THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 23, 1995 TAG: 9506210190
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Bill Leffler
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Norfolk Tides president Ken Young believes the International League baseball team will pull in more than 600,000 fans to Harbor Park this season.
``I don't think anybody thought we would ever be close to such an attendance figure as that,'' Young said in a visit to the Portsmouth Sports Club Monday.
The Tides attracted 548,000 last year.
The on-field success of the team has silenced many critics who had suggested the working relationship with the New York Mets be terminated and the Tides align themselves with another major league team.
``We renewed our affiliation with the Mets for three years a year ago,'' said Young. ``And I'm very optimistic about the future.''
As Young spoke, the Tides enjoyed a one-game lead in the West Division of the International League. Norfolk had a 43-28 record.
A firm believer in promotions and getting fans occupied, Young admits ``our play on the field wasn't that great the past few years.
``But we have a very competitive team this year with a tremendously young and talented pitching staff,'' he said. Already the Mets have called up Bill Pulsipher, a six-game winner with the Tides.
``And I would think a ticket to New York is in the mail for Jason Isringhausen,'' he added.
Isringhausen has a 7-0 record, three shutouts in eight starts and an earned run average of 0.56.
Young is continuing to market what he terms ``family fun and entertainment.''
The sound effects system at the ballpark has been multiplied. The speed pitch baseball game is projected to draw 25,000 participants. The basketball game will have between 18,000 and 20,000 players at its current drawing rate.
Young also will bring in other attractions to the ballpark. The Colorado Silver Bullets, the nation's only women's professional baseball team, drew 3,729 in an exhibition against a Navy men's all-star team on Sunday.
Next up in July is the USA All-Star team, our next Olympic baseball squad. It will play at Harbor Park on July 23.
The Sports Club honored three area athletes at its June meeting.
Byron Tucker of Western Branch was chosen as the most outstanding winter sports athlete. Tucker was undefeated in wrestling in 39 matches, winning the district, region and state titles at 152 pounds.
Norcom's LeVar Bowers and Western Branch's Tony Smith were selected as co-winners of the outstanding spring sports athlete award. Bowers was an all-district football player and the state champion in the discus throw. Smith was the district, region and state champ in the 300-meter hurdles. by CNB