MiLB draws more than 41.2 million
"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 percent), 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 more than 209,000 fans in 2010.
2011 Attendance by league
International | 6,664,206 | Florida State | 1,296,962 | |
Pacific Coast | 6,925,290 | Midwest | 3,983,282 | |
Mexican | 3,322,029 | South Atlantic | 3,125,934 | |
Eastern | 3,923,381 | New York-Penn | 1,749,891 | |
Southern | 2,175,505 | Northwest | 913,986 | |
Texas | 2,822,109 | Appalachian | 295,563 | |
California | 1,593,398 | Pioneer | 670,886 | |
Carolina | 1,789,631 | Total | 41,252,053 |