Fan Satisfaction

This is a spin-off of a really cool idea Richie had. I was just “lucky” enough that he told me about it so that I could write this post. Basically, I looked at the Franchise history books (2008-2015) and tried to gauge what it would be like to be part of the fanbase for each of our teams. Is your fanbase spoiled, tortured, or indifferent? How many times would you, as a manager, have gotten fired by now? How are your fans feeling about you right now? Are you on the hotseat or will you never have to buy a beer in this town again? Here’s the team by team breakdown:*

*As you will notice for the purpose of this column: A victory in the third place game is great but it doesn't count as a playoff win, nor does losing in the third place game count as a playoff loss. That matchup exists purely for standings and money, but because the chance for a championship is gone after you lose once, it does not reflect on one’s playoff record.**

**I had so much fun writing this, I completely lost myself. It’s very long. You might want to wait until you have a good poop chambered to read this.

Eddie

Eddie started strong out of the gate with a 3 seed in the 2008 playoffs. He went on to take down 6-seeded Zhou in round 1 before falling to the eventual champ, 2-seed Mark, in the semi-finals. A loss in the consolation game to Pflanz kept him out of the money, but fans were quite pleased to have a final 4 team right out of the gate. The next year was a bitter disappointment when the team had another strong regular season, but missed the playoffs by just half a game. in 2010, when the team suffered their first sub .500 season and missed the playoffs again, fans started to wonder if that first year was a fluke. Knowing that another losing season would cost him his job, Perk rallied and made the playoffs as the 4 seed the next year, only to be upset by 5-seed Russ in the first round. This was the last straw, 3 seasons and zero playoff wins away from his first successful season, Eddie Perk #1 was fired the following offseason.

So Eddie Perk #2 was brought in, but he was no savior to a floundering franchise. Despite 103 wins in 2012, the team finished in 7th, the next year 9th, and finally in 2014, the team finished in dead last with 76 wins, and the terrible reign of Eddie Perk #2 was over. Fans who had followed the team since their heralded ‘08 season were being laughed at, and it was actually becoming embarrassing to wear Perk hats out in public.

Now we have the theoretical third manager at the helm, Eddie Perk #3, and he’s doing a great job. Of course, the fans realize that it’s hard not to be doing fine with all the draft picks he had this season. He may be in first, but they still don’t fully trust in the EPOG (Eddie Perkins Ownership Group), at least not until they see another final 4 finish, Seven years without a single top 3 finish will do that to you.

• 7 years, 3 managers, 2 playoff appearances, 32,654,851,259 minutes spent drafting players, 1 playoff win, 0 finals appearances
• Fan Satisfaction Rating: D

Andy

Here’s an organization that got started off on the wrong foot. The first owner, Polish Billionaire Matt Pru, wanted to try something ‘different’. So he bought a Franchise team, and promptly gave up almost midway through his first season. The team careened into an 80 win, last place regular season, and fans (if there were any to start with) had essentially lost interest.

Enter Andy Musto, the blue collar owner who would attempt to breathe life into a dead fanbase. His first couple of years were rough, a 9th place finish in ‘09, a 10th place finish in 2010; but fan interest was so miniscule that he was able to fly under the radar while getting his feet wet. In 2011, he led the team to their first ever playoff berth (as a 3 seed no less), and their first ever playoff victory, over the 6-seeded Brad. In Round 2 the team fell to eventual champion Dan, but Andy was “in the money” with a 3rd place finish. Although attendance wasn’t great during the playoff run, fans were starting to come out to see the team they had lost faith in...only to be fooled again with the next 2 abysmal seasons. Finishing in 8th place in 2012 and 11th place in 2013 was enough to get Andy Musto #1 fired, despite an extra long leash.

Andy #2 was a success in his first season, making the playoffs as a 5 seed,  but losing in Round 1 to Eric. Currently, Andy sits in second place as we approach mid-season. The diehard fans are starting to buzz, as this new manager is doing all the right things, but there’s no history of success here, only disappointment, and it’ll take longer than 3 months to generate a true following.

