MiLB attendance up dramatically

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball™ announced today that its 176 clubs in 15 leagues drew 9,221,023 fans in July, bringing the season total to 31,567,709 through last month. The total represents an increase of more than 500,000 fans, or 1.6 percent, over 2011.

"It is encouraging that our attendance remains ahead of last year, despite losing more than 100 games to weather last month," Minor League Baseball president Pat O'Conner said. "Our fans' continued support of their local Minor League Baseball club is a testament to the efforts of our club owners and operators to provide affordable, family entertainment for their communities."

MiLB clubs averaged 3,973 fans a game in 7,945 openings through July. The Mexican League, which completed its regular season on July 30, attracted 400,000 more fans than it did in 2011.

The following clubs led their leagues in average attendance through July:

International - Lehigh Valley (9,085)
Pacific Coast - Round Rock (8,394)
Mexican - Monterrey (11,321)
Eastern - Richmond (6,266)
Southern-Pensacola (4,864)
Texas - Frisco (7,261)
California - Lake Elsinore (3,326)
Carolina - Frederick (4,826)
Florida State - Clearwater (2,620)
Midwest - Dayton (8,497)
South Atlantic - Lakewood (5,836)
New York-Penn - Aberdeen (6,480)
Northwest - Spokane (4,585)
Appalachian - Greeneville (1,456)
Pioneer - Ogden (3,615)