Winnipeg, Manitoba: A Baseball Hotbed

With the Winnipeg Jets dominating the headlines in Manitoba these days, we should not forget about the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Independent American Association. 

The Goldeyes have been a staple of the Independent League circuit since 1993. And for the 10th time in the last 11 years have led all of Indy ball with an average game day attendance of 5,740. 

That is quite an accomplishment for a game dominated by the US and other countries. It really starts to make you wonder why there aren’t that many more Canadian organizations in existence. That is a whole other story on its own, so I’ll get back to the original topic. 

With an attendance record like what the Goldeyes have, the business model must be in pristine shape. The location has to be superb, the fans have to love it and the product on the field must live up to expectations. Since their inaugural season, a plethora of talented players have been through the system and have reached the major leagues, giving their team a presence all their own:

Mike Cather (1995)

Jeff Zimmerman (1997)

Jeff Sparks (1997-1998)

George Sherrill (2002-2003)

Bobby Madritsch (2002)

Brian Myrow (1999-2001) 

While averaging nearly 5,800 fans per game, how does that rank amongst all professional minor league teams? 

According to the Goldeyes’ website, Winnipeg ranks 35^th out of “350 affiliated, independent and summer collegiate baseball teams in North America and was one of only five independent teams to have an attendance increase from the 2010 season. There were 51 independent baseball teams that competed in the 2011 season."

You really couldn’t ask for anything more if you are a representative of the team or local supporter. With numbers that can obviously compete against any market they are put up against, it really makes you proud that we are witnesses to such a great Canadian baseball product.

Congratulations to the Winnipeg Goldeyes on the superb distinction as one of baseball’s best draws.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Devon is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals & Gateway Grizzlies, and is now an independent scout.