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The Biz of Baseball :: Minor League News
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 13 September 2012 08:52 |
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 In a sign that not just attendance in the Major Leagues are seeing a bouncing in attendance, Minor League Baseball has said that its clubs attracted 41,279,382 regular season fans this year as of Wednesday. This season’s total represents an increase over 2011 and marks the eighth year in a row that the industry has topped 41 million fans.
“On behalf of our 15 leagues and 176 clubs, I would like to say thank you to the more than 41 million fans that, once again, supported our great game this season,” Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner said. “I know our clubs will work hard this off-season to find ways to continue to provide affordable entertainment for their communities and maintain the attendance boom that Minor League Baseball has seen over the last decade, thanks to our enthusiastic and loyal fans, in 2013.”
The Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs topped all clubs based in the domestic leagues in total attendance for the second consecutive year (622,421) and in average crowd for the third straight season (9,153). For the eighth year in a row, the Frisco RoughRiders paced all Double-A clubs in total (488,224) and average attendance (7,076).
The Class A Dayton Dragons, who extended their consecutive sellout streak record for a professional sports team to 913 games this season, averaged 8,532 fans a game in attracting 588,689. They have paced their classification every year in both categories since they began play in 2000. Likewise, the Brooklyn Cyclones, who drew 249,009 fans for an average of 6,553, have led all Short Season-A™ and Rookie® clubs in attendance and average per game since their first year in 2001.
The Monterrey Sultans of the Mexican League led all Minor League Baseball clubs in attendance (645,302) and average crowd (11,321) this season.
As to why the increase, weather has been better this year than last, thus lowering the number of rainouts, the economy has somewhat brightened in many areas of the country, and Minor League ball continues to be an affordable entertainment option.
2012 Attendance by League:
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International
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6,504,586
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Florida State
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1,215,020
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Pacific Coast
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6,796,157
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Midwest
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4,084,343
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Mexican
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3,814,348
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South Atlantic
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3,056,097
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Eastern
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3,791,241
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New York-Penn
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1,701,001
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Southern
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2,152,852
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Northwest
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896,781
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Texas
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2,834,864
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Appalachian
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278,785
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California
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1,582,174
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Pioneer
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695,052
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Carolina
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1,876,081
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Total
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41,279,382
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Source: Minor League Baseball
 Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 07 August 2012 15:00 |
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In a sign that not only Major League Baseball, but Minor League Baseball is seeing an attendance increase from last year, MiLB announced today that its 176 clubs in 15 leagues drew 9,221,023 fans in July, bringing the season total to 31,567,709 through last month. The total represents an increase of more than 500,000 fans, or 1.6 percent, over 2011.
And, if rainouts hit MLB hard, it can be exponentially higher with the Minors based on the large number of clubs (146 more than MLB),
“It is encouraging that our attendance remains ahead of last year, despite losing more than 100 games to weather last month,” Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner said. “Our fans’ continued support of their local Minor League Baseball club is a testament to the efforts of our club owners and operators to provide affordable, family entertainment for their communities.”
READ THE BIZ OF BASEBALL INTERVIEW WITH PAT O'CONNER
MiLB clubs averaged 3,973 fans a game in 7,945 openings through July. The Mexican League, which completed its regular season on July 30, attracted 400,000 more fans than it did in 2011.
Source: MiLB
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Friday, 06 July 2012 11:28 |
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Is it the weather, the economy, or just the fact that fans seem to be flocking to baseball in all forms this year? Minor League Baseball has announced that its clubs attracted 8,407,103 fans last month, bringing the industry’s season total to 22,346,686 in paid attendance through June. The 176 clubs in 15 leagues across MiLB have seen 901,800 tickets sold than they did through June of last year, representing a 4.2 percent increase.
The month of July is also seeing a good jump, thanks to Fourth of July celebrations at stadiums across the country. The 80 MiLB ballparks that hosted games attracted 539,795 fans for an average of 6,747.
