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Minor League attendance numbers aren't crucial to the success of the Major League club they are affiliated with, but they can be useful in determining the success of the affiliate and it's future with it's MLB team. Let' look at the Miami Marlins' affiliates and check in on how they are doing.
Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs: Zephyr Field in New Orleans, Louisiana
The New Orleans Zephyrs are currently fourth to last in PCL attendance statistics, averaging 4,759 people per game. Zephyr Field has not eclipsed 5,000 fans per game since the 2011 season. The Marlins recently extended their contract with New Orleans, guaranteeing their partnership through the 2016 season.
Double-A Jacksonville Suns: Bragan Field at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville ranks second in the Southern League with a average attendance of 4,525. The Suns have been among the top three teams in their league in terms of fans per game since 2005. With a great city, front office, and ballpark all in their favor, the Marlins should look to extend their player development contract that will expire after this season.
High Class-A Jupiter Hammerheads: Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL
With a total 2014 attendance of 65,527 people, or 1,130 fans per contest, Jupiter is third to last in Florida State League attendance. Sharing Roger Dean with the Palm Beach Cardinals, these two teams struggle to fill even half of their gorgeous ballpark. Nonetheless, the Marlins have had an affiliate in Jupiter since 2002 and I don't see them going anywhere in the future due to the Marlins' great relationship with the Cardinals and the complex.
Low Class A Greensboro Grasshoppers: NewBridge Bank Park in Greensboro, NC
To no surprise, the Greensboro Grasshoppers rank second in average attendance (to Lakewood) in the South Atlantic League. With a fairly new ballpark and a team that's 79-50, Greensboro continues to be one of the premier places to watch a Sally League game. The Marlins contract with Greensboro will expire at the conclusion of this season, but I fully expect the Marlins to remain in Greensboro.
Short-Season Batavia Muckdogs: Dwyer Stadium in Batavia, NY
The Batavia Muckdogs currently rank second to last in NY-Penn League attendance. Averaging just 957 fans per game, the Muckdogs still can't get themselves over the 1,000 mark. The silver lining that can be found in this number is that the Muckdogs have finally crawled out of last place, which is now occupied by former Marlins affiliate Jamestown. The Marlins and the Muckdogs have a player development contract through 2014, and it wouldn't surprise me to see the Marlins jump ship.