Cheap Seats

CHEAP SEATS… Squid applauds the hope that springs eternal in a human sports fan’s breast. But Squid is also wary of overconfidence. In the food chain that is the sea, Squid is well aware of the pitfalls when a sea creature scoffs at natural selection.

Before the start of the team’s fourth season in soccer’s USL Championship, the powers that be promised a 20-percent refund to the club’s season ticket holders should Monterey Bay FC fail to make the playoffs. Squad members were even more certain. “Playoffs are the minimum,” said midfielder Adrian Rebollar in March. Defender Jacob Muir agreed, calling the post-season “non-negotiable.”

MBFC did not qualify for the playoffs. In fact, the club has still never finished a season better than 11th place in the 12-team Western Conference. MBFC is honoring its promise to fans, giving them options including a refund or a credit applied to 2026 tickets.

After all, next year could be the year. The team improved in the loss column – by one (16 in 2024, followed by 15 this season). And team management remains committed to the goal, promising Squid’s colleague that “exciting times” are ahead.

The hope remains. But the generous spirit may have fallen prey to sports reality. Squid hears that there are no plans – at least for now – to offer a similar refund deal for next season.

LEGENDS OF SQUID… In the sea, there are no monuments to sea creatures – nothing lasts for very long in Squid’s lair. But humans seem to be obsessed with memorializing themselves. Squid has tried to cross the species divide, nominating Squidself for recognition with the Seaside Stars initiative, to no avail (so far). Now Salinas is getting in on the back-patting action with Salinas City Center Improvement Association launching the Salinas Legends Walk of Fame, “a public tribute showcasing the diverse contributions of Salinas residents, past and present, who have shaped the city’s culture, economy, and community spirit.”

There are 10 potential categories listed: agricultural and farming pioneers, civic leaders and changemakers, business and entrepreneurship icons, arts and culture trailblazers, sports and athletic achievements, educators and innovators, culinary stars, historic figures and storytellers, community heroes and first responders, and local legends and wildcards.

It’s that final category that makes Squid think Squid has a chance (the example in the storyteller category is “authors like John Steinbeck” – Squid sees the bar being set and Squid does not attempt to jump that high). The wildcard category includes “unique, beloved or quirky figures.”

So consider this the official launch of Squid’s campaign for permanence: You too can nominate Squid for the quirky recognition Squid has long deserved.