Rays lagging in attendance, foul poles provide controversy

It comes as no surprise that the Tampa Bay Rays are near the bottom of the majors in attendance.

Because the roof at Tropicana Field was severely damaged by Hurricane Milton in October, the Rays are playing their 2025 home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

Steinbrenner Field has a capacity of just 11,026 and the Rays aren't even filling it. They are averaging 10,046 in 19 home games, second-worst behind the Athletics, who are averaging 10,026 entering Thursday's play while playing in a minor league stadium in West Sacramento, Calif.

But players are also frustrated with the facility that includes 30-foot foul poles that barely meet major league stands.

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees was frustrated on Sunday when he hit a high towering blast down the left-field line that he felt was a clear homer.

The ball was ruled foul. The play was reviewed and the call of a foul ball was upheld.

"It's tough when you're in a situation like this in a minor league park where the foul poles aren't as high," Judge told reporters. "That's why you have replay, they have every angle. That's a fair ball. ...

"I think everybody is kind of scratching their head, but there's nothing I can do about it. They missed it, and I've just got to move on."

Judge then struck out and irate New York manager Aaron Boone was ejected.

The Rays' future is dicey as talks to build a new ballpark in St. Petersburg have stalled after the team decided not to move forward on a $1.3 million project.

Last season, the Rays averaged 16,515 fans for 81 home games, the third-lowest in the majors. Only the Miami Marlins and the then-Oakland Athletics had worse support.

--Field Level Media