Growing up in Rochester, I would live and die with the Red Wings and we usually had some rising stars stay in town for two full seasons. Don Baylor, Bobby Grich, Doug DeCinces, and Al Bumbry, and later Cal Ripken, were favorites and the fans really cared if the team won or lost on a given night. I use to follow the standings daily and developed a love for the Orioles that continues to this day (not so much this year, haha).
Moving to the DC area over 30 years ago, going to Orioles and now Nats games, has replaced the minor league experience. Seems when I go back to Rochester, we go to a Wings game and the experience, like others have said, is night and day. Fans give an appreciative clap when the Wings make a good play but I don't sense the same passionate fervor that use to envelop the ballpark...they all seem to be just interested in getting to the next mid-inning promotion or gimmick.
Don't get me wrong, there's a certain charm, and favorable price structure, associated with minor league ball, it simply can't compare to The Show.