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07/03/2006 2:12 PM ET Interleague Play attracts record number of fans

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The average Interleague attendance of 34,097 is 15.5 percent higher than the intraleague average of 29,520 per game thus far in the 2006 season. The 2006 Interleague average is up 3.4 percent over last year's Interleague average of 32,985 fans per game. Since its inception in 1997, Interleague Play has drawn 13.2 percent more fans than intraleague games. Interleague Play has averaged 32,842 fans per game, compared to the intraleague average of 29,023 fans per game during the same time.

The American League held a decisive advantage over the National League in Interleague Play this season, posting a 154-98 (.611) record. A.L. Clubs batted .283 with 289 home runs and 1,336 runs, compared to the N.L.'s .261 average, 261 home runs and 1,115 runs. American League pitching posted a composite ERA of 4.11, compared to the National League's 5.04 mark. The Boston Red Sox (.315 team average) and the Minnesota Twins (2.74 team ERA) shared the best Interleague record at 16-2, followed by the Detroit Tigers (15-3), the Chicago White Sox (14-4) and the Seattle Mariners (14-4). The Red Sox and the Twins matched the 2002 Oakland Athletics, who were also 16-2 in Interleague action, for the best record and the most wins during Interleague Play. The Colorado Rockies (2.96 team ERA) had the N.L.'s top Interleague record at 11-4.

The American League now has a 1,250-1,202 (.510) record against the National League, which had entered 2006 with a record of 1,104-1,096 over the A.L. The New York Yankees lead the way with a 103-71 (.592) mark in Interleague Play. The Florida Marlins have the National League's best Interleague record at 96-72 (.571).

The all-time statistical leaders in Interleague include Michael Young (.347 batting average); Derek Jeter (227 hits); Jim Thome (52 home runs); Carlos Delgado (131 RBI); Freddy Garcia, Greg Maddux, Aaron Sele and Mike Mussina (19 wins apiece); Garcia (2.34 ERA); and Mariano Rivera (49 saves). The attached pages contain 2006 statistical data from Interleague Play.

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