like the other high profile blogs you are referring to (of which I am not aware but shame on them).

I have no way of proving any of this to you except to keep going. You’ll just have to take my word for it. I will hopefully convert the doubters. It will be my mission.

I will now do my best to address some of your comments directly:

Keith, although Zito and I are still great friends, since I am a Dodger fan, there is no possible way I can help you with this request.

Christine, all styles (there are many more and the MLB.com Shop will expand) are available for every team but unfortunately, I have no control over what the teams stock to sell in the stadium shops or what MLB.com chooses to sell.

My suggestion would be to write MLB.com and express to them that you are disappointed in the selection available for your teams.

G, I happen to love geeks and I think pocket protectors are hot.

Bilbo4771, I do think McGwire deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame. And when Bonds hits #754 you absolutely pitch to him.

Anyone that reads this should know the following information about my baseball and me:

I never leave a game early. I love nachos with just cheese and guacamole even though it makes my ankles swell (but I will occasionally partake in a Dodger tofu dog, which if chased by a diet soda gives me the burps for days). I cried the first time I saw a fan wearing TOUCH in the stands that wasn’t my mother. I grew up watching baseball on my dad’s lap. This is him:

I participate in the wave whenever possible. I am often the one that starts the chant that eventually makes it to your section. I have a recurring dream that I am a pitcher but have the yips. My favorite present day Dodger is Russell Martin -- with Nomar in close second despite his obsessive compulsive batter box habits that make me anxious. Here's a picture I took of Nomar last year at the All-Star Game:

My favorite all time player is Roberto Clemente (because of his righteous humanitarian work). I hate when the count is 0-2 and the pitcher throws that ball low and away (the batter knows just as well as we do that it’s coming so why not throw it in the zone for the love of God). The last time I got star struck was when I saw Ned Colletti at my annual Christmas party for the Mattel Center at UCLA Children’s Hospital. Tommy Lasorda was Santa:

The Angels billboards all over Los Angeles -- and particularly the one of Bartolo Colon on Olympic Blvd (which is on the way to Dodger Stadium I might add) -- freaking drive me crazy (am I alone on this?)!!! They should put that billboard on the 15-day DL.
I am concerned about our outfield defensively and think Gonzo throws like a girl. I love baseball because it’s something we all share.
We may disagree. You may think the Cardinals won The World Series while I think the Tigers lost The World Series. You may not like Bonds for cheating while I dislike Bonds for lying about cheating. But baseball is ours and no matter what our differences are, where we come from, what we do for a living, what ethnicity or religion we are, we share a bond. It’s a bond that is cemented by a red-laced ball and the comfort of hearing it land in a glove. All you need is gLove. And for those nine innings, all our differences are irrelevant. In a time when we are so politically divided and as you have confirmed in your comments, tend to disagree, we unite -- and all we see is blue.
Peace,
Love,
AND BASEBALL,
Alyssa

April 19, 2007
Double Standard

While most of your comments have been so supportive of me (thank you for embracing me), I would be remiss if I didn't say the negative comments have stood out (kind of like a Giants fan at a Dodger game). In particular, I am referring to the comments about my love life (you know who you are).

This will be the first and only time I am going to address this subject so let's get it out of the way.

First of all, if I were actually attached to every pitcher the press has attached me to, I would be in a hospital or mental ward somewhere -- in a straightjacket (that I would of course desperately try to make stylish).

Secondly, even if all the rumors about my MLB love life were true (which they're not) –- we should really examine the double standard that is in full effect here. I know for a fact, that there are many MLB players (plural) or athletes in general for that matter who have dated many Screen Actors Guild members. I won't name names (cough Derek Jeter cough). And yet, these guys are considered cool and we give them props for getting their high profile starlets. On the other hand, women who have dated more than one guy in any profession are easy targets for ridicule. I am speaking personally of course, but I am sure any woman that reads this entry can relate to this double standard and how it may pertain to their lives relative to their own experience.

And I ask you this -– what girl in her right mind wouldn't want to date a ball player (especially a girl who loves baseball)? They are heroes in the utmost iconic sense. Our heroes. Big, strong men that can save the day; that are sometimes the underdogs we cheer on and have faith in no matter what. We believe in their ability to make our dreams come true on the field. Why wouldn't I believe that the same might be true off the field?

My social life doesn't consist of going to clubs like some of my peers. You won't find me at Hyde or whatever club some of my contemporaries find fashionable at the moment for their social butterfly lifestyles. My social life consists of going to games and through that, I have met a few really great men.

