Out with a bang
Spokane ended the 2007 season with a 6-3 loss to the Yakima Bears, but there was nothing but smiles all around as the Indians lined up on the field after the game to take their final bows amidst the record-breaking crowd of 5,864 Wednesday night at Avista Stadium.
This season’s attendance numbers set two Spokane Indians records. The 192,021 total attendance on the season is the highest in the Indians’ short-season history. The Indians also averaged a record-high 5,053 fans at each game this year.
“The attendance record is a testament to the great support that the community gives to the Indians,” franchise president Andy Billig said. “It was our goal to average 5,000 a game. We weren’t sure we’d be able to do it, but we’re thrilled that we got there.
“Hopefully, people keep coming back and we can do it again next year.”
On a night that opened with the team bestowing end-of-season MVP honors upon second baseman Matt Lawson and ended with a big fireworks display and the announcement of the attendance records, the loss to the Bears didn’t really dampen any spirits.
“It’s a great honor because we have so many great players on the team, and so many guys who’ve worked really hard,” Lawson said. “This whole season was a huge learning experience because I never played everyday before, never faced such great pitching before.
“You need to really keep your ears open and try and learn. It was awesome.”
Third baseman Davis Stoneburner led an Indians offense that scored three runs in the fifth, and then stalled for the rest of the game.
Stoneburner went 3 for 4 at the plate, including a fly to center field in the fifth inning that hit the top of the fence and bounced back into the park for a double instead of a home run.
“The loss is disappointing for the fans mostly since we’re out of the playoffs and just trying to win for pride. But it really wasn’t for lack of trying,” Stoneburner said. “We had a good game and it’s been a wonderful season.”
The Bears kept a consistent offensive rhythm going throughout the game. Konrad Schmidt led the charge, going 3 for 4 including two homers and four RBIs. Mark Hallberg also homered off Indians starter Derek Holland in the fifth inning.
“It’s been a good season. We’re at a level where we really work hard at developing guys and helping them learn the pro game, and I feel like we’ve accomplished that,” Indians manager Tim Hulett said.