In tough times, IronPigs still thriving

FROM KEITH GROLLER

Local crowds are down.

They were down last fall at high school football games and even the Lehigh University football games I covered.

They were down all basketball season, too. Didn't see a single sellout, or anything close to it, all year.

In fact, if you ask high school athletic directors what's their biggest concern, they'll tell you it's their budget. And part of the reason budgets need slicing is because they aren't drawing like they used to for some of the bigger, marquee, traditional sports.

I know District 11 officials thank their lucky stars for the TV cable companies because the cable companies pay them big bucks to televise the playoff games. Without that TV revenue, the district would be experiencing hard times as well.

But the IronPigs are still going strong, and will be strong right through season No. 3, which had its home opener on Wednesday night.



This works because there's something for everybody.

If you're deep into baseball and really care about the prospects and who wins and loses, you show up and have a great time.

If you care about the food and beverage, you show up and have a good time.

If you just need to get out of the house, get some fresh air and have fun, you show up and have a good time.

I don't know what the percentages are about who cares about what. My guess is that one-third really care about the baseball; one-third care about the family entertainment (like the parachute team dropping into the stadium, left) and another third just want to get out of the house and hook up with friends.

The bottom line is that this still works and the IronPigs management, while not flawless, do their best to keep it interesting on the East Side. There's good stuff planned for every home game.

Plus, the team is built for exciting games. Looks to me like they'll score a lot of runs, but they'll give up their share, too.

Expect high-scoring games and lengthy ones.

But as we've pointed out lots and lots of times in the past couple of years, it doesn't really matter to the Phillies, the parent club, whether the 'Pigs win or lose. This is just a place to get them ready for "The Show."

It would be nice to be in playoff contention in August, and maybe a few more people would come out to the games and those coming might pay more attention to the final score, but to the Phillies, it really doesn't matter.

They want to get to October and when a Jimmy Rollins goes down, someone in the Lehigh Valley better be ready to take their place. That's the Triple-A affiliate's main purpose.



That's why I don't get all wrapped up the games when I am there as a fan, which I will be again many times this spring and summer. I may pay extra attention to a couple of guys (like Andy Tracy, right) and guys in both lineups, but to me, it doesn't matter who wins or loses.

I want to see home runs, double plays, diving catches, hit-and-run execution and so on. And my wife and kids just want the food and fun.

So, there is something for everybody and no matter what you're there for, you have a good time.

And what's wrong with that?

I realize that some people around here seem to thrive on doom and gloom. They said it wouldn't work. It's their story and they are sticking to it despite the blockbuster numbers at the gate. They can't wait for this franchise to fail, not on the field, but period.

All I can say is those folks are going to be waiting a very long time.

FROM KEITH GROLLER