Acknowledging the club “mishandled the communication of season-ticket increases for next year, a contrite Mariners organization has apologized to affected fans,” according to Larry Stone of the SEATTLE TIMES. Mariners Exec VP/Business Operations Bob Aylward sent out an e-mail Tuesday “expressing regret for not making it clear in renewal notices that the team was raising prices for many 2013 packages.” He wrote, “We recognize the financial and emotional investment you have made in Mariners Baseball. We are sorry for our miscommunication. And we pledge to do better.” Aylward yesterday “reiterated the Mariners' regret for their handling of renewals.” He said, “The need for the apology is that we clearly disappointed and negatively impacted the trust that is so important for the ballclub to have with our fan base.” Aylward said that he is “hopeful that most fans will still renew their season tickets.” Aylward: “To date, the number of people who have said, 'I'm canceling,' I can count on two hands. Yes, this will hurt us, but we don't have a mass exodus as a result” (SEATTLE TIMES, 10/25).
