The Daryl Gross Marketing Machine at work

I love Steiner Sports Collectibles. If you are a Syracuse Alumnus, have purchased anything from the Carrier Dome Box Office, or just plain happen to have had your email address sold by any number of data collection agencies, you have probably received an email from them. In a strategic move that was announced in 2006, DOCTOR Daryl Gross partnered with Scott Steiner who apparently has just as big of an ego as the good DOCTOR himself.

Steiner Collectibles is where you can find amazing Syracuse items. From a game-used ball from our only Big East win last season for $200 to actual travel bags used by the 2006 football team for $100, just hope that they washed them out before selling them...

There are some real gems on the list, including game worn jerseys. Game worn jerseys are definitely a big thing. I don't find them as appealing as a real good throwback, but I can understand the interest in owning the jersey that Dwight Freeney wore when he sacked Michael Vick four and a half times in the Dome. What I don't understand are some of the choices that they have for game worns on Steiner Collectibles. For instance, at only $299, you can own a jersey worn by Carroll Madison. Come on, you know Madison. He was a member of that really solid offensive line that gave up 54 sacks last season.

So it is always funny to me when I get emails from the Athletics Department telling me about the great offers that they have from Steiner Sports. Typically I just delete them and I really should just remove myself from the mailing list but the laughter I get out of each and every one is well worth the laziness of not clicking on the unsubscribe link.

I received an email from my friend Scott, from college, detailing an exchange he had with Daryl Gross after an email that was sent from Steiner Sports. The rest, is an absolute classic.

From: Steiner Sports
To: Syracuse University Alumni

Dear Syracuse University Alumni:

It is with great anticipation that I look forward to another year of SU athletics. I know that our success of last year will only grow! Wherever I travel, I am always impressed by the support SU alumni provide to all of our teams. In that spirit, I wanted to be sure that all of our alumni were aware of their opportunity to share our successes and show your Orange Pride.

We have entered into an agreement with Steiner Sports Memorabilia to form Syracuse-Steiner Collectibles which will carry an exclusive line of SU memorabilia and keepsake items. Through this arrangement, you can get one of a kind SU autographed, game-used, and unsigned sports collectibles. SU athletics and the SU Sport Management program benefit from your purchase. I encourage you to click on the logo above and access the Syracuse-Steiner web site, add it to your favorites list, and sign up for regular updates. This is truly a Win-Win for all of us! Thank you and GO ORANGE!!

Dr. Daryl Gross
Director of Athletics

I recall seeing this email and immediately thought of the really amazing items that I could buy that would have been game worn by Syracuse athletes. Visions of McNabb and Harrison jerseys flashed through my head until I actually visited the site and saw that I was going to be treated to second rate jerseys from 2007. Hey, I guess I could be the world's ugliest uniform for Halloween this year!

From: Scott
To: Daryl J Gross
Sent: Tue Sep 09 13:17:55 2008
Subject: Thanks

Dear Dr. Gross,

Thank you for your invitation to spend my money at the Syracuse-Steiner Collectibles online store. After purchasing a new #44 football jersey, bright orange SU hat and driving from New York City to Chicago to take in SU's season opener in person, I only have $200 left to spend on SU memorabilia this year. Syracuse-Steiner Collectibles has such a wide selection of Orange products that I'm having trouble deciding what to buy. Should I go with the game used football from the 2007 win against Louisville or the one from the Buffalo contest? Maybe I should hold out for something from the 2008 season. Since you seem confident that our success will grow, could you let me know which three football games you see the Orange winning this year?

Also, when I send out emails to large groups of people I generally read over the text several times to ensure that there are no errors in spelling or grammar. I encourage you to do the same. In that spirit, you can ensure that all of our alumni are aware of their Athletic Director's competence and show their Orange Pride.

Scott
Class of '02

PS - Did someone in your office really think that this was a good time to send this note off to the alumni? Really?

Scott. Trust me, don't hold out for anything from 2008.

From: Daryl J Gross
To: Scott
Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2008 1:43:41 PM
Subject: Re: Thanks

I would be glad to buy you something. Just pick it out.

Cheers,

Daryl

I take it Daryl didn't pick up on the sarcasm dripping from Scott's email.

From: Scott
To: Daryl J Gross
Sent: Tue Sep 09 14:19:45 2008
Subject: Re: Thanks

Daryl,

The travel bags are tempting, as are the Greg Robinson/bag packing jokes that would go along with such a choice but I'm going to focus on the positive and go with the Buffalo game ball.

[Link modified for blog purposes]

Once Steiner makes the 2008 collection available I'll pick up a game ball from SU's third win of the season and send it your way.

[Mailing Address]

Good choice. That game ball will remind you that even though Turner Gill is quickly building a very good program down the thruway in Buffalo, Syracuse is still New York's College Team.

From: Daryl J Gross
To: Scott
Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 12:19:52 AM
Subject: Re: Thanks

Seriously, my treat.

Can I just point out that Daryl Gross is answering emails to disaffected Alumni at 12:19 AM. Impressive Daryl. Impressive. Now, want to respond to my open letter?

From: Scott
To: Daryl J Gross
Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 8:45:22 AM
Subject: Re: Thanks
Seriously, thanks. I eagerly await the arrival of that football and I'm especially looking forward to explaining to my wife why a game ball from the Syracuse win over Buffalo in 2007 has to be prominently displayed in our living room.

Go 'Cuse!

-Scott

New York's College Team. Just keep reciting it and I am sure she will understand.

From: Scott
Subject: Fw: Thanks
To: GrossSuperman
Date: Monday, September 22, 2008, 4:59 PM

Here you go. I still haven't received my damn football.

Don't worry Scott, I am sure that Daryl has a great explanation. Like how he needs the money from your football to buy out Greg Robinson's contract.