![]() "I just think that going to that level creates a slippery slope for the stadium and the functionality of the building. "I think that it mitigates the importance to the community to some extent," a source said. And I think there's a long future in the Atlantic League for it." I think it belongs in the Atlantic League. "I don't know that I buy that without ever really analyzing it. "One school of thought, if that were ever the case, you'd be playing in nicer weather and you'd still draw the same number of people but you have less expenses," Shepard said. Instead, they believe wholeheartedly that the Bluefish should remain in the Atlantic League. Shepard and one source, however, disagree. On the surface, playing in a league with a season shorter than the 140-game schedule of the Atlantic League would seemingly provide some economic relief for the Bluefish. Klein, however, said there is no guarantee that the league will expand next season. ![]() There was a message on the Atlantic League's website Friday that has ran for several days suggesting that the league could expand: "Atlantic League expansion: Four new teams to be added. "I would want Bridgeport in the league, of course," Atlantic League Executive Director Joe Klein said. It is customarily released a few weeks following the conclusion of the league championship series. The 2014 Atlantic League schedule is in the process of being drafted. There had been some speculation that they might be bound for the Diamond League, an independent league recently founded by Boulton that features a shorter season. The Bluefish will continue to be a member of the Atlantic League, the premier independent league in the nation, next season. Certainly as a business because I think it's important, but it really is more than a baseball team. "You just want it to be relevant," said a source who has worked in the city for a number of years. ![]() The Bluefish, who have an advertising budget that approaches $30,000, drew a franchise-low 132,139 in 65 dates (2,033) last season. However, while the attendance figures are not particularly impressive on paper, they do demonstrate progress as the projected final numbers would represent the highest single-season total/average since 2010, when the Bluefish drew 160,653 in 65 dates (2,471). The number of group sales is not where Shepard wants it to be right now. Shepard understands that group sales is a significant catalyst for filling the ballpark as well as creating a network of fans that could, in turn, continue to usher in other fans on future dates through word of mouth. I would think that Ken and the way he goes about it, it'll click for him." And that's what Ken has been working toward. "But nobody has a magic wand and it takes some time to get your program in place. "He is a guy that can make everything better," Boulton said. The Bluefish are his sixth stop in pro ball, and his strong background includes working for Boulton at Prince William, Wilmington and Atlantic City. Shepard believes he has to regain the trust of the community and again bring relevance to what the Bluefish are doing on a day-to-day basis. I think it's good baseball for independent. "I don't think the park is a problem, the concessions aren't a problem, parking isn't a problem, safety isn't a problem. "The trend from where they were at their peak to where they are today is obviously not the trend you want," Timpanelli said. It now appears that this will be the first time that the BRBC will not have an event at Harbor Yard. ![]() Through the turnstiles A look at the annual regular-season attendance figures for the Bridgeport Bluefish: Year TotalĝatesĚvg.
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