Rockies owner Dick Monfort is on his way to becoming as popular as Walter O’Malley.
Only a few days after Monfort told a disgruntled fan that “if product and experience are that bad, don’t come,” the owner delivered this message to another Colorado fan: Maybe it’s time for the Rockies to move.
The emails, obtained by CBS Denver, were sent between July 5-7, between Monfort and a fan who requested anonymity.
The fan’s original email read:
“The Monforts have no business owning a baseball team and their missteps in hiring ‘the good old boys’ for front office and management positions is solid evidence of their ineptitude. They have ruined pro baseball in this region while generating millions of dollars in profit.'”
Though the fan did not expect a response, Monfort wrote back the next day.
“By the way you talk maybe Denver doesn’t deserve a franchise, maybe time for it to find a new home. Thanks.”
Monfort confirmed to CBS that he sent the email:
“I sort of remember,” Monfort said. “I do remember that. I was rapid firing it. … I don’t even have an idea what I meant to say.”
Despite the Rockies’ poor season, which will likely be their fourth straight under .500 — they’re at 39-53 — Colorado holds the fourth-best average attendance (33,415) in the National League, higher than the division-leading Nationals (31,173) and Orioles (29,194), as well as major market teams such as the Mets (27,029) and Cubs (32,076). The Rockies have also averaged at least 32,000 fans since 2008.
It doesn’t look like its time to move. It looks like it’s time for a new owner.