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Will The Fans Be Back?
April 10, 1965
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Bradenton FL
With the end of Spring Training its time for the team and the press to leave the mild Florida weather for the somewhat colder spring weather in Pittsburgh. But the team will also be facing a chilly reception from the fans.
Due to the loss of Jim Bunning, Bill Mazeroski, and Felipe Alou to free agency, fan interest fell 19 points during the off season. And season ticket sales plunged 29%. Even the return of fan favorite and Pittsburgh native Frank Thomas didn't dent the decline.
Casual fans will need a scorecard to identify the players. Except for Right Fielder Roberto Clemente and Third Baseman Bob Bailey, none of the position players has been a starter for the Pirates more than a single year. Yet despite the loss of talent the experts predict a close second place finish for the Pirates.
Maybe some wins will bring the fans back to the park. But it takes more than winning. Fans want to win with players they know and like. Most of the current players they don't know. And three of their favorites are now playing for other teams.
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