What Will Bring More People to Progressive Field: Dollar Dog Night or Stephen Strasburg?

Of all the Major League ballparks, Progressive Field suffers from the worst attendance. Ranking dead last in the majors, the park averages only 15,467 fans per game. That’s behind Florida (16,267), Toronto (17,596) and Pittsburgh (17,828).

Last in the AL Central Division and second-to-last in the American League, behind the Orioles, the Indians are 22-36 and have won only 37.9 percent of their games. They are 9-16 at home.

So it’s no wonder, really, that fans just aren’t showing up.

With summer in full swing and warm weather ahead, a baseball game seems like a great way to spend a day. But what could sweeten the deal for Cleveland fans?

Perhaps a promotion will do the trick. Thursday at Progressive Field is Dollar Dogs Night, where fans can enjoy hot dogs, the quintessential baseball snack, for just one dollar each. There’s nothing like cheap food to lure in a crowd.

If that doesn’t work, maybe the Nationals’ pitching phenomenon Stephen Strasburg can help.

In his highly anticipated pitching debut, the rookie threw 58 fastballs, 25 curveballs and 11 changeups and struck out 14 batters. Not to mention, he did it in front of a sell-out D.C. crowd.

With such an electrifying performance on his first outing, expectations remain sky high. Maybe the allure of Strasburg can coax more Indians fans to the ballpark as he takes the mound at Progressive Field on Sunday.

So, as Craig in Arlington, Mass., asks, what will bring out more people to Progressive Field? If you think it’s Dollar Dogs, text “SOX1” to 542542. If it’s Stephen Strasburg’s start on Sunday, text “SOX2” to 542542.