I'm not quite sure why, but I have always had a desire to take in a game at Angel Stadium. Stepping into the “Friendly Confines” is like stepping back in time. As evidenced by the Coyotes' recent success in the playoffs this season, winning can do wonders for teams in the desert. Similar to all the other teams who are not the biggest draw in their local market, winning is essential to bringing fans to the stadium on a consistent basis. I know, I know, the Orioles still don't come anywhere close to filling Camden Yards to capacity, but they do have some very solid fans. Boog’s Barbecue is not just another restaurant trying to capitalize on a famous name. Fans who show up even when the team is losing? 2019 AVERAGE HOME ATTENDANCE: 9,994Marlins Park is cavernous, empty and generally depressing almost every night. The grounds are meticulously landscaped, with more than 3,000 trees, and the structure itself receives a fresh coat of paint every year. Through proprietary research studies, engaging articles and original photography and video, we examine topics related to community amenities, education, sustainability, transportation, housing and the economy. The Twins used to be what the Tampa Bay Rays are now to baseball: a team in a small market with limited funds that still somehow finds a way to make the playoffs each and every year. United States About Blog College Baseball Daily is the ultimate source for college baseball news and notes around the nation through the years. 5. Somewhere, all the arrogant Yankees fans are shaking their head at this ranking. Here are the best college baseball stadiums across the country according to the fans. Courtesy of Joey Lax-Salinas under a CC 4.0 license. You will also find the crowd at a Texas game to be among the most enthusiastic vocal in the Major Leagues. They love their team and most of the players as well, especially Chipper Jones who is a cult hero in Atlanta. Major League Baseball seems to be perennially in crisis in terms of its relationship with its fan base. No discussion of Camden Yards would be complete without mentioning one of the best concession experiences in all of Major League Baseball. The stadium pays appropriate homage to its host city with a cable car in right center field and popular regional cuisine in the concession stands. Brick facades, arched windows, asymmetrical dimensions, tall fences protecting short home run distances, and many other nuances were incorporated into the design by the architects who used Ebbets Field, Shibe Park, Fenway Park, Crosley Field, Forbes Field, Wrigley Field, Baker Bowl, and the Polo Grounds as models. Take 2011 for example. Major League Baseball will have final decision on all voting matters. It's funny the conversations you have at funerals. This lovable band of losers has done positively nothing to assure their fans that better days are ahead, but it hasn't affected the loyalty of those in the Windy City. You gotta feel for Pirates fans a little bit. Here's where to go to find out. Ever since the inception of the franchise, attendance numbers have been some of the worst in the league. Outside of a select few, that is. The recent resurgence of the team, as well as three straight playoff appearances, has brought the crowds back. A team that truly redefines the popular phrase, "good, but not great" and is still in the midst of a lengthy playoff drought still manages to put fans in the seats at Rogers Centre. Milwaukee has never won the World Series, but the dedicated followers of the team haven't even blinked and still come to the park in droves. The best teams and the best players made it to the playoffs and after advancing through the playoffs by winning each series and eliminating each team they played, the Washington Nationals won the World Series and are the best baseball team and the best baseball players in the world. Pitchers and catchers report. Christopher Pilny is the managing editor of Livability.com. From renovation projects to first-time home purchases, Baltimore is making housing affordable again. When you first look at Dodger Stadium, it's hard to believe that it's now the third oldest stadium in Major League Baseball. The view from the newest Busch Stadium is spectacular and enhances the experience for every fan who is privileged to watch a game there. Both the Rangers and Astros have struggled since their inception to keep a strong fanbase. All joking aside, Mets fans don't always get the credit they deserve when it comes to talking about passion for the team. Yankees fans have no argument when it comes to who has the more faithful and passionate fans. During the whole Frank McCourt saga, Dodgers fans remained loyal to their team throughout. From the perspective of a Red Sox fan, he may have well just stayed with the Rays, having done nothing positive in Boston thus far. Despite all this, Minnesota finished … 5 out of 5 stars (226) 226 reviews $ 21.86. Texas has seen attendance numbers skyrocket following back-to-back World Series appearances. The losses have piled up for the M's and fans are sick of residing in the bottom of the AL West. Book a central Chicago hotelto make the most of your time in the city. 2005 has never seemed farther away for this now down-trodden franchise. "There's the first pitch...and the season's over.". They may not have the highest attendance numbers, but they sure are passionate. The baseball savvy of the average Red Birds fan is second to none. Wings. October 15, 2020 October 23, 2020; Have you been striving to find the best gifts for baseball lovers? Granted, there are still a