The Salt Lake Bees (15,411) and Albuquerque Isotopes (15,309) led the 13 clubs that entertained crowds of more than 10,000 on the Fourth of July. The others were the Indianapolis Indians (14,504); Charlotte Knights (14,206); Fresno Grizzlies (13,839); Iowa Cubs (11,950); New Orleans Zephyrs (11,778); Durham Bulls (11,117); Las Vegas 51s (11,026); Lansing Lugnuts (10,512); Rochester Red Wings (10,412); Lehigh Valley IronPigs (10,100); and Memphis Redbirds (10,063).
"Our attendance remained strong through June, as our clubs continue to provide our fans with a high quality product,” Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner said. “Hopefully the momentum generated from the half a million fans who attended our games yesterday will serve as a springboard for yet another favorable month at the turnstiles for our clubs.”
MiLB clubs averaged 4,008 a game in 5,576 openings through last month. Eight leagues are seeing an increase in paid attendance than they did in 2011.
The following clubs led their leagues in average attendance through June: International—Lehigh Valley (8,966); Pacific Coast—Round Rock (8,355); Mexican—Monterrey (10,793); Eastern—Richmond (6,385); Southern—Pensacola (4,877); Texas—Frisco (7,697); California—Lake Elsinore (3,396); Carolina—Frederick (4,806); Florida State—Clearwater (2,590); Midwest—Dayton (8,494); South Atlantic—Greensboro (5,671); New York-Penn—Brooklyn (6,923); Northwest—Spokane (4,366); Appalachian—Greeneville (1,501); and Pioneer—Ogden (3,839).
Source: Minor League Baseball
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Monday, 21 May 2012 17:08 |
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Minor League Baseball announced today that its national Licensing Program last year generated $52.2 million in sales of licensed merchandise. The overall 2011 figure is the third largest since the program began in 1991 and represents a 2.2% increase compared to 2010.
“Minor League Baseball merchandise continues to remain extremely popular with our millions of fans, thanks to the efforts of our clubs and licensees,” said MiLB Director of Licensing Sandie Hebert. “The ability of the Baseball Internet Rights Company, since its inception in December 2008, to create, facilitate and manage the number of club stores that are on our website has also played an integral role in the continued success of our licensing program.”
The Baseball Internet Rights Company (BIRCO), a wholly owned subsidiary of MiLB that was formed to manage the digital and interactive media rights for Minor League Baseball clubs and leagues across the United States and Canada, has helped launch 120 stores on www.MiLB.com. Of the Top 25 clubs, 21 have stores using the BIRCO platform.
The MiLB national Licensing Program is comprised of the 160 clubs in the domestic-based leagues that charge admission to their games. It also released its annual report of the top 25 teams in licensed merchandise sales, ranked alphabetically. Rankings are based on wholesale sales reported from January 1 to December 31, 2011.
All but four clubs in the Top 25 were also on the 2010 list. The quartet of newcomers for 2011 includes the Greensboro Grasshoppers, Louisville Bats, Omaha Storm Chasers and Salt Lake Bees.
Here is the 2011 Top 25, listed alphabetically: Carolina Mudcats; Charleston RiverDogs; Corpus Christi Hooks; Durham Bulls; Fort Wayne TinCaps; Greensboro Grasshoppers; Lake Elsinore Storm; Lakewood BlueClaws; Lansing Lugnuts; Lehigh Valley IronPigs; Louisville Bats; Midland RockHounds; Myrtle Beach Pelicans; Omaha Storm Chasers; Pawtucket Red Sox; Portland Sea Dogs; Reno Aces; Richmond Flying Squirrels; Rochester Red Wings; Round Rock Express; Sacramento River Cats; Salt Lake Bees; Toledo Mud Hens; Trenton Thunder; and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 19 April 2012 14:13 |
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Going to a Major League ballgame can be expensive. Going to one with your whole family, even more so. While prices have remained static from last year to this in MLB, not everyone may choose to go to a big league game based on cost.
For many – either due to location, or by choice – Minor League Baseball can be an affordable entertainment option.
