dropouts
What the hell is going on out there? After 40 years, the Boston Marathon’s lead corporate sponsor, John Hancock, is pulling out of the race. Why? Because Boston-based John Hancock is now owned by the Manulife Financial Corporation in Toronto. That explains it, Bucko. The morons from Manulife also ended its 30-year partnership with the Boston Red Sox, eliminating the John Hancock logo from Fenway’s centerfield scoreboard. Two bad moves.
These corporate sponsorships are important. Years ago, when the marathon was on the brink, Boston Mayor Ray Flynn urged John Hancock President Dave D’Alessandro and my old buddy Hill Holiday founder Jack Connors to step up and save the race. The local boys did. The marathon has a huge impact on Boston and the region. Today it’s one of the premier races in the world. And when it comes to what we always call branding by association, the Red Sox sponsorship is a sure shot over the center field fence. What the Christ?
Another example of crackpot leadership is the Basketball Hall of Fame’s decision to drop the Mayflower Marathon after nearly 30 years. The Mayflower Marathon, which collects nonperishable food and cash donations for the Open Pantry in Springfield, is one of the biggest food drives in New England. So it makes sense that it’s now being run by Las Vegas-owned casino operator MGM, right? Talk about a sign of the times.
What a year for the Hall of Fame to shoot an airball. They said they were looking out for their tenants, but I can’t imagine one tenant was opposed to this great cause. Especially now. Instead, the Hall cost themselves and their surrounding tenants a good audience, positive word of mouth, and damn good traffic builder—at a time when they really need it.
Like Buck Norman says, sometimes you don’t know why people do what they do. I’m sure the goddamn Hall of Fame received a bundle of federal funds during COVID. That’s taxpayer money, Pistol Pete. The least they could do now is give back to people who need it most.
Keep your dukes up.
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