May came and went without the Browns Backers of Greater Dayton hosting their annual postseason banquet, breaking a streak that had been bearing down on 20 years.
“Just financial,” Randy Dodson, chapter president, said. “We got killed last year. Different things didn’t work out. Our bus trip (to the Houston game) didn’t sell out, and we got stuck with 50 tickets that the Browns wouldn’t buy back.
“We lost our (butt), so we didn’t have any money to get a banquet going this year. First time we’ve ever had to cancel it. It wasn’t meant to be.”
Doug Dieken, a former Browns lineman and current radio analyst, traditionally emceed the event. Players such as Reuben Droughns, Kamerion Wimbley and Daven Holly have appeared. At its peak, more than 400 fans attended, but that figure has dwindled in recent years and the BBGD has taken a bath financially.
“It’s never been right since the team left,” Dodson said. “We came back in 1999 and we were getting 200 to 250 people. We lose money on the banquet every year. We just try to keep it to a minimum.”
The annual bus trip is typically a sellout, Dodson said. Three buses usually are required. Last year, two were needed.
Banquets and bus trips indicate interest, but Dodson insists the area’s Browns fans are as committed to the team as ever.
“Our membership has stayed the same,” he said. “I just think it’s the economy — and a brutal season. If they win some games, people will be fired up again. All it takes is to win some games.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.