With that, Minor League Baseball announced today that the average cost for a family of four to attend a MiLB game this season is $61.23. The total was calculated using the price of two adult tickets, two child tickets, four hot dogs, two sodas, two beers, a program or scorecard and parking at the 159 clubs in the domestic-based leagues that charge admission. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, who are playing all of their games on the road this season due to a stadium renovation project, were not included in the survey.
“The ability of our clubs to maintain affordable prices for our millions of fans, especially for families, speaks to their commitment to remain integral parts of their communities,” Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner said. “Whether it’s to see and experience the game itself, receive a giveaway item or allow the kids to play with the team mascot, fans know they can do all of these things and more at a Minor League Baseball game without breaking the bank.”
The ticket prices are based on the most economical fixed seat in the ballpark. Adult tickets are available for $8 or less at nearly 80% of MiLB stadiums. According to MiLB, “Minor League Baseball is an even bigger bargain when considering that more than 40% of clubs do not charge for parking and many have more economical berm seating available; free or special ticket prices in place for toddlers, senior citizens and/or military personnel; and food and drink specials on designated nights of the week.”
The average cost of a night at an MiLB ballpark for a family of four is $69.07 for a Triple-A game, $61.57 for Double-A, $61.62 for Class A and $54.28 for a Short Season-A/Rookie contest. The overall and classification averages all fall within $2 of last season’s costs.
AVERAGE PRICES
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MiLB
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Triple-A
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Double-A
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Class A
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Short A/Rookie
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Adult ticket
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$7.09
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$8.09
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$7.05
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$7.34
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$6.04
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Child ticket
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$6.10
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$7.03
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$6.22
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$6.16
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$5.25
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Hot Dog
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$3.02
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$3.41
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$3.05
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$3.03
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$2.71
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Soda
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$2.91
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$3.11
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$3.02
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$2.91
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$2.67
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Beer
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$5.05
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$5.70
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$4.85
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$5.06
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$4.62
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Program
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$2.25
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$2.35
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$2.59
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$2.15
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$2.08
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*Parking
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$4.60
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$5.22
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$4.50
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$4.41
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$4.20
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*–price where fee is charged
(Source: MiLB)
Click to donate
to Autism Speaks |
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Wednesday, 14 September 2011 14:06 |
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 Minor League Baseball today announced that its 15 leagues and 174 clubs drew 41,252,053 fans in 10,238 openings this regular season. The average crowd of 4,029 represents a 0.9% increase over last year. Sixteen clubs and the Florida State League set regular season attendance records.
“Minor League Baseball faced many challenges in 2011,” Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner said. “Inclement weather plagued our leagues throughout the season. The increased number of lost dates compromised our total attendance, but the key indicator of average attendance remained strong with an increase over a year ago.
“Our teams remain committed to our communities across this country and thank all fans of Minor League Baseball for their continued support and enthusiasm.”
The Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs led all clubs in total attendance (628,925) and average crowd (9,249). Other classification leaders include the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders (509,331/7,276); Class A Dayton Dragons (571,886/8,288); and the Brooklyn Cyclones (245,087/7,002) among Short Season/Rookie clubs.
This season’s total attendance is only 176,090 fans or four-tenths of one percent (0.4%) less than 2010 when 176 clubs attracted 41,428,143 fans in 140 more openings. The Mexican League had two fewer clubs this season, as Chihuahua and Laredo are dormant until suitable playing facilities can be found for them. These two clubs attracted over 209,000 fans in 2010.
2011 Attendance by League:
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International
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6,664,206
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Florida State
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1,296,962
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Pacific Coast
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6,925,290
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Midwest
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3,983,282
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Mexican
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3,322,029
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South Atlantic
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3,125,934
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Eastern
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3,923,381
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New York-Penn
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1,749,891
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Southern
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2,175,505
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Northwest
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913,986
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Texas
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2,822,109
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Appalachian
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295,563
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California
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1,593,398
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Pioneer
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670,886
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Carolina
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1,789,631
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Total
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41,252,053
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Source: MiLB
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, and is a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 18 August 2011 15:18 |
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 The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Minor League first baseman Mike Jacobs of the Colorado Rockies organization has received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for Human Growth Hormone (hGH), a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Jacobs is the first player ever to test positive for hGH.
