Minor League baseball has experienced a jump in attendance so far this season and for the first time topped 13-million fans in May. Several Iowa franchises has seen an increase, including the Sioux City Explorers of the Northern League.Assistant general manager Mike Gorsett says they’re up 22-percent from 2003 and another 15-percent from 2004. The Explorers are playing well and are currently second in their division, but Gorsett the biggest factor is marketing. He says the draw in minor league baseball is about having a good time out at the ballpark. He says even if you’re losing by 10 runs and the people are still having a good time, then they’ll come back. Gorsett says repeat customers are critical for the Explorers. Sioux City is the smallest market in the Northern League which has teams in St. Paul, Kansas City, Edmonton and Calgary. He says they have 100,000 people in town and need to draw 2,500 to 3,000 to be successful.Nationwide, minor league attendance is up three percent over last year.