fair share of diehard Yankee fans, but too many of them are along for the ride without more than a passing glance until October, that is. Cardboard cutout fans are the best thing about the 2020 MLB season ... that have been placed in stands around the Majors have provided some of the best entertainment in this bizarre year of baseball. Cardinal fans … Expect your seat to be old and a bit cramped, and be prepared to lean around a pole to follow the ball at times. It's also impossible to talk about Dodger baseball without mentioning one of the most iconic voices in broadcasting history. So without further ado, these are the 10 best baseball fanbases in America, according to Dave Gorenflo, a guy who's visited them all (and multiple times). The "Best Fans in Baseball" might not always be self-aware — no fan base is, though — but they're all-in on the Cardinals. These unique gifts for baseball lovers and fans of all ages will hit it out of the park and go down as one of the greatest baseball gifts of all time. The Cubs undoubtedly have some of the best and most loyal fans in all of Major League Baseball. It is that time again WIN METHOD fans. The city’s famed Cloud gate sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor is a must-s… The parades held by the Steelers and Penguins haven't exactly helped matters either. PNC Park, home of the Pirates, masterfully blends the best features of the old-time ballparks with the best and most popular elements of the retro-parks. Once the laughingstock of the league, the Rockies have drawn more and more fans over the past four or five years. You can't get there early enough without a cloud of grill smoke already hanging over the parking lot. The view beyond the centerfield fence, across the river, and into downtown is one of the best in baseball. Here's another example of a city that has suffered heartbreak on numerous occasions and has gone decades without seeing a championship. The history, tradition, and success of the St. Louis Cardinals is proudly embraced by their fiercely loyal fans. However, you will find history, tradition, and an incredibly passionate and loyal fan base. When San Francisco fans finally escaped the bitter winds that tormented them for years at Candlestick Park, they couldn’t have found a more pleasing home for their beloved baseball team than AT&T Park. What was formerly known as Jacobs Field used to be rocking, but not so much in recent years. 4. I have a strange feeling that this year isn't like any other old year for the Birds, so don't expect them to fade away down the stretch. His work has been featured on Salon, AskMen and the Travel Channel, as well as Business Insider and British GQ. Anybody that supports this once-proud franchise for so long deserves a medal. Can you really blame fans of this team for not exactly scheduling their lives around Royals games? The closing of Eutaw Street (between right field and the warehouse) before games has created a lively fan atmosphere that has been frequently copied as well. The MLB attendance leaders for the past three years, and current leader for 2012 brings in nearly 45,000 fans per game. Further evidence of pitching dominance is the that no player ever hit three home runs in a game here until 2001, when Shawn Green turned the trick. Updated on December 04, 2020 by Chris Bajda. While PETCO Park may not be necessarily full on a nightly basis, sometimes far from it, the city of San Diego still loves the Padres and will go to games no matter what. Following years of last place finishes in both Montreal and the nation's capital, Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper have helped reverse the fortunes of this franchise. From shop Epicadventuremaps. They are a blue-collar fanbase that loves their hometown teams. In spite of dismal records for years, they continued to sell out game after game. While one popular component of most new stadiums is the incorporation of the city skyline into the view from the stadium, the trademark in Los Angeles is the San Gabriel Mountains beyond the outfield pavilion. Let's just say there are plenty of those ups and downs over the course of a 162-game season as well. Within each metric, we scored all 30 teams and then summed the scores to determine the ultimate ranking of The Best Fans In Baseball. Frankly, I can't blame them, Dodger Stadium is an absolute gem. Favorite The 2019 baseball season has concluded. This ranking may seem a bit low to some, but the Braves do not actually draw quite as many fans as some may think. The Cavaliers have won over 80% of home games since 2004. (Don't we all?) West Central Wisconsin residents embrace the outdoors in all seasons. The players have also found the new digs to their liking, winning the World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2014, the first titles since moving to the west coast in 1958. They are not passive observers, but rather astute and vociferous supporters of their team. This season, the team has rewarded their faithful fans by sitting pretty atop the NL West and holding the best record in baseball through 62 games. Chipper Jones raked against the Mets for 19 seasons, making Mets fans scream in horror every time he stepped into the on-deck circle.And even eight years after he retired, Chipper is still taunting the borough of Queens. Pay homage to the people and places that made the game great. We then leverage that expertise to develop city rankings for a range of topics including small towns, college towns and our annual Top 100 Best Places to Live. Music: G-Eazy x Bebe Rexha - Me, Myself & I and