Frankly, it would shock me at this point if any member of Team USA were to do anything but endorse the choice of Charlie. It is important that this matter be brushed aside and that the players be allowed to focus on what's really important ---- preparing as best as they can for competition.
This situation reinforces why Mark Griffin is a cut above the rest when it comes to event production. He not only cares what those who play, support or attend his events want but makes it easy for them to share their ideas and concerns with him, enabling him to better serve his constituency of professionals, patrons and sponsors. Thanks also to Justin (JCIN) for providing the platform through which Mark is interacting so effectively with all those interested in his events.
In stark contrast, others prefer to disenfranchise the sponsors, promoters and fans in favor of being self-serving. Strangely enough, these are precisely the same groups that a) routinely remove the promoters from the process of mapping out pool's future, b) find it hard to fathom why amateurs and fans don't support the pros more, and c) wonder why sponsors are not more enthusiastic in their support of the pro game.
A couple of years ago, baseball decided to allow the fans to select a member of the All-Star team. I was impressed that pool followed this lead and allowed the fans to select a member of the Mosconi Cup team. When Hatch, the fans' choice, was the MVP of Team USA, it was a big deal and the fans felt they had a piece of the victory. Now, the guys at Matchroom don't care which players the fans are keenest on seeing and have lowered the profile of the captain position by leaving the choice in the hands of players who've already demonstrated that they are willing to completely ignore what their fans and sponsors want.
The escalating disenfranchisement of pool's supporters continues to threaten the vitality of pro pool in America, and it's a crying shame.
... but it's time to focus on the event, and wish Charlie and Team USA every possible success against Team Europe. For those Americans who plan to attend the Mosconi Cup, I urge you to support Charlie and Team USA in every possible way.
PS Agree with Vagabond, just as good to applaud anyone that performs with excellence.
This situation reinforces why Mark Griffin is a cut above the rest when it comes to event production. He not only cares what those who play, support or attend his events want but makes it easy for them to share their ideas and concerns with him, enabling him to better serve his constituency of professionals, patrons and sponsors. Thanks also to Justin (JCIN) for providing the platform through which Mark is interacting so effectively with all those interested in his events.
In stark contrast, others prefer to disenfranchise the sponsors, promoters and fans in favor of being self-serving. Strangely enough, these are precisely the same groups that a) routinely remove the promoters from the process of mapping out pool's future, b) find it hard to fathom why amateurs and fans don't support the pros more, and c) wonder why sponsors are not more enthusiastic in their support of the pro game.
A couple of years ago, baseball decided to allow the fans to select a member of the All-Star team. I was impressed that pool followed this lead and allowed the fans to select a member of the Mosconi Cup team. When Hatch, the fans' choice, was the MVP of Team USA, it was a big deal and the fans felt they had a piece of the victory. Now, the guys at Matchroom don't care which players the fans are keenest on seeing and have lowered the profile of the captain position by leaving the choice in the hands of players who've already demonstrated that they are willing to completely ignore what their fans and sponsors want.
The escalating disenfranchisement of pool's supporters continues to threaten the vitality of pro pool in America, and it's a crying shame.
... but it's time to focus on the event, and wish Charlie and Team USA every possible success against Team Europe. For those Americans who plan to attend the Mosconi Cup, I urge you to support Charlie and Team USA in every possible way.
PS Agree with Vagabond, just as good to applaud anyone that performs with excellence.
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