Reds fans backing turnaround with hard-earned dollars
Occupying last place in the National League Central division only a month ago, the Cincinnati Reds have made a remarkable charge to the top of the standings. Their fans are beginning to take notice.
Earlier this season, the Reds drew an abysmal 7,375 fans for a game in April against the Tampa Bay Rays, the lowest attendance ever at Great American Ballpark. Two months later, Cincinnati has sold out their Friday matchup with the Atlanta Braves and could very well do the same for the two remaining contests this weekend.
Before the Reds' recent turnaround, fans were staying away and rightfully so. Entering Friday night's action, the Reds were averaging 19,659 fans per game, the third-fewest in the NL, ahead of only the Pittsburgh Pirates (18,828) and Miami Marlins (11,561). On May 25, the Reds were eight games under .500, occupying last place in the NL Central. But my, how quickly things can change. Since then, they've gone 19-6, catapulting to first in the division at 40-35.
The Reds are hot at the right time heading into their series with the NL-best Braves (48-26), who began the night on an eight-game winning streak. Friday night's contest marks only the third time in the last 100 years two teams began a series sporting win streaks of eight or more games, per ESPN Stats and Info.
Everyone loves a good comeback story and the Reds are writing one of their own right now. Whether or not they have the staying power to remain contenders through the All-Star break and beyond, we'll have to wait and see. But, for the moment, the Reds are the hottest team in baseball and their fanbase is along for the ride.
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