Scalper Jake
Bought my first tickets from a scalper today. I was be-boping along (yes, people still say that) and headed to buy $8 tickets in distant right field. This guy siddles up to me (yes, people still do that) and whispers, "I got tickets."
How did he know I was an American?
He wants to know how many. Nine doesn't faze him. He's got over 200. I figure if I am going to use a scalper I'll have to get decent tickets. So, I ask, in my erudite manner, "where?"
General admission basically. I want to drop into Southern and say, "Well, hell, boy. I can get them there tickets myself right there at yonder ticket office." But I say "I was hoping for better." Of course, the online ticket office had only distant right field for sale. I knew better would be hard to come by.
The sales pitch started. He had "old VIP section" seats. Back when the team was well loved the big shots sat in the seats he had. Along the left field line and right in front. Sure, I think. Double letters means way up. Way up. At least back home. He takes me to a map of seats and proves where we'd sit. OK. I want 5 and 4. He offers a price I look dubious. He asks if I want Norah Jones tickets. I say no. He tells me he has been selling tickets for 20 years and he's only 35. He remembers when he sold tickets in New Jersey. He mentions ticket selling isn't illegal here. He offers another price. I look incredulous..which is dubious with gas. We finally agree on 110% of his cost...which he claim is 50% of the ticket value "because I buy 200 at a time" he says as I think "which means you pay $4 for $16 tickets." I decide the man needs a profit. I was planning to spend $8 for $8 seats. So I get $16 tickets for a little over $8. He gives me his card. I must be a mark. I decide he probably paid $1 per ticket.
We enjoy the game. Our team wins. Tomorrow I'm seeking him out. I think he owes me a real VIP ticket for a decent price. I'll probably end up spending $40 for a $20 seat.
