According to a USA TODAY analysis of actual Opening Dayattendance around the major leagues, no team enjoyed a 100%showing. In fact, four games yesterday drew 60% capacity orless, compared to '94 when only one Opening Day game (Montreal atHouston) drew less than 90% (USA TODAY, 4/27).
| ATT. | CAPACITY | PCT. |
CHI at CIN | 51,033 | 52,952 | 96% |
SF at ATL | 24,091 | 52,710 | 46% |
LA at FL | 18,587 | 47,226 | 39% (2nd game) |
MTL at PIT | 34,841 | 47,972 | 73% |
NYM at COL | 47,228 | 50,400 | 94% |
PHI at STL | 32,573 | 57,078 | 57% |
HOU at SD | 41,961 | 46,510 | 90% |
MIN at BOS | 32,980 | 33,871 | 97% |
TEX at NYY | 50,245 | 57,545 | 87% |
CHI at MIL | 31,426 | 53,192 | 59% |
OAK at TOR | 50,426 | 50,516 | 99% |
BAL at KC | 24,170 | 40,625 | 60% |
DET at CAL | 51,033 | 64,593 | 79% |
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: After 8 1/2 hours of "protractedstatements, testimony and cross-examinations" before the OntarioLabour Relations Board, the locked-out umpires and MLBrepresentatives "drew no closer to settling the issue of whetherthe lockout of umpires is even subject to Ontario's anti-scablaw" (James Christie, Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 4/27). MORE OPENING DAY QUOTES: Peter Gammons writes, "On a daythat didn't feel like Opening Day, there was a deep, honest senseof beginning, that they now realize they need you" (BOSTON GLOBE,4/27). Acting MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, in his dual role asBrewers Owner, after visiting fans at pre-game tailgates: "I gota wonderful response. It was exhilarating" (MILWAUKEE JOURNALSENTINEL, 4/27).... Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner, forced towatch the game from Tampa because of health problems, afterseeing other scores: "Look at those Brewers beating up on theWhite Sox. And they talk like they're small market" (N.Y. DAILYNEWS, 4/27)....Reds Owner Marge Schott, asked if her team had any"special" plans for fans: "What do you mean?" (CINCINNATIENQUIRER, 4/27). MLBPA's Don Fehr, on the prospect of playing afull season: "I would say probably without interruption, butthings change so rapidly" (CBS, 4/26).