Sportsfrog.com

You can’t read through a Tampa Bay Devil Rays game recap lately without seeing mention of two things: 1) their AL leading record, currently at 35-22, and 2) their low attendance figures at home.

But don’t be fooled, support for the team in Tampa is rising with each series victory (7-2 in May). Sure, their average home attendance after 34 games is only 18,418 but what people in the national press don’t really understand is how that is actually a good number here in Tampa.

In fact, if they were to finish the season averaging 18,418, it would be the third highest attendance number in their franchise history. Their numbers are up over 1,000 per game from last year and up over 4,000 per game since Lou Piniella’s last season as manager (2005).

It’s actually getting a little Major League-esque around here. I see mailmen wearing TB caps, people in airports flying in and out of Tampa wearing their Rays gear, and more front page stories in the local papers than I think I’ve ever seen (in part due to the new ballpark debate).

So national writers, back off. No one in the bay area is going to drive to downtown St. Pete for a Wednesday afternoon day game, especially while school is still in session. Yeah, I’m talking to you Fred Goodall, AP Sports Writer.

The people of Tampa almost proudly and purposely make their city late to the party on just about every single issue, movement, trend, meme, and to-pop-or-not-pop your collar status that sweeps the nation.

This is a special team. Talk about them. Not the fans.