The question of ballhawking

[Can_of_corn]

Jones didn't have to curse at them. That's more than a little disappointing for me to hear.

If Jones were to curse in front of children I would have a huge issue with it.

For him to curse in front of 20 somethings who are acting like children, I don't mind at all.

[Lester Freamon]

If Jones were to curse in front of children I would have a huge issue with it.

For him to curse in front of 20 somethings who are acting like children, I don't mind at all.

Oh, okay. I need to reread/read more carefully. I though these were 14 and 15 year-olds. Doesn't bother me nearly as much but still disappointing to hear - for me personally. He could have handled it better, IMO.

[24fps]

If this story is true, Adam Jones comes across as a class A jerk. IMO, he was upset because the guys turned down his initial offer and he had to meet the guy in person to consummate the deal. While I find the "device" thing a bit over the top, "ball hawking" is obviously a part of every day life at OPACY. In the end, these guys made a business deal with Jones, IMO we would have never heard about it if he had treated these guys with a bit of respect.

Unfortunately in this day and age when everybody self-publishes instantaneously, AJ is at a real disadvantage. As a committed twitter user, he really should be aware of that. Even though I agree with your analysis, that's about the only criticism I can make about AJ in regard to this story. Those "fans" are world-class self-entitled creeps. No wonder AJ was upset.

[The Wedge]

I think Jones quickly realized that these were a couple of guys trying to turn getting a HR ball in to leverage for getting as much swag as they could, and he got rightfully offended at that notion. His comment said it all in that respect. He hit the darn thing, all they did was retrieve a ball.

[russ snyder]

Unfortunately in this day and age when everybody self-publishes instantaneously, AJ is at a real disadvantage. As a committed twitter user, he really should be aware of that. Even though I agree with your analysis, that's about the only criticism I can make about AJ in regard to this story. Those "fans" are world-class self-entitled creeps. No wonder AJ was upset.

Well, I'll just say that all involved ( including AJ) come off like self entitled creeps in this story.

[russ snyder]

I think Jones quickly realized that these were a couple of guys trying to turn getting a HR ball in to leverage for getting as much swag as they could, and he got rightfully offended at that notion. His comment said it all in that respect. He hit the darn thing, all they did was retrieve a ball.

Of course he did.

If he was that offended by the demands he should have said no to the deal.

Instead he acted like a petulant child when he gave up the "swag".

[Lester Freamon]

I think Jones quickly realized that these were a couple of guys trying to turn getting a HR ball in to leverage for getting as much swag as they could, and he got rightfully offended at that notion. His comment said it all in that respect. He hit the darn thing, all they did was retrieve a ball.

All true.

Another way to possibly look at it, if you are Jones, is to say, man, these kids went to all this trouble to get some stuff with my signature on it. They must be be pretty big fans and think I'm pretty awesome. Maybe I can take two minutes to not curse at them and then be on my way.

And to be clear, I would never do any of the crap these kids did. I'm an Adam Jones fan, I think he's a cool dude and I'm glad he signed long term with the O's. But, I have no desire to take any pictures with any ball player, let alone even meet one. I totally don't get that fascination some people have. Not to judge of course.

[The Wedge]

Of course he did.

If he was that offended by the demands he should have said no to the deal.

Instead he acted like a petulant child.

He may not have said yes to the deal, it could have been brokered somewhat without his input. Which would also be annoying. I don't disagree with you that he carried himself poorly, but he had a small social gaffe. The other two were bragging about being completely juvenile.

[Can_of_corn]

Of course he did.

If he was that offended by the demands he should have said no to the deal.

Instead he acted like a petulant child when he gave up the "swag".

Both sides acting badly. I have a LOT more sympathy for Jones.

[Lester Freamon]

Keep in mind we're only getting their side of the story, too. For all we know, they were complete tools to Jones when he came out.

And that is true too.

[Can_of_corn]

All true.

Another way to possibly look at it, if you are Jones, is to say, man, these kids went to all this trouble to get some stuff with my signature on it. They must be be pretty big fans and think I'm pretty awesome. Maybe I can take two minutes to not curse at them and then be on my way.

And to be clear, I would never do any of the crap these kids did. I'm an Adam Jones fan, I think he's a cool dude and I'm glad he signed long term with the O's. But, I have no desire to take any pictures with any ball player, let alone even meet one. I totally don't get that fascination some people have. Not to judge of course.

Or they have an Ebay account.

[russ snyder]

Both sides acting badly. I have a LOT more sympathy for Jones.

CoC, I have no sympathy for either side.

These guys have an unusual hobby that takes advantage of the players and their accomplishments.

I really wonder what they'll ask from Caleb Joseph if they use their device to nab his first home run.

Jones chose to deal with these guys, and he should have made the best out of the situation.

he could have treated these guys decently for five minutes and we never would have heard about it.

[Lester Freamon]

Or they have an Ebay account.

Is that so wrong? As Jones said, "this is America".

As it turns out though these guys don't sell this stuff on ebay. They're just fans. Fans slightly obsessed with silly items.

[russ snyder]

He may not have said yes to the deal, it could have been brokered somewhat without his input. Which would also be annoying. I don't disagree with you that he carried himself poorly, but he had a small social gaffe. The other two were bragging about being completely juvenile.

I don't think that these guys would have been brought into the clubhouse area and met by Jones if he was not on board with it.

[The Wedge]

I don't think that these guys would have been brought into the clubhouse area and met by Jones if he was not on board with it.

I'm not saying he was completely in the dark, just that some of the particulars were made with certain liberties.