I hate what Phil Mushnick does. He's one of those self-righteous sunsaguns who doesn't believe anybody can think for themselves. He knows that everybody's biggest enemy is themselves. He doesn't include himself among those ranks.

He hates wrestling. Violence in movies. And he's not big on the whole people responsibly consuming alcohol. He thinks people are just accidents waiting to happen. I generally ignore him, but the headline caught my eye, in this article published in the July 4 Online Edition of the New York Post:

BEER BIG BUSINESS
AT BALLPARKS

By PHIL MUSHNICK
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July 4, 2003 -- LIQUID Gold: According to local beer industry sources, the Mets' and Yanks' concessionaires purchase half-kegs in bulk for approximately $29 per half-keg, roughly half the cost charged to bars and restaurants. Each half-keg holds 1,984 ounces, or 124 16-ounce servings.

So, if the teams sell 16-ounce servings for about $6.50, which they do, the profit over the initial purchase price of each half-keg begins when the fifth beer is sold and that profit, per half-keg, is nearly $800.

And that's why, regardless of the escalation of brew-fueled episodes of incivility at ballparks and arenas, those who call for the ban of beer sales are wasting their breath, ink and time.


I understand Mr. Mushnick's reasoning behind publishing this story. He's trying to make Major League Baseball and the Owners of the Yankees and Mets out to be bad guys: They Cheat You! He does this so that you won't want to attend their baseball games.

But here's what bugs me. I've never done the math before. Holy Crap! $800!?!?! For a $29 keg?

Don't tell me the owners aren't making money!