• Pru Ownership: 1 season, 0 playoff appearances, 142 players names mispronounced
• Musto Ownership: 6 seasons, 2 managers, 972 bottles of Canadian Whiskey, 2 playoff appearances,1-2 in playoffs, 1-0 in Third Place Game
• Fan Satisfaction Rating: C

Russ

Russ’ fan base gets to brag about being the ‘Originators of the League’ but the bragging stops there. Starting with a 1 seed in 08, Russ appeared to be the most capable manager in the league, tearing through Pflanz in round 1 before hitting Mark in the championship. The 2-seed beat him handily and it was back to the drawing board. Fans were impressed by a strong showing, but knew how close they were to the title only to let it slip away. The next year, Russ landed the 1-seed and a bye week again. This time he lost in the second round against Zack on a tiebreaker. It was devastating for the team and fans alike. He had put together an even better team than last year’s runners up, and this was supposed to be the year. Only to have it fall apart because of a cheap tiebreaker? (The tiebreaker was team ERA!!!!). Russ had to settle for a third place finish. Fans were outraged, screwed over by the system, they became bitter, but didn’t lose support for their team.

2010 was a new year, and Russ got his team to the 2 seed, and another bye week. In Round 2 they defeated Brad and once again had to throw down with Mark in the championship. At this point, Russ was the league’s only defense against the Mark playoff juggernaut (7-0 at the time), but alas, the tiebreaker strikes again (although this time it was by head to head record so no complaints), and Russ lost in the championship again. Fans felt it this time, right in the gut. Remember when the Giants beat the Pats, and then magically we got another shot at them 3 years later? This was like that….exactly like that unfortunately. Fans were restless, staunch supporters but starting to doubt whether the team could win the big one. They had no cards to throw when arguing with Mark’s fanbase, they needed a title!

The next year, Mark actually missed the playoffs. the window was open! This was it! As the 5 seed, Russ won round 1 over 4-seed Perk, then upset #1 seed Johnny D in round 2 to set up a championship against Dan, which Russ lost, again. That’s four years, 3 championship losses, and 1 third place because a bogus tiebreaker kept Russ from the Championship. Do they fire the manager? Would you? Ownership decided to stick with him, he’s landed 3 bye weeks in four seasons after all.

Now an air of nervousness surrounds the fanbase. They were no longer confident in their team, despite consistent high performance. They had been so close so many times and had it ripped away, it was torture. The next year, after clinching the 3 seed, they were upset by Keeves in his first playoff game ever. It was too much, too humiliating. But fans weren’t even into it. They went through the motions, but they knew how it would end. This is when you fire the manager.

Russ #2 took over a tortured fanbase and an afflicted team. He led them to a record setting 145 wins and the 1 seed. Fans, always chasing any small hope they could find, were back on board. In round 2, they had a chance for revenge against Dan, but they couldn’t pull it off. The best regular season in Franchise history beat Brad 10-0 to win third place. In a matchup that was played concurrently with the championship.

What started as doubt turned into full blown panic amongst the fan base, think Red Sox 2003, Buffalo 1992, or Cleveland 2009, the word ‘curse’ had become a fallback. The support never wavered, but the confidence did, and now RussNation avoids walking under ladders every September. In 2014, the owner threatened retirement, then came back, only to suffer his worst season his Franchise history. Right now, Russ has his team in 3rd place, but the glass is always half empty to a Russ fan.

• 7 seasons, 6 playoff appearances, 4-6 in playoffs, 0-3 in championships, 2-0 in Third place Games, 42 Deep Breaths while typing all of that
• Fan Satisfaction: B

Mark

Welcome to the Yankees/Lakers/Patriots/Red Wings fan tier. Enjoy your ride.

In their first year, the team cruised in the regular season, eventually earning the 2 seed and a bye week across the bracket from 1 seed Russ. The team easily dispatched Perk in Round 2 and rolled over Russ by a score of 7-3 to take home the first Franchise championship. Fans were pleased. They had had the number 1 pick, they expected greatness, and it was delivered. In 2009, the regular season wasn’t quite as strong, but they still managed a 3 seed and fans had high expectations in the playoffs. In round 1, Mark defeated 6-seed Pflanz, in round 2 he won an intense tiebreaker with Greg, knowing full well who was on the other side of the bracket to greet him in the finals once again. Except it didn’t happen. Zack had defeated 1-seed Russ on a bogus tiebreaker and Mark enjoyed the easiest championship in Franchise history; A 10-0 shutout in the championship was unheard of, and at this point it seemed like Mark could not be defeated. The fans believed it too. They became entitled and cocky, as they should be. They were proud of their team, and who could honestly say any other team was better?