We are all looking for our “Happily Ever After.” I am still looking for mine. Along my journey, I have been blessed to cross paths with some of my heroes. These experiences have taught me many things not only about the game I love, but also about the game of love.

I have no regrets.

So to all you lazy bloggers and sports journalists who chose to look for the easy target -– I am here for you. Just trying to find my way with a 0-2 count. And even though I know it’s coming, and it’s nowhere near the zone, I will probably swing at that low and away third pitch. But at least I went down swinging.

Peace,
Love,
AND BASEBALL,
Alyssa

P.S. Juan Pierre’s bat finally woke up in Arizona! P.P.S. When will Betemit’s bat wake up? P.P.P.S. I thought Derek Lowe’s comment about power pitchers doing better at Coors Field was interesting. P.P.P.P.S. I love that Brady Clark can come off the bench and hit like he’s been playing every day. But . . . why was Lieberthal batting cleanup? Is that some Moneyball thing?

To see the screen caps of the commercial click here . Pictures from Charmed-net.de

To see Alyssa in the new "Veet" commercial click here.

Alyssa Milano's face is immediately recognizable to millions of baseball fans, from her prominent roles in such TV series as "Melrose Place" and "Charmed" to her presence as a longtime Dodgers season-ticket holder. Now her new line of women's MLB apparel is about to become very recognizable as well.
Out of what she called "necessity," Milano teamed with G-III and MLB to create her own signature "touch" line of team-logo fashion for the female fan. The clothing has just arrived at the MLB.com Shop, and not a moment too soon for the countless women who have been asking her about it already this season. The actress, model, designer, humanitarian and baseball lover talked about her new venture in this Q&A.
MLB.com: Did your mom inspire you to get involved in the business?
Alyssa: My mom (Lin Milano) was an amazing women's apparel designer and actually my grandmother was a hat designer. That makes me the third generation of designers in my family. My mom's and grandmother's success definitely gave me the courage to go ahead with the idea for "touch."
MLB.com: What types of fabrics and patterns are you using for the clothing line?
Alyssa: The fabrics and patterns were very important to me. I wanted to use sporty fabrics that are wearable and feel good -- hence the name "touch" -- but also use feminine fabrics as a contradiction. I used a lot of satin to make the sporty looks a little bit more feminine. The silhouettes were equally as important because I wanted women to feel good in the pieces. As a woman, I find it's more important that I feel good in what I wear than the actual styles. So I went through great lengths to make sure all the styles were flattering and catered to a woman's body shape. For instance, my tank tops all have shelf bras attached because I always had a hard time figuring out what to wear under the fan apparel tanks that were available to us. My hoodies have double zippers so we won't have any bulges while sitting in the stands rooting for our teams.
MLB.com: Do the prices increase from the regular women's wear?
Alyssa: I think you'll find the price points to be incredibly reasonable for what you're getting.
MLB.com: How did you alter the designs to be more fashionable and desired?
Alyssa: I really took into consideration the trends that are already in the fashion marketplace. I wanted to create a line that women could wear anywhere and not just to a game. I wanted to bridge the game with the after-party and do for baseball what the hip-hop world did for the NBA.
MLB.com: You said on your website that this was "born out of necessity." Could you elaborate on that, discuss what you would typically wear to a Dodgers game in the past, and if there was a "eureka" moment that you recall?
Alyssa: I have had Dodgers season tickets for four years. Every game I attended, I would rush into the team shop and look to see if there was anything new and cute to buy. I would look for something that would fit my body and that wasn't pink! I was always disappointed that I couldn't find anything. My "eureka" moment came when my friend Chelsea made her own T-shirt. She made a tee that said, "I love Rookies," and she got so many compliments on it. I hope to produce a tee similar to this in the future. That's when the seed was planted and it grew from there. I pitched the idea to my agent, he got me a meeting with MLB, MLB introduced me to G-III, and the rest is history.
MLB.com: What feedback have you received so far from other female baseball fans? And by the way, what do you think guys will think of this, and do men need more style as well?
Alyssa: The best part of this experience has been the feedback from the female fans. They finally feel that there is someone speaking on their behalf in a male-dominated industry. It's really rewarding to see how excited they are about the styles and just the concept in general. As far as the guys go, I have a 24-year-old brother who is also a huge baseball fan. He just said to me the other day, when we were getting ready to go watch the Freeway Series, "Lyss, please do a men's line." I would love to do a men's line incorporating the Cooperstown logos and give it a real vintage feel.
MLB.com: Is there one piece in this new line that's your favorite?
Alyssa: I love all the pieces, and my favorite design changes daily. I really love the jeans. I love the satin jacket. The two-in-one baby doll tee. All of it is stuff I would wear and look forward to wearing.
MLB.com: How did you come to be such a huge baseball fan, how many Dodgers games would you guess you'll go to in 2007, and how do you feel about every preseason publication picking the Dodgers and Angels to win their divisions, and Sports Illustrated picking the Angels over Dodgers in the World Series? Seems like people think it's L.A.'s year.
Alyssa: [General manager Ned] Colletti, if you're reading this -- we need a power bat! I am a huge baseball fan because I grew up [in New York] watching it on my dad's lap. Baseball is my escape. The sights, the sounds, the way the park smells. There is truly no place I would rather be than at a game. I couldn't even count how many games I went to last year. Baseball represents family. It represents my childhood. As far as it being L.A.'s year, I'm not getting my hopes up. The beautiful thing about baseball is that anything can happen. It's like life in that way. As soon as you think you have it all figured out, something happens that makes you realize -- you know nothing. The only thing that's guaranteed is that it will be an exciting ride.
MLB.com: Where can all your fans find Alyssa Milano this year and what's she up to these days besides helping women with their ballpark look?
Alyssa: I just finished a pilot for Warner Brothers and ABC called "Reinventing The Wheelers." My fingers are crossed that it will be picked up. It's a really special show. I am also beginning production in May on a film for Lakeshore Productions and MGM called "Pathology," starring Milo Ventimiglia. I will be traveling a lot this year as well with UNICEF and The Global Network For Neglected Tropical Diseases for my Ambassadorships. But really, you're most likely to find me at Dodger Stadium rooting for my boys in blue. Go BLUE!

