Minor League Baseball Sets All-Time Attendance Record Of 39,887,755

September 27, 2004

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Minor League Baseball set an all-time attendance record this season with a total of 39,887,755 fans going through the turnstiles at the 178 teams in the 15 affiliated leagues. That was an increase of 105,038 over the old mark that was set more than a half-century ago and an increase of 818,048 over the 2003 season. 

The former record was set in 1949 during the boom years following World War II when nearly every city and large town in the United States had its own Minor League team. That total of 39,782,717 was attained by 448 teams in 59 leagues. 

“Congratulations to our clubs, leagues and, of course, the fans who have made this possible,” said Mike Moore, President of Minor League Baseball. “Many thought this record would never be broken because of the much larger number of teams that existed when it was established, but the hard work and dedication of our operators and cities have enabled us to overcome that difference. Minor League Baseball continues to grow and prove itself as part of the fabric of our communities. This is a proud accomplishment for our industry.” 

This year’s total marked a continuation of the impressive strides that Minor League Baseball has made in recent seasons. Four of the five highest attendance totals in the 103-year history of the industry have been achieved in the last four seasons. 

Nine of the 15 leagues registered increases over the 2003 season and two leagues–the Double-A Eastern and the Class A South Atlantic--set all-time records of their own. The Eastern League drew 3,914,027, breaking its record of 3,868,732, set in 1999. The South Atlantic attracted 3,285,949, eclipsing the mark of 3,129,323 established a year ago.

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The Mudcats welcomed 245,810 fans to Five County Stadium over 66 games in 2004. The Jacksonville Suns led the Southern League with 420,495 fans in 67 games, while the Round Rock Express (Austin, Tex.) led Double-A teams with 689,286 fans over 70 games. For more attendance figures, please visit Minor League Baseball's website.