THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 7, 1995 TAG: 9505070163
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TOM ROBINSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
As in the major leagues, attendance in the Triple-A International League is down, but only marginally.
At Harbor Park, though, Tides' attendance is up 305 fans per date over last year's record pace, when they sold 557,586 tickets.
Through 13 dates a year ago, the Tides averaged 5,951. In their first 13 openings this season, their average is 6,256.
But from a league perspective, president Randy Mobley said numbers through April's games show an average attendance of 518 per date fewer than last season. The Tides, Richmond, Syracuse and Pawtucket were the only clubs ahead of last year's pace through April, with Pawtucket logging the largest increase.
Perennial attendance champ Ottawa, which sold nearly 600,000 tickets last year, took the biggest hit in April. The Lynx were down nearly 2,000 per game.
Mobley blames the slower overall pace, particularly Ottawa's, on the elements other than apathy.
``I still believe it's primarily weather-related,'' Mobley said. ``Some might say there are some residual effects from the strike, but I don't believe that the baseball fans are mad at Triple-A baseball or the International League.
``Now if you come back in two months and we're talking about the same type of things, maybe I've got to revise my thinking.''
CHANGE FOR THE BETTER: Aaron Ledesma knew by the end of last season in Norfolk that it would be his last as a shortstop in the Mets' organization. Now at third base, which he has taken to quickly, Ledesma can't say the forced move from his longtime position didn't bother him.
``As far as any resentment, yeah, it's there,'' Ledesma said. ``For them to tell me I'm a big league shortstop, and then say, hey, we're going to move you third base ... But I saw it coming. It was no surprise to me.''
Still, Ledesma said the man who passed him on the depth chart, Rey Ordonez, is worthy of the praise he receives and that the switch could be the best thing for him.
``I want to be a big league player,'' Ledesma said. ``Outfield, infield, it doesn't matter. I just want to get there.''
NOTEWORTHY: The expansion process has begun for cities who want one of the two Triple-A and Double-A franchises to be awarded for 1998. Durham, N.C., which opened a new stadium this season for its Class-A Bulls, is expected to be among the bidders. Tides general manager Dave Rosenfield is on the selection committee. An intriguing sidelight: The hugely successful Buffalo Bisons are said to have some interest in exploring a switch from the American Association to the International League. ... At Double-A Binghamton, Mets pitching prospect Paul Wilson, the No. 1 pick in last year's draft, finally won his first game as a pro last week, in his 16th career start. ... Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, the former Pirates' sensation who went bust and was released in spring training, was signed by the Red Sox and sent to Pawtucket. by CNB