So year 3 begins and Mark has his toughest regular season yet, coasting in at the 5 seed. But how much of this is due to lack of managerial talent, and how much of it was from regular season boredom? As a 5-seed, he wins round 1 over the 4-seed Pflanz, ending Pflanz’s season for the second straight year. Next, Mark upsets the #1-seeded John, although it’s hard to say who was the actual favorite in that one. The team made its third finals appearance in 3 years against a familiar playoff opponent, 2-seeded Russ, and much to the fans delight, defeated the rival fan base for the second time in 3 championships, completing the three-peat and the first Franchise Dynasty. Fans had become insufferably cocky, but there was nothing to be done, they had the best owner, the best manager, the best team. 3 seasons, 3 championships, 1 winning organization, 11 losing organizations.

The next year was the first time the fans saw their God bleed, as Mark failed to make the playoffs and finished in 8th place. Fan support remained unaffected, this was still undoubtedly the best franchise in The Franchise. In 2012, They were back in the playoffs, back at the 5 seed. But this year, Pflanz got some revenge and knocked him out in round 1. Still, the fanbase was unaffected, but maybe some of the other fanbases stopped wearing Mark’s Starter Jackets to school. The fans were getting restless though, they hadn’t won a playoff game in 2 years! They’re spoiled! They need a team that wins titles!

So the next year, in 2013, Mark delivered. He had his best regular season finish since ‘08, securing the 2 seed and the bye week. He lucked out getting the 6-seed Brad in round 2, and disposed of him easily, then went on to face Dan, the man who had won the title during Mark’s non-playoff season. In a fantastic 5-4 final, Mark won his fourth ring in 6 years, insuring his dynasty as the greatest in Franchise history. The fans went nuts, they know they’re four rings are untouchable (at least until Johnny catches them). Even last year, when Mark lost in round 1 as the 6 seed, they remained unfazed.

This year, Mark is in fourth, and fans know that once the formality of the regular season is over, the real season begins.

• 7 seasons, 6 playoff appearances, 1 manager, 1 embittered league rival/commissioner, 10-2 in Playoffs, 4-0 in Championship

Dan

Another franchise that suffered due to early ownership flaws as Gibbon Corp., the original owners, had other interests that really hurt the management of the team. A 9th place finish in 2008 and a horrendous 60 win 12th place finish in 2009 led to an ugly parting between the owner and the league. Fans were pissed, and they were ready to forget about the ‘Gibbon Era’ that produced less than 70 wins per season.

So a lesser-known, quieter owner with a propensity for sarcasm and a great mind for the game stepped in to save the team. Dan Alber’s rookie season was nothing to write home about, a 9th place finish and a total of 6 words said during the season. Lucky for him, fans were ready for any kind of change, and appreciated the quiet nature with which he went about his business. In 2011, his second year at the helm, Alber showed what he was capable of, grabbing the #2 seed and ripping through 3-seed Andy and 5-seed Russ to win the team’s first ever championship in their first ever playoff appearance. Fans were ecstatic, 9th to 1st, plus a win over the Commish in the championship, what could be better?

In 2012, the championship hangover hit hard; 88 wins and 11th place hard. Fans were discouraged but still had faith in ownership. In 2013 they were rewarded with another deep playoff run. As a 5 seed, Alber was able to beat Keeves in round 1, then upset #1 seed Russ (coming off his historic 145 win season) to get back to the championship for the second time in 3 years. Number 2-seeded Mark took him down in a close 5-4 matchup, but Dan’s status amongst fans couldn’t be any higher. In 2014, Alber clinched his first regular season title, and was the favorite heading into the playoffs, but just as fans started buzzing about the next ‘Franchise Dynasty’, the team was upset by young rookie manager Eric Rose. Dan was still able to grab third place and give his team their 3rd “in the money” finish of the last 4 years.

Currently in 5th place, I can’t find a time in his 5 years that Alber ever would have been fired, or even disliked among his fanbase. Alber benefitted from inheriting the team from such a crappy owner, but also delivered results by making the championship 2 out of 3 years and taking home the title in 2011.

