Rays fans were an easy target for their sparse attendance during Games 1 and 2 of the AL Wild Card Series versus the Rangers. But that low turnout inspired some delicious skewers from broadcasters.
ESPN's Mike Greenberg was the latest to shiv Rays fans while narrating highlights during Thursday morning's Get Up, saying “Only friends and family in attendance for this series.”
"Only friends and family in attendance for this series." - Mike Greenberg on the Rays' attendance. pic.twitter.com/4KkuJPZl68
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 5, 2023
Thursday's attendance for Game 2 at Tropicana Field was announced at 20,198. Yes, that was a slight improvement to Game 1's gate, which was the lowest turnout for a postseason game since 1919. But the crowd still drew a derisive remark from ESPN play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough.
"Some boos starting to come down from the group," McDonough said. “I’m not sure we can call it a crowd. The group here at the Trop.”
The group attendance in Tampa Bay was still far below the 45,738 who attended Game 2 of Marlins-Phillies, the 41,166 in Milwaukee for DBacks-Brewers Game 2, and the 38,518 who loudly supported the Twins against the Blue Jays.
Attendance at Tropicana Field—and the ballpark itself—has long been a punching bag for baseball fans and deservedly so. Tampa Bay’s average draw of 17,781 ranked 27th in the major leagues, according to ESPN. Perhaps the Rays will draw better in their new ballpark, beginning in 2027.
