Tricia Takanawa, Takanawa Times

11/12/2013: Seoul, South Korea – Today, I was going to sit down with the owner of the Seoul Crushers for the 3^rd part of our interview.  When I showed up at The Maw, fans had stormed the field in protest.  It seems a rumor has spread that the team plans to relocate in the near future.  I will step aside and let Mr. Kierstead conduct this impromptu conference.

(Angry boos throughout introduction)

“Good morning everyone.  I am glad to have every single player, coach, scout, and trainers here with us.  Over the past few weeks to a month I have sat down with all of our coaches to determine what we can do to get the fans to the stadium.  I do not blame the players for the way they played.  The players played to the best of their abilities.  So who is to blame?  You, the fans, are to blame.”

(A shoe flies past Kierstead)

” You, who sit here with your signs of protest over a rumor that could be true or false.  You decided how you felt by not showing up in support of your players and team.  How would you like to go home, cook a nice, big dinner and have no one eat it?  It’s how the players feel.  They play their hearts out to an empty stadium.  Then you whine that they do not win.  You, the fans, are selfish and do not deserve this team here.”

(Security quickly removes a few fans who try to charge the stage)

“You honestly think I am going to spend millions of dollars to improve the stadium or the field?  You are lucky this team survived long enough for an owner who cared to take over what was a huge mess financially.  I put my life and life savings on the line for you, the fans, and you give us nothing back.  “

(A few kids can be seen crying, asking their parents if the team is leaving)

“I care about this team with all my heart.  I will be damned if I let you fans ruin the game of baseball.  I will tell you this, though: I have looked at not one but two locations for the future home of the Crushers.  If you fans fail me and the team, we will relocate.  I promise you that!”

As Kierstead left the podium, I caught him quietly saying, “Anyone who does not leave now arrest for trespassing.“ Security then swarmed the field in an attempt to clear the stadium of unruly fans.

I am Tricia Takanawa, and this has been my most awkward moment covering the Crushers for the Takanawa Times.