THERE’S NO SNOW IN BASEBALL!!! Cleveland’s home opener was called due to snow and then even worse, the Indians/Angels series was moved to Milwaukee. The Cleveland Indians Of Milwaukee??? Blasphemy, I tell you. Twins were in Chicago, and the game was postponed because of the cold. The Blue Jays and the Tigers had to postpone because of the wind. The Cubs and Astros were snowed out at Wrigley. Attendance is down. Home runs are down. Hits are down. Will it ever end? So now I am proposing a new rule: Cold-weather cities just shouldn’t host baseball games in April.

That’s it, end of problem. You’re exempt if you play in a dome or have a retractable roof. And do not even think about shortening the season. Schedule cold-weather teams on the road until the weather warms up.

La_french_terry I mean, where is Global Warming when you need it? Can we now admit that the weather is shifting at a dramatic pace? I am fine with most of the other repercussions but when this dramatic shift starts to affect my baseball -- it’s time to buy a hybrid.

I am particularly concerned because I didn’t design ski masks for TOUCH, our new MLB women's apparel line that has just launched at the MLB.com Shop. Next year, I will revisit this as well as maybe designing a compact, girly snow shovel.

Okay. I feel better now.

Honestly, this is what I love about baseball. It’s just like life. The ride. The journey. Every year when the season starts, I think I have a pretty good idea of how the season is going to go. Oh, I think I’m such an expert -- I read every magazine, I read MLB.com everyday (OK, maybe four or five times a day), I watch the Spring Training games. And yet despite all the preparation, I realize I simply have no idea what twists or turns the season will take. As much as I try to peer into the future, the future is unpredictable. A ball bounces under a player’s legs, and the Red Sox lose their lead and the World Series. A fan interferes with a ball, and the Cubs lose their lead, and the playoff series. A-Rod finally silences the boo’s and steps up to the plate. That’s baseball. In life, we have our own rhythms, our own ups and downs, our own teammates, and all we can do is hold on and prepare for the challenges along the journey.

Jackie_1 I would like to close my first MLB.com blog entry, by paying tribute to the late, great Jackie Robinson. He was clearly a man with amazing ability, but more importantly, a man with remarkable courage. Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. I don’t think there is a man who exemplified this sentiment more than Jackie Robinson. And think about this – the color barrier in baseball was broken only 60 years ago. Look how far we’ve come. Never forget. Never forget.

I would also like to take this opportunity to bring your attention to the great work Jackie’s son, David Robinson is doing to spur social change in Tanzania, continuing his father’s legacy in the noblest of ways. Please take a moment to visit this link.

Until next time . . .

Peace,
Love,
AND BASEBALL,
Alyssa