THROWING YOU A CURVE
June 6, 2005

MAKING MY POINT!

If you have had an opportunity to listen to me and/or read articles about me not being in favor of how many games the Twins play within their division, my point was made this weekend when the New York Yankees came into the Metrodome to play the Twins for a three game series for the only time this season. The three-game series drew an announced 124,490 fans!

With the Twins playing each team within their division 18 or 19 times each season, the Yankees and Twins only play each other six times throughout the 162-game schedule. When will the commissioner's office realize that with the Twins playing the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals 75 out of 162 games, they are taking needed revenue away from the Central Division?

Do you think the Kansas City Royals could draw 124,490 fans in a three-game series here in Minnesota? Maybe in the late 70’s or the 80’s, but not now.

The following is the attendance so far this season for the four teams in the Central Division at the Metrodome:

1. Chicago White Sox – 3-game series, April 8-10 – Opening Day Weekend - 118,386 fans
2. Detroit Tigers – 3-game series, April 12-14 – 45,482 fans
3. Kansas City Royals – 2-game series, April 20-21 – 40,067 fans
4. Cleveland Indians – 3-game series, May 3-5 – 55,040 fans
5. Cleveland Indians – 3-game series, May 31 – June 2 – 53,584 fans

Other then the opening day weekend against the Chicago White Sox, do you see any of the other series drawing near the 124,490 fans in which the Yankees helped bring into the Dome?

That’s my point! If the Yankees had come to Minnesota at least two times a year throughout the past three seasons the Twins probably would have been able to go over the two million mark in attendance. And that doesn’t even include what the Boston Red Sox might help bring in the Dome with an additional 3-game series throughout the regular season!

Too many games are played with each division! The “BIG” market teams are a draw for small market teams and the Twins need the extra attendance to help with the increase in salaries and costs.

The Twins have 13 home stands this season and only three home stands do not include the Twins playing a team within their division.

Maybe you like the 18 or 19 divisional games? Please let me know your thoughts by e-mailing me at bert@bertblyleven.com.

With the summer here, please be safe and if you get a chance to come to a ball game, no matter where, enjoy the competition and the food.

Thank you for reading my column.

You are "Hereby Circled."
Your baseball friend,
Bert Blyleven