Masse asks, 'Whose side are you on?'

YOUR COMMENTS

Sorry, I guess I have to be one of the three to agree with manager Bill Masse. I think it was in poor taste of the fans to give a standing ovation that even surprised the pitcher and opposing manager for an outing that didn't warrant it even if he had been playing on his home field. A spectacular play, a no hitter, something that fans don't always see, ok. But show some respect to players that give a lot to our community. You can't expect these players to give to us if they feel disrespected on their home field. As for Masse, you can't blame him for sticking up for his players.
- Lynn, Manchester

Masse is crazy if they really think we, as Red Sox fans, will go to the games and cheer against our future Red Sox. I love having the Fishercats in town and they put a great team on the field, and I enjoy going to see them play on a regular basis. But, I'd rather cheer for the guys that could be the future of my favorite team than prospects for the Blue Jays. We all follow these guys in the Sox organization for years, anxiously waiting for them to get called up to the big show. How could we not root for these guys? I, for one, was at the game on Monday night and was one of the (many) fans standing and cheering for Buchholtz after he pitched an outstanding game. He was even gracious enough to give the fans a tip of his cap when walking off the mound. It was a treat to see one of the best prosepcts for the Sox play so close to home! Also, it says something about the attendance records that had been set over this weekend. Regardless of who they're rooting for, the Sea Dogs put fans in the seats and gives money to the FisherCats organization.

Oh, and the Fishercats don't help their own cause either by offering David Ortiz Bobblehead night, Nomar Garciaparra bobblehead night, and Kevin Youkilis bat night...
- Erica, Salem

Big Papi may have never played with the Jays but he was a NB Rock Cat and guess who the Fisher Cats are playing? The Rock Cats! I would be willing to bet to he is featured in a Rock Cats unifrom too.
- Joe Kane, Manchester

Red Sox fans are everywhere!! It has nothing to do with the oppositon. We went to the Padres vs. Red Sox game on Sunday, June 24th at Petco Park in San Diego. Walking through the Gaslamp District, I saw Red Sox fans in all the restaurants and on the street. In the stands, my son said "sounds like we're at Fenway!" We listened to the chant "let's go Red Sox!"...I loved it (Sox 4, Padres 2). I grew up in Manchester and suffered through all those years with the Bean Town Boys!
- Hank Coviello, Temecula, CA

The Fisher Cats are constantly promoting the Red Sox on their webpage and in their advertising materials. They understand that this is Red Sox territory and that they need to capitalize on that as much as possible to survive.

Did Masse miss the memo that Red Sox fans in the seats are better than empty seats?

BTW, did anyone happen to notice that the Fisher Cats are giving away David Ortiz bobbleheads on Friday night.

When did Big Papi ever play for the Blue Jays????
- Craig, Manchester

can't we all just get along?
- neil, jefferson

Of course this is going to happen. Most of Red Sox nation are inconsiderate. All they care about is their team. That can't be a fan of the game and can't agree that other players-other than red Sox players-can be good players. Hey Sox nation, get a clue and start enjoying the game not just one team!! And show some respect to the home team. Just think, if the Fisher Cats were not here in NH, you would not be able to see future stars of the game.
- Steve, Londonderry

Although the majority of people going to a Fisher Cats game are in support of the local team, this is Red Sox nation. When the stands are more than twice as filled as on an average night (when not playing a sox minor league team or the dreaded Trenton "Yankees". The people of this area want to see future Red Sox players as well as the Fisher Cats. According to Masse's thoughts, as people in this area hate the Blue Jays, no one would be in the stands to see the fisher cats. There is no place in good sportsmanship for his comments. A public apology should be in forthcoming soon from Mr. Masse. There wont be many more chances to see Bucholz before he is playing in Fenway.
- scott godzyk, manchester

This amounts to a modest story at best, yet the UL finds a way to wring over 1,600 words worth of blood from this turnip. 1,600. With due respect to Mr. Smith who is a fine writer, is it sound journalism to extensively quote the "Joes from Manchester" of the area for this? This article sounds more like the transcript from a call-in radio talk show. I look forward to what should prove to be an outstanding 1,500 word front page follow up tomorrow on the comments board from today.
- Joe Motley, Nashua

Masse, get some class. As a leader in the community you should be showing the younger players to be competitive but also respect individuals or teams that have talent. Shame on you!!
- Tom Hunt, Hooksett

I was at the game on Friday night (where the F-Cats ended up losing 17-2.) At what point should we have given the home team a standing ovation? When they held Portland scoreless in the 9th inning?
- Matt Kirby, Hooksett, NH

I know everyone is saying the same thing, but I want to add my comments that I think Masse really sould know better. The FACT is, there are more Red Sox fans per capita in New Hampshire than there are in Massachusetts. So what's the deal? We appreciate the Fisher Cats as a NH team, but when we get a top prospect of our beloved team making an appearance, the ovation should be expected. And let's face facts, attendance at Fisher Cats games has been lackluster at best, since day 1...the fact that the Red Sox filled the stadium should make Masse happy, since they can't fill the stands on their own....
- Paul S, Farmington

You set up a Blue Jays club in the middle of Red Sox nation and you expect.....what exactly...
- Christopher Plummer, Manchester, NH

Hey manager, ever hear of good sportsmanship? Applause for a job well done? What an idiot.
- bob whatmough, concord

I find the comments from Masse outrageous. The standing ovation for Buchholz was true sportsmanship in every sense of the word. Good for those fans. I am proud to live in a community where the fans exemplify what is important to sports and also what seems to be missing in sports on every level these days.
- Valerie F, Manchester