Jordan Schafer, who is currently with the Houston Astros, was suspended for hGH in April of 2008 while with the Gwinnett Braves, however his was a non-analytic positive – he did not test positive, rather he was suspended as part of an investigation through MLB. Schafer has continually denied using hGH.
The suspension of Jacobs, who is currently with Triple-A Colorado Springs of the Pacific CoastLeague, is effective immediately. He marks the 48th player in the minors to be suspended as part of the drug policy this year.
See the All-Time MLB and Minor League Drug Suspension list
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, and is a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Monday, 16 May 2011 12:06 |
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Minor League Baseball announced today that its national Licensing Program experienced a 12% increase in the sales of licensed merchandise last year over 2009. The program, established in 1991, consists of the 160 clubs in the domestic-based leagues.
“Minor League Baseball is proud of the popularity that our clubs’ names, logos and merchandise have with our industry’s fans,” said MiLB Director of Licensing Sandie Hebert. “Our clubs and licensees work very hard in providing and creating merchandise that Minor League Baseball fans of all ages can enjoy.”
The MiLB national Licensing Program also released its annual report of the top 25 teams in licensed merchandise sales, ranked alphabetically. Rankings are based on wholesale sales reported from January 1 – December 31, 2010.
Here is the Top 25, listed alphabetically:
- Albuquerque Isotopes
- Bowling Green Hot Rods
- Carolina Mudcats
- Charleston RiverDogs
- Columbus Clippers
- Corpus Christi Hooks
- Durham Bulls
- Fort Wayne TinCaps
- Indianapolis Indians
- Lake Elsinore Storm
- Lakewood BlueClaws
- Lansing Lugnuts
- Lehigh Valley
- IronPigs
- Midland RockHounds
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Pawtucket Red Sox
- Portland Sea Dogs
- Reno Aces
- Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Rochester Red Wings
- Round Rock Express
- Sacramento River Cats
- Toledo Mud Hens
- Trenton Thunder
- Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Source: Minor League Baseball
SPECIAL BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK REPORTS:
The Labor Battle in the NFL. See BizOfFootball.com for details
Welcome to the 2011 Business of Sports Network Autism Challenge
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, as well as a contributor to FanGraphs and Forbes SportsMoney. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 10 May 2011 07:49 |
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When it comes to pushing the envelope for uniforms, you’re likely to find it happening in Minor League Baseball. So, when word arrived this morning from Plan B. Branding that the world’s first official on-the-field rally cap had been created, you knew it was happening in the minors.
Based on the Altoona Curve mascot “Al Tuna”, who materializes from the outfield wall when the team is in need of a rally, the guys at Plan B. came up with this design.
This 59/Fifty features a “brick” fabric outer fabric with an orange satin inner lining and printed “Al Tuna” the rally tuna eyes when turned inside out.
Gotta love Minor League Baseball.
SPECIAL BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK REPORTS:
The Labor Battle in the NFL. See BizOfFootball.com for details
Welcome to the 2011 Business of Sports Network Autism Challenge
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, as well as a contributor to FanGraphs and Forbes SportsMoney. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Wednesday, 13 April 2011 14:21 |
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A survey of the 160 Minor League Baseball clubs in the domestic-based leagues charging admission this season has proven once again that going to a game will be one of the more affordable forms of entertainment, especially for families. The average cost for a family of four (two adult tickets, two child tickets, four hot dogs, two sodas, two beers, a program or scorecard and parking) to attend a Minor League Baseball game this season is $59.77.
According to MiLB, Minor League Baseball is an even bigger bargain from a practical standpoint, since many clubs do not charge for parking; have more economical berm seating available; special ticket prices in place for senior citizens and military personnel; and concessions specials on certain nights of the week.