• Gibbon Ownership: 2 seasons, 1 manager, 0 playoff appearances, 0 money paid to the league
• Dan Ownership: 5 seasons, 1 manager, 3 playoff appearances, 12 sentences spoken, 10 of them snarky comments, 4-2 in playoff games, 1-1 in Championship games, 1-0 in Third Place Game
• Fan Satisfaction: A

Eric

An innovator and risk taker was the original owner of this battle-tested team and fanbase. Roland Zhou was statistically one of the better regular season managers to ever share a seat at the Franchise table, as evidenced by his decorated history. In 2008, Zhou narrowly made the playoffs as a 6 seed, but lost in R1 to Perk. When he made the playoffs again the following year, this time as a 5 seed, fans were excited. But another round 1 loss, this time on a tiebreaker to Zack, took the wind out of their sales. Finally in 2010, Zhou secured a 3 seed, and fans were poised for a deep playoff run, but the team was upset by 6 seeded Brad, and with three first round exits, manager Zhou #1 was on his last legs. An 11th place finish in 2011 sealed his fate, but also changed the league in a very interesting way. Most of us recall Zhou’s aggressive strategy to grab all of the best pitchers in the game, then try to grab some speedy offensive players from the bottom of the barrel, but did you know that Zhou became the first manager in the Franchise to ever embrace tanking for draft picks? As he sold nearly everything for a whole slew of juicy picks to start the 2012 season.

Zhou #2 inherited the jackpot when he took over, and the fans, who were used to consistent success (at least in the regular season), were excited for a clean slate and a fresh start. The reloaded team grabbed a 2 seed, toppled feel-good story Keeves (more on that below) in round 2, and made it to the championship. Zhou lost to John in the final, but the fans had officially bought in to the tanking strategy. During the offseason, a mysterious change of priorities occurred within the ZOO (Zhou Ownership Organization), and they sold the team to the league, opening up a bidding war for ownership rights. Fans were crushed to be losing their strategically forward thinking leader.

The winner of the bid was eccentric gambler Bryan Bart, a man who made big promises to a fanbase that was essentially in mourning. But the fans were desperate, they loved their previous owner, and were ready to rekindle the magic with a different kind of mogul. The experiment did not work; In 2013, the team had it’s worst ever finish (tanking aside), as it won 94 games and finished 10th. Even if Bart wanted to come back, fans had their picket signs ready. It was a bad fit.

And so Eric Rose stepped in to revitalize a weary fanbase, with some tiny asian shoes to fill (metaphorically much bigger though). Eric had previously been a member of Dick Travers, LLC, running the 2013 draft for CEO Richie Travers while he was out of town. But with no Franchise management experience, long term fans were skeptical of the new ownership, especially considering the lost Bart year, but Eric quickly gained their trust with a rookie season for the ages. 107 wins got him the 4 seed, and he took down Andy in the first round. In round 2, he took down #1 seeded Dan, one of the most decorated managers in the league, setting him up for a final against perennial contender John. Fans flocked to see their team playing John in the championship game for the second time in 3 years, they wanted revenge... but they wouldn’t get it.

However, they would get a sense of comfort, they know now they have someone capable at the helm again. Currently in 6th, Eric has them poised for another playoff appearance, and the regular season is becoming a mere formality to these fans. It’s a smart fanbase, and they’re hungry for their first title. Expectations are high, but they are behind their new owner.

• Zhou Ownership: 5 seasons, 2 managers, 4 playoff appearances, 1-4 in playoffs, 0-1 in Championship
• Bart Ownership: 1 season, 0 playoff appearances, checked his team total of 4 times
• Eric Ownership: 1 season, 1 playoff appearance, twice re-read the paragraph above to make sure I didn’t say anything bad about him, 2-1 in playoffs, 0-1 in Championship
• Fan Satisfaction: B+

Greg

Greg’s first season, under the prestigious Thompson, Inc. ownership, ended with 83 wins and a 10th place finish. Fans weren’t impressed, but were along for the ride. The next year, Greg led the team to a 2 seed and a first round bye, but lost a backbreaking tiebreaker to 3 seed Mark (en route to his second of three straight titles). Fans knew this team was close, just a tiebreaker away from taking down a playoff juggernaut and making a championship appearance, excitement for the next season was palpable, and then came the longest playoff drought in Franchise history.

In 2010, with 90 wins, Thompson finished 11th. In 2011, he climbed up to tenth, but with less wins than the year before. With fan interest diminishing quickly, Thompson, Inc. was forced to fire Greg #1.

