In N.Y., Bill Pennington reports Blue Jays home attendance is “down more than 4,300 fans per game compared with the same period a year ago, a decline that is the second largest” in MLB. The team has led the AL East for more than a month this season, but fans are “taking a wait-and-see approach.” Blue Jays P Brandon Morrow said, “Maybe they’re just a little cautious since other teams here have created a lot of hype that did not pan out" Former Blue Jays President & CEO Paul Godfrey: “Some of what we’re seeing is a hangover from a letdown” (N.Y. TIMES, 6/25).
NEEDING A LIFT: In Cleveland, Paul Hoynes noted Indians Owners Paul Dolan and his father, Larry, are “continually criticized for being cheap, for not taking the necessary steps to put a championship team on the field." However, they have "deep Cleveland roots, have kept a stable front office and are not being investigated by the FBI.” Hoynes: "None of which can be said about the Browns.” Indians fans “can be won back, but mediocrity on the field and in the executive offices won’t do it” (CLEVELAND.com, 6/24).
WHAT'S IN A NAME: A’s PR Dir Bob Rose said that changing the team's abbreviation on the O.co Coliseum scoreboard from OAK to A’s "was indeed intentional -- but not for the reasons conspiracy theorists believe.” Rose: “Our scoreboard folks had been researching what other teams in pro sports did -- city or nickname -- and all but three used nicknames for their team. Also it should be noted that when our players come to the plate, we use scenes of Oakland as a backdrop to their pictures” (SFGATE.com, 6/23).
BUILDING A FOUNDATION: Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper in a special to the Illinois DAILY HERALD wrote before the process of rebuilding of the Cubs organization began, it was “like gaudy homes that show well, but have hidden problems only discovered after you buy them.” Under the Tribune's ownership, there “was a ‘win now at all cost’ mentality,” which “nearly worked.” Kasper: “Fast forward to 2014 and instead of the huge house that ‘shows well’ but has underlying issues, the Cubs are now building their own dream home, brick by brick, from the ground up” (Illinois DAILY HERALD, 6/24).
