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By DAVID MAULL
TV Times

Three years after their inaugural game, the Delmarva Shorebirds are still going strong both on the field and at the turnstiles.

Since debuting on April 4, 1996, the Shorebirds, now a Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, have set South Atlantic League attendance records in each of their first two seasons. Although not on a record-setting pace in 1998, the team is still tops in the league, drawing an average of 3,669 fans per night to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Md.

"We have to be pretty pleased with it still," said Mike James, the team's director of media and public relations. "We're not feeling neglected by any means."

The Shorebirds have remained successful by offering a form of family entertainment that won't empty one's bank account.

Ticket and concession prices at Perdue Stadium are reasonable, parking is free and fans stand a good chance of receiving a free gift upon passing through the turnstiles.

"It's pretty family oriented," James said. "It's just another thing to do that's fun for everyone involved."

Perdue Stadium, with a seating capacity of 5,200, features a carousel and playground, speed-pitch machine, a cafe area directly behind home plate, a large picnic deck down the right field line and plenty of concession stands offering traditional ballpark favorites such as hot dogs, peanuts and popcorn. The team also welcomes large groups.

An added bonus is the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame. Located on the stadium's ground floor, the museum houses artifacts and memorabilia chronicling the history of local baseball from 1926-1947.

Each night, the Shorebirds also host a series of on-field promotions that give spectators a chance to win prizes. So far this season, the team has given away three cars.

James noted an evening at a minor league game is more relaxed and affordable than attending a major league contest.

"It's smaller, you're closer (to the game) and it's not costing you a lot to get there," he said.

Helping matters is a team that has been one of the league's best since its inception three years ago.

In their inaugural 1996 season, the Shorebirds, then an affiliate of the Montreal Expos, finished with an 83-59 overall record and advanced to the league championship series before losing to Savannah three games to one.

Last year, their first as an Orioles affiliate, the Shorebirds won 77 regular season games and captured the SAL title by defeating Greensboro two games to none in the championship series.

The Shorebirds are on pace for another playoff berth in 1998.

"It definitely helps," James said of the team's success. "They (fans) go to a game and they want to see us win."

The Shorebirds draw fans from three states - Delaware, Maryland and Virginia - and the affiliation with the Orioles has likely helped sustain interest in the team.

"It's a baseball-friendly market," said James, who noted the team could become more popular once some former Shorebirds reach the major leagues with the Orioles. "The people here, for the most part, are baseball knowledgeable."

Fortunately, the Shorebirds will be at home for most of their stretch drive toward a 1998 playoff berth. Beginning July 31, 19 of the team's final 30 games will be at home. The SAL playoffs begin Sept. 1 and the Shorebirds could host a few postseason games.

"There's a lot of games left and a lot of baseball left to be played," James said.

WHAT: Single-A South Atlantic League affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

WHERE: Home games played at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium at Route 50 and Hobbs Road in Salisbury, Md.

TICKETS: $6.50 adult general admission; $9 reserved box seats; $11 field box seats; $12 club level reserved seats. Youth, senior citizen and military general admission tickets are $3. Free admission for kids five and under and those wearing youth athletic uniforms.

IF YOU GO: Tickets can be purchased at the stadium box office or charged by phone. For information, call (410) 219-3112.