San Francisco -- New Equipe GM Heath Stowlit shocked the League of Women Voters this afternoon when he announced the ownership's decision to move Equipe Roi du Radeau to Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Many had speculated that the Oklahoma-based ownership group would relocate the team, however most had pegged Oklahoma City as the destination. In Thursday's press conference Stowlit admitted the rumors of Oklahoma City were merely a ruse meant to distract and confuse league officials while the details of the new stadium were hammered out.
"Oh, yeah. That was a load of hogwash," chuckled Stowlit, "I mean, I didn't start those rumors, but I sure as heck didn't stop 'em from spreading. I knew there would be a lot of league resistance to another team in the New York metro area, especially right in the backyard of some of the league's elite, but as they say out on the range, sometimes a town needs a new sheriff."
The team has partnered with Barclays Bank of London, a British financial power, and the New Jersey Nets, who are also planning to move to Brooklyn in 2008, in constructing their new home. The Stade will be included in the Barclay Center complex to be located on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. The Stade will be located just east of the Nets' new arena and will be adjacent to New York's third-largest subway hub, with 10 subway lines and the LIRR, providing easy access from all five boroughs and Long Island.
"I have waited 50 years for baseball to come back to Brooklyn. Oy, it's not the Dodgers, but it'll do. A mitzvah, those Oklahoma boys," exclaimed long-time resident Michael David Seiberg.
Other residents were not so pleased. "What the hell do we need a new ball park for?" queried Nick Lombardi. "I mean, think of all the people this is displacing and all the gentrification this is going to cause," he pointed out between sips of his carmel macchiato. "I generally ride my single-track bike over towards that area on the weekends on my way to yoga and the organic food markets, now all that is going to be packed with yokels from Long Island. Besides, I'm a LUNA for life, you know, member of the Lacey Underalls Nation."
Regardless of what anyone thinks, it appears the move is imminent. Some have even speculated that the stadium could open over the all-star break. For many residents of the area this would be a welcome change.
"I spend over $80 on a ticket to see LU play BB," noted an exasperated Atticus Stonecutter as he sat on the stood outside the Masonic Temple on Lafayette. "I understand those are real contenders like, but I ain't got that kinda money to spend. I'd rather pay a reasonable rate to see a young team who play for the love of the game. As far as I know, that's Equipe."
The Junior League affiliate, Les Dauphins, will be remaining in San Francisco for the foreseeable future. However, Stowlit indicated that could change should a better opportunity arise.
At any rate, it's going to make for an interesting summer.
Equipe Notes: Stowlit also unveiled the team's new logo for the 2008 campaign.
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