Marlins attendance figures are "more than 4,000 fewer" than that of the RaysGETTY IMAGES
The Marlins averaged 10,676 fans per home game at Marlins Park through yesterday, "by far the worst in the majors, and a 15-26 record didn't have fans scrambling to jump on the bandwagon," according to Steven Wine of the AP. Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said, "There are a lot of good things we've seen. Obviously no one is happy with the win-loss record. But there are a lot of positives." He added, "We've gotten a positive reception with what we're trying to do. But the bottom line is, we want more people to come. We're not happy with the number of people in here. A lot of that goes with how we perform" (AP, 5/16). Jeter said, "I have no patience. (But) I've been preaching patience." In Miami, Adam Beasley notes Marlins attendance figures are "more than 4,000 fewer" than that of the Rays. Jeter: "We're going to constantly try to improve the attendance here" (MIAMI HERALD, 5/17). In Ft. Lauderdale, Matthew DeFranks notes the Marlins attendance figures "would be the lowest across baseball" since the Expos "averaged 9,369 fans in their final season" in Montreal before moving to DC. The figure is "staggeringly low, in part, because the team changed the way it reported attendance figures." Instead of "counting all tickets distributed (including giveaways and heavily discounted ones), the Marlins are announcing tickets sold." The change in procedure has "resulted in four announced crowds smaller than 6,000." Yesterday the Marlins "announced three newly hired" execs who will be "responsible for boosting fan support." Jeter: "We wanted to improve. We had some quality individuals that we’ve added to this organization" (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 5/17).
SENSE OF URGENCY: DeFranks also notes the Marlins are "on pace for a 103-loss season, which would be the second-worst record in franchise history." The Marlins have "not had a winning season" since '09 and the team has "not qualified for the playoffs since it won the World Series" in '03. Jeter said, "You understand that it’s going to take time. We’re trying to fix something that’s been broken. I’ve said it over and over again, it’s a team that hasn’t made it to the postseason since 2003. We have to fix that, but I also get the sense of urgency. Everyone always tries to ask me, ‘How long will it take?’ As soon as possible" (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 5/17).