Greg #2 stepped in to give the fans their first 100 win season in a while, but it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs, 9th place. in 2013, he came closer, finishing 7th but missing the playoffs by just 1.0 game. Even that didn’t garner any interest from the depressed fans. He followed the near playoff berth with a 90 win, 9th place season, and Greg #2 was fired that offseason.

Greg #3 has taken over this year and has the team in 7th place, just 1.0 game out of playoff contention. These fans haven’t had a relevant team since 2009, most of them couldn’t name a player on the team let alone the owner. Attendance has been dropping for years and the team just isn’t making money. The stadium needs repairs, there’s no advertising budget, most of their games are blacked out locally. Even the owner isn’t always present, missing the draft to go on a philanthropic exodus to a country no one has ever heard of. The fans aren’t angry, they're just indifferent, but isn’t that worse?

• 7 years, 3 managers, 1 playoff appearance, 0-1 in playoffs, 0 league payments before the deadline
• Fan satisfaction: Not enough fans to accumulate survey data

Pflanz

The Pflanz Ownership Corporation introduced themselves to their fanbase by trading away Albert Pujols, the man who would win the next two MVP awards, the reaction wasn’t stellar. In 2008, Pflanz had the 5 seed, and pulled the upset over 4 seed Brad in round 1, then lost to 1-seed Russ in round 2, but he was able to defeat Perk in the Third Place game to finish “in the money”. Fans were baffled by the trade but they still loved rooting for a winning ballclub, Pflanz had won them over. The next year, after trading away future MVP Ryan Braun and future Cy Young winner Zack Greinke, Pflanz landed in the playoffs once again, this time as a 6 seed, and lost to 3 seed Mark in round 1.  While fans rolled their eyes at the wacky trades and unorthodox moves, the team kept winning, so they remained loyal. In 2010, Pflanz made the playoffs for a third straight year, as a 4 seed, but lost to Mark once again in the first round. With three straight playoff appearances, but unable to get over the hump and beat the league’s two frontrunners, the fans were becoming mildly frustrated. This act had gotten old, and these passionate fans wanted results. In 2011, when Pflanz missed the playoffs by 7 games, he was fired.

Pflanz #2 immediately won over the fans by leading the team to a 4 seed and a first round win over long time playoff roadblock Mark. It was Mark’s first playoff loss in Franchise history. Taking down the team that stopped them twice in the playoffs, let alone a team that had never been beaten in the playoffs created a groundswell amongst the self-named “Pflanbase” entering round 2, where he unfortunately lost to #1 seed Johnny. Once again, he was able to win the Third place round and the season was undoubtedly a success.

Since then, it’s been a tough road for this organization. An 8th place finish in 2013 (4 games out of the playoffs), a 10th place finish last season, and currently, the team stands in 8th place, though still a part of the playoff picture. Early success has kept a large fanbase even through the recent losing seasons, but it won’t last much longer. If they can’t make it in this year, Pflanz #2 will definitely be out, but the fans had so much fun on the 3rd place ride in 2012 that he gets this last chance.

• 7 seasons, 4 playoff appearances, 2-4 playoff record, 2-0 in Third Place Games, 2,000+ references to the Pujols trade in league columns
• Fan Satisfaction: B-

John

John’s is one of the best stories in the league. Starting in 2008, John cleared 100 wins, but finished in 8th place, missing the playoffs by 1.5 games. In 2009, new year, same old story, 100 wins, 8th place, no playoffs again. 2 years of below average finishes and a demanding fanbase meant that it was time for a managerial change.

In comes John #2 and takes the league by storm. In 2010 he finished a strong regular season by clinching the #1 seed and a bye week. In round 2, he was defeated by playoff juggernaut Mark, on his way to a third straight title. Fans were mad about the 5 over 1 upset, but when the 5 seed is looking to three-peat and the 1 seed has never played a playoff game, smart fans understand. Plus, John was able to win the third Place Game which allowed him to finish “in the money”. That was their taste of success, they would stay patient behind this new manager for the main course. In 2011, complete with a new name change (changing from ‘Young Gunz’ to ‘The Young Guns’, a la Tampa Bay Rays) they cruised to their second straight #1 seed, with a record breaking 139 wins (record has since been broken by Russ - Ha!). The team had the round 1 bye week and then lost, again, to a 5 seed, only this time it was at the hands of Russ. At the time, Mark and Russ were the elite of the elite, always in the hunt, fighting for titles every year. These fans were demanding, but not that demanding. John was unlucky, and the fans understood. Two years in a row, they got the 1 seed and their first matchups were the 1st and 2nd ranked managers in league history, something’s gotta give.

