Marlins win, but fans fail to fill seats

Marlins win, but fans fail to fill seatsRead the Full article HereSo why, more than midway through the season, are the Marlins last among baseball's 30 teams in attendance, and by a large margin?''Fans still don't believe in our team for the most part,'' Marlins outfielder Luis Gonzalez theorized. ''It's disappointing. I see the talent on this team. And there's not much going on in the summer. It's not like these are school nights'' for most children.That tells only part of the story. Whether it's heat, rain, the threat of rain or other factors, small crowds -- especially on weeknights -- are nothing new for the Marlins.Currently drawing 15,029 fans per game, the Marlins are on pace to average fewer than 18,000 fans for the eighth time in the past 10 years. They're pulling in more than 4,000 fewer fans per game than the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have baseball's second-lowest home attendance. If crowds sometimes seem lower than the announced figure, there's a reason: As in most sports, baseball's attendance figures reflect tickets sold, not how many actually attend.The lack of fan support is particularly disappointing in a season in which the Marlins have vastly exceeded expectations. Projected by Las Vegas oddsmakers to be one of baseball's worst teams, the Marlins instead are 50-45 and just 1 ½ games behind the National League East-leading Philadelphia Phillies, who visit Dolphin Stadium for a three-game series beginning Friday.''Given our level of entertainment that is provided during games, both on and off the field, we certainly hoped our attendance would be higher,'' Marlins president David Samson said Monday, pointing out that the team's TV ratings -- seventh highest in baseball this year -- are strong.``But given the climate and weather and other mitigating factors, we certainly understand.''The Marlins believe the risk of rain deters a lot of fans. That no longer would be an issue if the team succeeds with plans to move to a planned retractable-roof stadium at the Orange Bowl site, due to open no earlier than 2011. more...