Minnesota Twins: Bert Blyleven hates Tropicana Field and so do fans
Minnesota Twins broadcaster Bert Blyleven shares the sentiment of many MLB fans after he exclaimed that it’s time to “Blow up this place” in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Minnesota Twins broadcaster Bert Blyleven vented his frustration after Miguel Sano hit what would’ve been a home run in any other ballpark. But, the ceiling at Tropicana Field (affectionately called “The Trop”) forced the ball back down and into the glove of Willy Adames.
This isn’t the first time, nor will it be the last time that the ugliest ballpark in the MLB wreaks havoc on home runs stats.
In fact, back in 2015, Sano lost a home run because of the catwalk at The Trop. His towering fly ball ricocheted back to the field and Sano ended up with a double instead. Take a look at the video from MLB.
For players who hit the towering, majestic home runs, The Trop is not a friendly place to play. The structure of the dome needed to withstand the hurricane-force winds that can strike anywhere in Florida. So, there are several rings that support the giant fiberglass dome.
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The ground rules for home runs are based on those rings. If the ball hits the inner rings, it is in play if there is a deflection. If the ball hits an outer ring, it is deemed a home run. Of course, these are all based on whether the ball hits in the rings in fair or foul territory.
Blyleven’s disdain for The Trop is shared by many fans. If attendance is any sign of whether fans love coming to the park, the numbers in 2019 are abysmal for the Rays and their home ballpark.
According to Baseball Reference, the Rays are ranked 29th in home attendance with an average of 13,802 fans at each game. The Miami Marlins are in 30th. In first is the LA Dodgers with 47,402 average per game. The poor showing at The Trop is especially notable as the Rays are in second place in the AL East with a winning record of 35-22.
You’d think that Rays fans would show up to support the home team, especially a winning home team.
Nope.
Next. MLB fans should tune into the NCAA College Softball Playoffs. dark
It’s no surprise why fans don’t go to Tropicana Field. It’s a dark and gloomy place with ugly turf. Sections are frequently covered in tarps. It’s just plain ugly. But, who knows if fans would show up to games even if the stadium was beautiful. Marlins Park is gorgeous, especially with the roof open, and no one goes there either.