May 2 at the Friendly Confines turned out to be one of the most memorable in our family recollection. Unfortunately, the memories are painful for our three kids. Because of the greed of the Beanie Baby collectors, there were not enough for those who were intended to receive them: the children!
I was appalled to hear people in front of us bragging about how they “snagged five” (they were there with two kids), to see parents buying them from others nearby for $60 to $100 apiece so their kids could also have one to share–and to hear ushers recounting stories of parents sending children in and out of the park multiple times to “score.”
As we left the park assuring our kids that they are only toys and not all that important in life, we were faced with several “adults” waving $100 bills in the air offering to purchase the premium Beanie Baby on the spot. Another woman had a whole bag of “Princess Diana” bears waving in the air to attract interested buyers. And all this just on one corner! What a lesson for the kids.
The Cubs cannot control public greed, but there is something they can do to enforce the distribution of the Beanie Babies. I suggest that those handing out the Beanies stamp each paying child’s hand with an indelible ink that is very large and then limiting the prize to one per child, no matter how many tickets he holds. Even if a greedy adult outside the gate tried to scrub off the stamp, it would at least slow them down.
Another, though more expensive idea, is to follow McDonald’s example and simply acquire more Beanie Babies. The Cubs would really come out of this looking like the good guys if they promoted a guarantee that every child would receive one. That would be good public relations and marketing.
Something is wrong, and the Cubs have the power to fix it, or end it. I hope they have the courage to act. Instead of creating family interest in the games, they have succeeded in driving more away, vowing never to believe in them again.
And to those of you who feel justified in acquiring as many of those Beanie Babies as possible by any means, shame on you. It may be legal, but it sure isn’t right. Why not use the time to volunteer for a good cause instead?
