Moderator: craig01
Nobody wants to watch a division leader after years and years of utterly unwatchable play? This past week, Rays Manager Joe Maddon said the lack of support was "a little disappointing."
A little? The Rays are leading their division for the first time beyond the first week of the season. They just took three of four from the Yankees and their highest attendance was 20,936? That is more than a little disappointing.
That is disheartening.
True, the location of the Trop isn't central.
True, attendance is not very high.
True, The Rays are playing great baseball, and deserve better support.
False, that the region will not support the Rays.
False, that the Tampa Bay should be drawing 30,000 plus on weeknight games in May against anybody. There are only a few teams that do. Read the box scores of all the teams.
Cleveland, near or in 1st place, draws 15-20K, on weeknights. They have a great stadium AND a tradition of winning the last 10-15 years.
Baltimore, with a winning record, a young team, in a great stadium, AND having a great tradition, broke 3 single game records for their LOWEST attended home games EVER in Camden Yards this year. Those games drew about 11k, with the Orioles battling for first place at the time.
Attendance on the week night games does not climb until the summer months arrive. It never has before, so why should it now?
Give the Rays and their fan base the summer before writing a bandwagon type article. 10 years of being a cellar dweller is not inviting for even the best franchises. Just ask the Yankees during the late 1960's- to early 1970's.
Rays attendance went from 1 million in 2006, to 1.3 million in 2007....with a team that lost 96 games. This year, the Rays will approach 2 million as the season's momentum builds.
Then write your article.