Stingers are Utah's favorites

They take a back seat to the Utah Jazz and the college sports scene. Their home venues are rarely full, and their players are often anonymous. With die-hard fans at a premium, they work hard to entice Utahns to "take in a game" once in a while.

And they're stuck with the label of being "minor."

So which Utah minor league teams — the Stingers, Grizzlies, Angels, Raptors, Blitzz and Warriors — have succeeded in generating interest around the state?

Apparently, the Salt Lake Stingers are way out in front.

In a recent Deseret Morning News poll, respondents were asked to name the two minor league teams they had the most interest in. Fifty percent of respondents said they have interest in Stingers baseball. The Stingers were followed by the Blitzz (20 percent), Grizzlies (19 percent), Warriors (16 percent) Angels (13 percent) and Raptors (3 percent).

Twenty percent of respondents, however, said they have no interest in any of Utah's minor league teams.

In what could be a bit of good news for Utah's incoming Major League Soccer team, the Blitzz made a strong showing, with 20 percent of respondents professing interest in the soccer franchise. Once the MLS arrives, the Blitzz, who play home games at Rice-Eccles Sodium, will no longer have the soccer market cornered. But Blitzz coach Chris Agnello recently told the Deseret Morning News they "don't have any concerns about sticking around here and lasting."

It remains to be seen how the MLS fares in Utah, but it appears the Stingers are a solid second — behind the Jazz — when it comes to professional sports. In town since 1994, the Stingers have a vintage, picturesque stadium in Franklin Covey Field. Last year, the club averaged 6,980 fans (a total of 474, 647) and should approach that total again this season.

And while the warmth of summer and charm of minor league baseball can't hurt, the Stingers can also sell big-league talent. Major leaguers like All-Stars David Ortiz and Francisco Rodriguez, along with Todd Walker, Jacque Jones and LaTroy Hawkins, have all made their way through Salt Lake.

Across town in West Valley City, the Grizzlies and Warriors share the same arena, the E Center, and drew about the same level of interest from respondents (19 percent for the Grizzlies, 16 percent for the Warriors).

Both teams appear to be moving forward.