Finally, a breakthrough. In 2012, John led the team to their third straight #1 seed. The fans had their eyes on both first round matchups, Mark, a 5 seed would play in one; Russ, a 3 seed, would play in the other... and both of them lost. Suddenly, there was room at the top, so when John beat Pflanz in round 2 and Zhou in the championship, the fans had already begun celebrating. The long wait was over. The slow climb to the top was painful and difficult, but worth it, they were the champs. In 2013, John made the playoffs as a 3 seed but was upset by Brad in Round 1. As sweet as it was to win a championship, these fans knew that this team was better than that, and the pressure was on for the 2014 season. After grabbing the 2 seed (that’s 4 bye weeks in 5 years!), John beat Richie in the second round, then beat Eric in the finals to win his second championship in 3 years.

Even though he had no draft picks coming into this year, he started hot, and remains just 2.0 games out of the playoffs in 9th place. If he makes it, that will be 5 straight years at the dance. The fans are beyond happy, they got to watch their team get a little better every year, and now they sit back and enjoy rooting for their “dynasty”, if that is indeed what this is.

• 7 seasons, 2 managers, 5 playoff appearances, 1 team name change, 4-3 in playoffs, 2-0 in championships, 1-1 in Third Place Games
• Fan Satisfaction: A+

Richie

Zack first season wasn’t a success but it got the fans talking. With 100 wins, he had finished in 7th place and missed the playoffs by just 1.5 games. The next year, the team played better and made the playoffs as the 4 seed. After winning a round 1 tiebreaker over Zhou, and then another tiebreaker over Russ in round 2, the team had made a totally improbable run to the championship. Most of the league was looking forward to the Mark/Russ championship rematch, but with Yahoo’s fucked up tiebreaker rules, Zack ended up advancing to the championship. Fans were shocked to have a team in the championship but they threw their weight behind the team. However, the excitement faded quickly when Zack ended up on the wrong side of the worst championship blowout in Franchise history. Mark had won 10-0, and repeated as Franchise champ. Zack was overmatched (and shouldn’t have even been there in the first place!), and the fans had to regroup. The fanbase was growing, in hopes that this was the start of prolonged playoff success and the added experience would help them capture the title the following year.

However, 2010 was much like 2008, a 7th place finish for Zack and another narrow 1.5 game miss of a playoff spot. The next year, the team won just 78 games and Zack #1 was fired.

Zack #2 took over in 2012, but Hanrahan Ownership seemed preoccupied, and a once proud baseball organization was sidetracked by world events, organic fruits, and other nonsense. But that’s just like, my opinion mannnn. The team crashed and burned in what is now the worst season ever in the history of the league, 60 wins and a 12th place finish. The fans who came out of the woodwork to see a championship in 09 had gone right back in by 2012, and Hanrahan decided to step down as owner/manager.

Enter Dick Travers, LLC, who made his millions in the sex toy business. With overseas managerial experience and a keen eye for butt-plugs, he was the right fit to turn this troubled franchise around. In his first year, he tanked hard, winning just 75 games and finishing in last. Fans had seen this schtick before, and Travers had totally lost them. Back to back last place finishes and no playoff appearances in 5 years had this fan base frustrated and angry, but at last Richie was able to show some results.

He guided the 2014 team to a 3 seed and a round 1 victory over playoff legend Mark, in some ways avenging the championship embarrassment to this fanbase from a lifetime ago. Knocking out the team that humiliated you in the championship 5 years ago is a nice way to get the fans on your side. He lost in round 2 to eventual champ John, but the season overall should be considered a success, and a step in the right direction for this rocky franchise. Right now, the team sits in 10th, but it’s not yet midseason and fans are confident that Richie can turn the ship around.

