Washington Nationals’ performance increases television ratings and fills stadiums - MLB
While a year ago fans were indifferent to where their team the Washington Nationals stands, this season the excitement is exemplary. Greater numbers of fans are coming to the stadium and television ratings have increased sharply. As a result, products being
sold in the park and shirts entitled with the name of some players have seen their sales risen dramatically.
A change in attitude of the fans is a direct consequence of splendid performances the Nationals have put up so far. Currently, leading the National League East Division table, they are well-poised for a potential play-off spot.
As the season began, management was concerned over how they will attract the crowds. They had nothing special at their back last season that could motivate fandom thronging the park and showing excitement.
However, as 2012 regular season began, the Nationals appeared in totally different shape. Immediately grabbing the top spot on table, gradually fans started realising the contention their team was asserting.
Additional factor was the entry of 19-year-old flamboyant Bryce Harper into the Majors. This sort of fascinated fans further. A kind of emotional link began establishing with players. Soon, shirts worn by their starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg and outfielder
Harper started selling like hot-cakes.
Meanwhile, television audience came rushing to watch their stars, increasing the ratings as a result.
As of now, the Nationals can boast a fan-base all over the country, which is hopeful of watching the club reaching new heights in the season.
A 70-year-old Nationals’ fan, Marian Jenkins speaks about a change in his attitude toward the club now, as he sees it all set for achieving something substantial.
“When they first got here, I sort of enjoyed the games casually,” said Marian Jenkins. “Now, I recognize the players, I recognize their numbers, I know little stories about them. I didn’t do that last year. I didn’t do that when they weren’t winning.”
Furthermore, with three players featuring in the All-Star Game, it has added to the excitement of the fans. When Kansas City unveils the stage on July 10, they will be proud of the fact that players belonging to their club are part of the festivities.
How the Nationals are going to live up to the expectations now will be interesting to observe.
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