An early morning bird at the feeder yesterday morning. When the neighbor came down yesterday evening to clear the driveway, he kindly made a path to the feeder as well. Sweet guy. The Phillies winter banquet was held yesterday in the Lehigh Valley. Prominent among the guests was new IronPigs' manager Ryne Sandberg, who said that before accepting the job he did some research on the 'Pigs on the "good old Internet". What he saw about the franchise, Coca-Cola Park, and the fans impressed him.
Sandberg's comment led me to wonder if the folks at Digital Ballparks had finally visited the park. They had and they have an insightful, in-depth review (in need of editing) about the IronPigs, the park, and the history of professional baseball in the Lehigh Valley.
They tie it all together with an interesting look at not only the success of the 'Pigs but also what that success shows about Triple-A baseball and its growing popularity. In an admittedly 'apples to oranges' comparison, they note that in 2010 the IronPigs, with a max seating capacity around 10,000, drew more fans than all but two (Redskins and Cowboys) NFL teams. And that Triple-A baseball draws two-thirds of the fans that the NBA and NHL do. http://www.digitalballparks.com/International/IronPigs.html