“Minor League Baseball continues to lead the way in providing affordable family entertainment across America,” Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner said. “In this day and age to entertain an entire family at these prices, in the quality stadiums in which we play, is a true value. Our ability to maintain an affordable price point in large part drives our success. I am proud of our Minor League Baseball teams and their commitment to affordable pricing for our great fans.”
READ THE BIZ OF BASEBALL INTERVIEW WITH O'CONNER FROM 2008
The ticket prices are based on the most economical fixed seat in the ballpark. The price for an adult ticket is $8 or less at nearly 80% of Minor League Baseball’s stadiums.
The average cost of a night at a Minor League ballpark ranges from $68.00 for a Triple-A game to $53.03 for a Short Season A/Rookie contest. The Double-A ($60.09) and Class A ($59.66) classifications are within 35 cents of the industry average, as they were in 2010.
AVERAGE PRICE BY CLASSIFICATION
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Triple-A
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Double-A
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Class A
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Short A/Rookie
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Adult ticket
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$8.12
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$7.15
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$6.99
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$6.13
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Child ticket
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$7.07
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$5.95
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$5.89
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$5.23
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Hot Dog
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$3.30
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$2.91
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$3.03
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$2.63
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Soda
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$2.94
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$2.86
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$2.89
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$2.58
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Beer
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$5.47
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$4.76
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$4.86
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$4.37
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Program
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$2.77
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$2.58
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$1.96
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$2.17
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*Parking
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$4.83
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$4.43
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$4.32
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$3.72
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*–price where fee is charged
Source: Minor League Baseball
Click to donate
to Autism Speaks |
SPECIAL BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK REPORTS:
The Labor Battle in the NFL. See BizOfFootball.com for details
Welcome to the 2011 Business of Sports Network Autism Challenge
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, as well as a contributor to FanGraphs and Forbes SportsMoney. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Joe Tetreault
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Saturday, 22 January 2011 18:49 |
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The Boston Red Sox announced on Friday that they had secured an extension of their Player Development Contract with the Portland Sea Dogs that will run through the 2014 season. The Sea Dogs have been a Red Sox affiliate since 2003. The PDC was set to expire after the 2012 season.
Moving quickly to maintain the continuity of their system, Boston ensured they would not face a situation like they did following the 2006 season. The front office had allowed their two year PDC with Wilmington of the Carolina League to expire without renewing the deal. THe Kansas City Royals quickly struck a deal with Wilmington and the Red Sox were left searching for an Advanced A team. The result was a two-year agreement with Lancaster in the California League.
Boston's pitching prospects who may have spent some time in Delaware the preceding year were then subjected to the most extreme hitters park in the minors in the most extreme hitters league in the minors. Current Red Sox set up man Daniel Bard had a horrendous debut in Lancaster and was demoted to A ball to work out his troubles. Such stories are why PDCs are good to renew earlier in the process.
Just up Interstate 95 from Boston, Portland enjoys close geographical and cultural ties to Boston. The relationship allows the Red Sox front office to keep close watch on their developing and rehabbing players. The Red Sox organization has three affiliates in New England, tripling the benefit. The club has also scheduled Futures games at Fenway Park to highlight the farm teams on the big stage of a major league ballpark. The games are regular season contests with some split of gate receipts that help support the minor league organizations. The Royals will hold a similar game this season, though it will be an exhibition game. The Royals AA affiliate Northwest Arkansas Naturals will take on their AAA club, the Omaha Storm Chasers following the home opener at Kauffman Stadium.
Boston has three additional PDCs due to expire in 2012. Their AAA affiliate in Pawtucket, RI, is expected to maintain their longstanding relationship with Boston. Pawtucket has been a Boston affiliate since 1970, when the PawSox were a AA Eastern League team. In addition their PDCs with Greenville (SC) of the South Atlantic League and Lowell (MA) of the New York-Penn League are up in 2012. Lowell enjoys even closer ties with Boston than Portland and Pawtucket. Their Advanced A affiliate, Salem is owned by the parent company of the Red Sox, New England Sports Ventures, and thus is perpetually affiliated with the big club.
Click here to read the press release from the Red Sox.
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