* Much has been made of the Rays’ attendance, which is 22nd out of 30 Major League Baseball teams, as well as the myriad reasons–ranging from few corporate headquarters to a dated facility in a logistically-challenging part of a relatively small market.
But for those looking for signs of above average interest in the Rays, they need only consult television ratings. The Rays were 5th out of 30 MLB teams, with a 5.9 local TV rating, according to Sports Business Daily. They’re watching–just not from inside the Trop.
* Hard to believe, but in a time of war we still hear athletes referred to as “warriors” and “heroes.” But check this one out for outrageousness. Former University of Miami and current New York Giant defensive back Antrel Rolle criticized fans who booed the Giants recent effort against Jacksonville. But he did so by directly analogizing the playing of a game with the fighting of a war. Said Rolle: “We risk ourselves out there on the field each and every day also. When soldiers come home from Iraq, you don’t boo them.”