By: Jay Miller
Here we are again. No movement in the Major League Baseball world due to two sides being unable to get together, resulting in a lockout. Both sides are sitting at the table trying to get what they want or what benefits them the most. Not necessarily the game itself. You know who doesn’t have a seat at the table and continues to lose during these negotiations… the fans do? It is time to make a change. The fans, the ones who poor their money into these franchises with ticket sales, parking passes, apparel sales, tv subscriptions and so much more, deserve a seat at the table with proper representation. I’m here today to call on The Mayor, Sean Casey, to be that voice for the fans and represent us while negotiations over America’s Pastime continue to struggle between millionaires and billionaires.
If you are unfamiliar with The Mayor, don’t worry, he typically played most of his career in small market organizations, but is now an MLB analyst on the MLB Network. Casey began his career with the Cleveland Indians after being drafted in the second round of the 1995 draft. He debuted in the big leagues in 1997 with the club who drafted him, appearing in just six games, but was then traded to the Cincinnati Reds prior to the beginning of the 1998 season.
It was with the Reds that Casey became a fan favorite known for his high-level hitting prowess and “heart above everything” approach to the game that endured him to the fans of the Queen City. From 1998-2005, Casey was the everyday first baseman in Cincinnati, collecting over 1200 hits in 1,075 games with only 465 strikeouts. He went on to be a 3-time All-Star with the Reds while also playing for the Pirates, Tigers and finally the Red Sox. He only made 2 postseason series appearances, including the World Series with Detroit in 2006. While hitting in the playoffs, Casey crushed the ball to the tune of a .410 career postseason average with a 1.131 OPS. Now that’s raking when it counts the most!
So, now you know Sean Casey the professional baseball player. The question is, why should he be the one to represent us, the fans? This man has always been an ambassador for the game with the fans. Throughout his career he continued to create relationships with the people. Signing autographs, kissing babies, you know, the political checklist if you will. Although he became the Mayor in Cincy, he was beloved by fans in every city he played in. A true blue-collar professional ball player. A throwback to the days of old when the players appreciated every day on the ball field and never took it for granted.
John Fay, a beat writer for the Reds, said in a 2017 article, “Sean Casey was the nicest Red I ever covered and may be the nicest guy I’ve ever met, as for enthusiasm pours out of him!” Simply put, Sean Casey gets it! He understands the love for the game and the love of the game. He’s been on the side as a player. His arbitration hearing story is one of the funniest things I’ve heard on the MLB Network. He has also been retired since 2008 and sees how the other side operates. Not to mention his sons who are currently forging their own path in baseball.
Currently, when he’s not on MLB Network, Casey hosts a weekly podcast called The Mayor’s Office with Sean Casey. His stories, his insight, his flat out love for everything baseball comes through loud and clear in his segments with former ball players and fans of the game. If you haven’t heard his John Cena story, you are missing out! The point is, Sean Casey has been there as a player, he’s seen the owner’s side since he’s been retired and most importantly, Sean Casey is a fan of baseball. Sean Casey is us… just in 6’4” 225 frame with a career .300+ batting average in MLB.
Mr. Casey, Mr. Mayor sir, we the fans ask you take office as the Ambassador of Baseball for the Fans. Represent us at the table for this game we love so dearly. A game that has been passed down from father to son, mother to daughter, grandparent to grandchild. Baseball isn’t just a game in this great country, is a foundation for a way of life starting with little league. We are tired of being left out of the conversation. It’s time the fans had a voice and that voice, should go through you.