When Ballpark Digest puts out its annual look at attendance for summer collegiate baseball teams, the question isn't whether the Madison Mallards will be at the top, but whether the team's average attendance will be more than double its closest competitor.

For the first time in four years, the answer is no, and that development helped the Mallards' Northwoods League reach a significant milestone this season.

The Mallards attracted 214,849 fans for 35 home dates this season for an average of 6,139. The second-place La Crosse Loggers closed the gap, however, averaging 3,150, a 6 percent increase over the 2013 season.

With one more home game added to the schedule this season and two more teams in the fold, the Northwoods League pushed past the 1 million mark in total attendance for the first time.