Quote:
Originally Posted by Gator
And at the risk of going a bit off topic, I do think there should be a significant bonus to fan interest/loyalty based on a player hitting career milestones (3000 hits etc.), especially if the player has been with a single franchise for an entire career. This would also make it a little easier to resign that aging super-star to a contract you know is above market value.
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But does that model how things happen in real life? Is there actually a sustained bump in attendance based on someone approaching 3000 hits (for example)? I would think any such effect would be very short lived, like maybe a 20% bump in attendance in the immediate few games prior to where he has a chance to get to the record.
For example, Cal Ripken got his 3000th hit in April 15th, 2000. The game in question (in Minnesota) drew 18k. The O's were still in the Camden Yards honeymoon period where they drew well, but the home games prior to Cal getting to 3000 followed almost exactly the same attendance pattern as in 1999 - sellout opening day, then high 30k numbers for the season opening six-game homestand. And no sellout the games after the road trip where he got to 3000.
Paul Molitor's 3000th hit was attendend by 16,843 Royals fans. Eddie Murray got 27k in Minnesota for his. George Brett got 17k Anaheim fans, and the preceding four home games in KC a few days prior all saw under 20k.
I have serious doubts that you'd recoup millions of dollars in contract costs based on little more than an attendance and TV ratings blip.