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Playing Ball In Farm Cities
R. Alex Whitlock
The Houston Astros played a game in Round Rock against the Express, their AAA farm club. Thinking about it, I believe it would actually be a good idea for each team to play a home series or two in the city of their AAA team. I suspect that attendance would probably be considerably better in a city that gets 3-6 games a year than the average game at one that gets 81. Cities that house AAA teams are generally smaller, but include a lot of cities big enough to have teams in other sports (Sacramento, Portland, Salt Lake City, Memphis, Nashville) and cities larger than some that do have teams (Austin/Round Rock and Oklahoma City). In addition to higher attendance, it would also probably increase the team's profile in some pretty significant markets.
It may make more sense for some clubs than others (Omaha won't be a big draw from the Royals, for instance), but it would make quite a bit of sense for others. Has this been tried?
Observations
I think playing games in different cities in general would be a good idea. I mean take a game to a large city without a professional team. A chance for locals to experience a big league game, even if it's only once a year or less. Playing at the AAA field is certainly a fine suggestion.
It's a great idea, but I doubt the player's union would go for it.
Why do you think the players union could object? Less time with the family, I guess?
I figured the biggest problem would be with season ticketholders.
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