• Zack Ownership: 5 seasons, 1 playoff appearance, 2-1 in the playoffs, 0-1 in the championship, 1 very lucky playoff tiebreaker win
• Richie ownership: 2 years, 1 playoff appearances, 1-1 in the playoffs, 75 stories about how his other league is better
• Fan Satisfaction: C-

Brad

Brad’s team started strong, making the playoffs as a 4 seed in 2008 before falling in round 1 to Pflanz. The next year, things got out of hand as Brad found himself in 10th. The fans, who didn’t have much interest in the first place, were finding new hobbies fast. In 2010, he bounced back with a playoff berth as the 6 seed, and pulled a big upset as he defeated 3 seed Zhou. Fans love an underdog story, and suddenly the team was the talk of the town, even as it lost to Russ in round 2, then John in the Third Place Game. The next season, manager Brad was brought back and led the team to another playoff berth, and another 6 seed. This time however, he could not pull off the upset over 3-seed Andy and if there’s one thing fans don’t like, it’s a team entrenched in mediocrity.

In 2012, Brad finished in tenth again, further alienating a fanbase that had quickly lost faith in their team’s ability to win big games; ownership would give manager Brad one last shot to make this team into winners. Brad made the playoffs the next year, in the all too familiar 6 seed once again. This time they were pinned up against defending champion Johnny D. While most of the fanbase wrote them off when they saw the matchup, those that stuck around were pleasantly surprised to find their team pull off another 6 over 3 upset, this time over the defending champs. It was exactly the win the organization needed to pump some blood back into a dead fanbase. In the next round, they lost to Mark, then they dropped the third Place game to Russ, marking 6 straight years without a finish “in the money”. And just like that, the excitement faded.

In 2014 that trend continued as Brad finished in 8th, and finally Brad #1 was fired, despite a 7 year career in which he only won 2 playoff games. Ownership needed to change it up, but currently Brad #2 has them all the way back in 11th place. Fans were ready to get on board after the big win in 2013, but the engine has stalled, and the bandwagon has cleared.

• 7 seasons, 4 playoff appearances, 2-4 in playoff games, 1 Franchise Media Award for his work on the Emmy winning Podcast last season, 0-2 in Third Place Games
• Fan Satisfaction: D+

Jeremy

This Franchise began with one the best characters in Franchise history, albeit one of the most unsuccessful. Keeves started at the bottom….the stayed at the bottom for a few more years. In ‘08 and ‘09 the team finished 11th and 11th . Keeves #1 is fired, in comes Keeves #2. In ‘10 and ‘11, the team finished 12th and 12th. Keeves #2 is fired, in comes Keeves #3. Through these first four years, the fanbase was almost nonexistent. They had the lowest attendance, the least wins, and the least revenue. Yet, the small following of fans they did have couldn’t hate the owner. The fans took his side as he played the victim to repeated attacks to his managerial skills by this writer. This was the land of conspiracy theories and accusations of the Commish wielding too much power. The Commish couldn’t even set foot in their home stadium without boos being rained down like draft day in NYC. The 08-11 stretch is still the worst ever by any team, in the history of the Franchise, but the fans never completely turned on the owner. Maybe they were about to, but it never quite reached that point.

In 2012, Keeves made the playoffs for the first time in Franchise history. Then, in front of a nationally televised audience, the 6 seed Keeves took down the 3 seed Commish in the first round of the playoffs, and mayhem ensued. Rioting in the streets, looting, burning. the unthinkable happened, it ignited a fanbase. The fans were thrilled despite the second round loss to Zhou and the Third Place Game loss to Pflanz.

The next year, the party continued, as Keeves led the team to a second straight playoff appearance, this time, they lost in round 1 to Dan, but the fans were still happy. They had nothing to cheer about for 4 years and now they had a perennial playoff team. Keeves’ approval rating was never higher. Which is why it was so shocking when he announced his retirement.

The fans were demoralized, they lost their ‘Man of The People’, and new owner Jeremy Scanlon would have a lot of work to do. In his first season Jeremy just missed out on a playoff spot, finishing in 7th, 3.5 games from 6th. Currently, the team ranks last and is already almost a dozen games out of the playoff hunt. It’s familiar territory for these fans, although not a place they like going back to. They enjoyed their two year run, but now it’s back to the real world, except this time, they are vocally opposed to new ownership, and manager Scanlon might not make it through the year.

• Keeves ownership: 6 seasons, 2 playoff appearances, 31 conspiracy theories about how the Commish is ripping everyone off, 1-2 in playoff games, 0-1 in Third Place Games.
• Scanlon ownership: 1 season, 0 playoff appearances, 5.5 average times per night he wakes up in a cold sweat regretting his decision to own this team
• Fan Satisfaction: D-