August 16, 2004

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Attendance at Minor League Baseball games remained robust through July when 8.7-million fans went through the turnstiles to push the season total to 29,789,881. That is an increase of 275,422 fans over the same date in 2003 when the 176 teams in 15 leagues attracted 39,069,707, the second largest total in the 102-year history of the industry.

The higher total is even more impressive when considering that it was achieved in 330 fewer playing dates because the season opened later this year and, consequently, will have more games still to play. This year’s crowds are averaging 201 more fans per playing date than a year ago, an increase of 5.4 percent.

Eleven of the 15 leagues are showing increases in average crowds this season, keeping Minor League Baseball on a pace that could lead to an all-time record.

That mark of 39,782,717 was set in 1949 when there were 448 teams in 59 leagues. The next three highest totals were achieved the past three seasons with the current 15 leagues and 176 teams.