K. Janssen - Hampton Manor

Lauren took a deep breath and waited a few minutes before she spoke again.

“I can tell by the way you’re talking that you are very close to making a decision, but even if you wanted to move the teams right now, how can you do it when you’re in the middle of negotiations? Aren’t there some rules against doing that?”

“This is a totally different issue. The union contract is tied to the operation of the stadiums, not the sports teams.”

“Then why are you thinking about selling the teams? Why not just move them into a non-union market and continue to operate them? If, as you say, there are investors out there willing to buy your Franchises, it would make just as much sense for you to move them for yourself and take advantage of a friendly growth market.”

“I haven’t thought that part through, yet, but that makes sense. I just found out an hour ago that the leagues were amenable to the teams moving. I can see where they are coming from. The fees paid to the Leagues are partially based on franchise revenue. If I move to New Haven or Bristol, where there is a greater fan base, they will get a nice bump in income. It would be great opportunity for all of us.”

Excitement returned to his voice. “Lauren, you know, you’re absolutely right. Why should I sell out, when I can just change location? That’s exactly what we’ll do. How would you feel about relocating?”

“What time do the moving trucks get here?”

Daniel laughed. “I should have known that you wouldn’t have a problem leaving this town.”

“What would happen with the two stadiums, then?”

He grinned as he answered, “The new owners, most likely, would take the name ‘McKnight’ off the signs. I think that’s a given.”

“Don’t be a smartass. I’m serious, what would happen?”

“If I pulled the teams out and put the stadiums on the market, Gil would probably make a sweetheart deal with the new owners to assure that the stadiums weren’t empty for too long. That would make the stadiums even that much more attractive. Then the cycle will start all over again. In the long run the new owners and stadium employees will get screwed once again. It’s an unfortunate scenario, but until we make some major changes in this country, it is the way things will continue to happen.

“I’ve got another plan that I need to discuss with my CPA. I’ll let you know how that works out. In the meantime, you should start thinking seriously about packing.

“Daniel, you sure know how to sweet talk a girl.”

“At your service, ma’am.”

An hour later Daniel slammed the phone down and turned to Lauren.“That was the police. They vandalized the stadium and the arena last night.”

“Who did?”

“Who else? It had to be those union thugs.”

“What did they do?”

“They shorted out the power grid and ripped the scoreboard to pieces at the stadium. They disabled the Zamboni at the ice arena.

“That doesn’t sound like the work of any of your employees. They would be hurting themselves by doing that much damage. Even though we’re having differences at the moment, some of them are like family. I’m even thinking that Gil Parsons would have more to lose than to gain by involving Local 33 in something this destructive. It’s too much of a risk.”

“You do agree then, that this was no random act of vandalism. I’ll bet it was in retaliation for the schedule change.”

“It’s too coincidental that both the stadium and the arena were hit. They’re a good ten miles apart. Did the police have any other reports of damage near either of the locations?”

“From what they know so far only our property was involved. Thank goodness we’re covered with our Property Insurance”

“It’s obvious that this vandalism was personal. It’s either an act of revenge or a warning; maybe both. I know we can’t prove either, but you and I know that Adam is behind this..The question is, what can we do about it?”

“Not we, Lauren, just me. I don’t want that man directing any more of his vindictiveness toward you. You two have a rough enough history as it is.”

“What are you talking about, Daniel. When I said the vandalism was personal, I meant that it was aimed at the two of us. We’re in this together. A lot of what’s bothering him happened between Adam and me well before you came on the scene. He hates that we’re together. He hates that we live in the same town. We are his target, not just you.”

“I still don’t want you to be involved.”

“I took on Adam Hampton before and won. I’m ready for round two. This nonsense has to stop. We’re going to have to fight him together. I’m not backing down on this. Do you know what you‘re going to do?”

“Yes, I’ve made up my mind. First, I’m going to announce that I’m moving the teams out of town. Then I’m going to make the town of Old Brooking a gift of the stadium and the arena. That should prevent any further vandalism. I’ll get a nice tax write-off, the town will get a new source of revenue. Local 33 may be replaced by municipal workers, but that’s Gil’s problem.”

“Does that mean that we can move soon?

“As soon as I iron out all the details, but it won’t be long.”

“I’m amazed at how quickly things are happening.”

“Well, actually I’m making decisions on the fly. I got a call from the hockey league business office about an hour ago. It seems that the town of Westfield, Massachusetts is ready to open a new hockey arena. They would welcome the Blizzards and can accommodate our schedule starting in two weeks. Think of it, Lauren, a brand new stadium and no responsibility for operating it.”

“What kind of a town is Westfield? I’ve never heard of it.”

“It’s a quaint town with a population of about forty-five thousand. Its history dates back to the sixteen hundreds. There’s plenty of housing available according to the real estate listings and it’s over sixty five miles from here. Do you need any more?”

“It sounds too good to be true. Will the change in location interfere with the travel schedules of the other teams?”

“Actually, since they all travel by bus, many of the teams will be closer. As for our own team the players expect to move around. It’s common when you play sports.”

“I think we should do it. We’re never going to get another offer that good. What’s happening with the football and baseball leagues?”

“I talked to both right after I heard about Westfield. They’re sympathetic to our plight. When I told them about the vandalism, they both said that, under the circumstances, they would not allow any future games to be played in the stadium as long as the situation remains unresolved.”

“I guess I don’t blame them. They have to consider the safety of all the players, officials and the fans.”

“Are they amenable to you moving the teams?”

“Yes for football, no for baseball.”

“The hockey league office gave me a number to contact to explore opportunities for semi-pro football teams in the Westfield metro area. They feel the prospects are good. I have Judy looking into moving the Wildcats to a stadium up that way. In the meantime, the league agreed to re-schedule the last three games as away games, so for all intents and purposes the Wildcats and the Blizzards are taken care of for this season. As for the Indians, I think it’s time to either sell the team or just shut it down. The season is still a few months off, so I have time to decide which it will be. The team’s not a money maker and attendance sucks so I won’t have any regrets either way. Without them, I’ll land up with time on my hands. Maybe I’ll start a girl’s volleyball team. They usually have a big fan base.”