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     They probably won't make the playoffs this year, but the Lansing Lugnuts drew enough fans through Cooley Law School Stadium's gates to end up with their highest home attendance since 2004.  The Lugnuts expect 364,000 to be their final number, up 17,000 from a year ago, once their regular season home schedule is complete Friday night with West Michigan.  I spoke with the Toronto Blue Jays' people this week about their Lansing affiliation and they love the set up here so I don't see that changing any time soon.

     It's amazing to look back at attendance of 15 years-- the first year drew 538,000 and the franchise hasn't come close to that figure since and perhaps that was to be expected.  The typical year draws approximately 350,000 fans for the 70 home dates, enough to make the venture worthwhile for owners Tom Dickson and his wife Sherrie Myers.

     The Lugnuts never did draw well when they made the playoffs anyway.  Fall is football season, high school and pro and the dates for familities to attend games aren't as numerous in September as they are earlier in the year.  the premise of providing clean fun and good family entertainment have worked here over the years with a sparkling ballpark that has been maintained very well.  The Lugnuts let the playoffs get away, barring a miracle, but it didn't seem to bother the homefolks from attending the games.