Philadelphia Phillies to maintain highest Major League attendance in upcoming seasons-Part 1
Below par performance of the Philadelphia Phillies did not discourage their fans to throng the Citizens Bank Park and watch the players even when they disappointed them in the regular season.
In the 2012 Major League regular season, the Phillies have ended up as a team with the highest amount of fans attendance, more than the New York Yankees.
The question however is whether they can maintain the same level of interest of the fans or not for the upcoming years. An unimpressive performance in the season can be an indicator that a fewer number of fans will show up next year.
Division Championship crown won in the last five years has created a large fan-base of the Phillies. Before the season started, their fans were almost sure that their dominance in the National League East Division is going to continue.
Philadelphia's players were certainly capable of living up to the expectations of them.
Most of the Phillies' fans booked their tickets in advance. Fancying that the pride with which they land in the stadium and watch the misery of the opposition is not going to be affected.
The Washington Nationals is the team they have witnessed getting routed by the Phillies a number of times in the past. Laughing at the fate of others and moving around everywhere in the stands with their heads high have been the characteristics of the Phillies’
fans.
However, far from what they envisaged, their team was assaulted by the same opposition they have been taking for granted in the past.
Certainly this has demoralised them. Dejected and infuriated, most of the fans are lashing out at the management and denouncing some of the players for not performing up to their potential.
Their hopes were high and all of a sudden they have been hurt badly. It is hard to console them for the foreseeable future. More likely their disheartened feelings are going to result into far less attendance next year.
However, the Phillies’ fans need to show some sobriety and level-headedness. They need to understand that perfection is not possible and even the best teams go through a rough patch.
Phillies are not the kind of team worth giving up on so early. They still are very much capable of restoring their hegemony in the National League East Division.
The fans instead of losing faith in the Phillies should give them confidence at this time of distress. This is the moment their team needs them the most. If they step up and encourage the players, they will be reciprocated by them with an improved performance
next year.
Phillies signed a contract extension with Cole Hamels and granted him a hefty amount of money in the deal. Such a move is a reflection of their planning for the upcoming years. It shows that front office is conscious of what is required to lift the Phillies
to the same position that they enjoyed in the last five years.
Similarly they did not trade Cliff Lee when it was highly likely that they are going to get rid of him.
Both Lee and Hamels are the two pitchers that can be an asset for any team. Even if they belong to a relatively weak organisation, they can ensure victories for them single-handedly.
There is every reason to believe that if these two pitchers earn better run support next year, they can let the Phillies enjoy their dominance over the opponents again.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Continued in Part 2
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