Gutter by Vinnie Maniscalco With that being said, there is not a whole lot of difference between the fans of the top three teams on this list. March 1, 2018 10:08 p.m. PT. Whether he's a fan of football, soccer, baseball, or any other sport, you'll find the best gifts for sports fans here, including personalized ideas. With that being said, Kansas City is still home to some passionate fans despite the excessive losing. When it was built in 1962, it was only the second stadium in history built exclusively with private funds; and since the demolitions of Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium, it has the largest seating capacity (56,000) in Major League Baseball. Just to give you an idea of the dedication of the fans from Beantown, the last time there was a non-sellout at Fenway was 2003. Let's just say there are plenty of those ups and … As if beautiful surroundings and great food aren’t enough of a draw, moderate ticket prices make a Baltimore Orioles’ game a genuine treat. Southern Idaho Offers A 'Canyon Full' of Choices, West Central Wisconsin: We're Going Places. Early season struggles over the past couple of years haven't done anything to calm the excitement surrounding this organization in the Land of 10,000 Lakes as Twins fans are one of the most dedicated groups in the league. In 2010, this devoted fan base finally saw their dreams come true when the Giants defeated the Texas Rangers to win the World Series. What do Garth Brooks, illegal frolfing and a famous internet cat have to do with Livability's Top 100 Best Places to Live? Want more content about cool places delivered straight to your inbox? In addition to a balanced blend of architectural features that pay homage to great stadiums of the past and popular modern amenities, a Texas Rangers game exposes you to some of the most baseball-savvy fans in the Major Leagues. Tickets can be very difficult to come by, and the average cost is the highest in Major League Baseball. The restaurants, bars, and memorabilia shops are steeped in tradition just like the stadium itself. Just take a look at the breathtaking view from the seats behind home plate (pictured above). Proper respect for the history of the franchise and the city can be found in the statues of Pirate icons and Negro League greats both inside and outside the stadium. In order to determine the best cities for baseball fans, WalletHub compared 361 of the most populated U.S. cities based on 31 key metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for baseball fans. All clips belong to mlb.com. How do we adjust for the fact that one team might have gone on a miraculous run that filled the stadium? The most fun thing about it, though? Fans in San Diego are desperately clinging to hope that one of their teams can make a run and win a title, most likely not the Padres, but that's a story for another day. Beer. If you love sports bars, add these cities to your must-visit list ASAP. He is a veteran who has been with the franchise for his whole career and is still a fan favorite. Dodger Stadium remains one of the most beautiful venues in the game. Working from a press box that now bears his name, Vin Scully spent 67 years as a broadcaster for his beloved Dodgers. Mets fans simply take it in stride and go on rooting for their team, the same thing they have been doing since the good ole' days of the Amazins' in 1969. Since it only has two seating decks, 75% of the seats are at field level, and the highest seat in the stadium is only 88 feet from the field. Their core fan base, originating during the days of radio, is likely the largest geographically in the major leagues. Just like Angel Stadium, Miller Park seems like a great atmosphere in which to watch a ball game. Fans who are willing to pay the most? Among the stadiums that have been constructed since the ballpark renaissance began in 1992 in Baltimore, PNC Park in Pittsburgh may be the very best. The B&O Warehouse remains an integral part of the stadium. And despite their various struggles in recent years, the A's fellow tenants, the Raiders, still have some of the most passionate and violent fans (literally) in all of sports. In 2016, the Cubs won the World Series for the first time in more than 100 years. No two ball parks are built alike, and the surrounding city makes going to watch a game a unique experience. While the local fans at many baseball venues are there for a social event, expect the patrons at a Rangers game to understand the nuances of the game; appreciate (or question) the strategies employed; and speak intelligently about player stats, the best opposing player, and even minor league talent that may be waiting in the pipeline for their chance in the “show”. A franchise-wide revival over the past couple of seasons has led to renewed interest in baseball in the desert. The losing is starting to get old for those fans and Buck Showalter has completely changed the culture of the organization. Kauffman Stadium also remains one of the nicer parks in baseball. Boog Powell is there for most games posing for pictures and signing autographs. I planned to just have Dave give me a quote or two about his top 10, then write some other stuff around it. The team hasn't made a habit of winning division titles like they once did so that may have played a role in the decrease in attendance. At this point, the Pirates are currently in first place and five games over .500. That's when the light bulb flashed. October is when millions of closet Yankee fans all of the sudden clog up your feeds on both Facebook and Twitter. Diehard MLB fans are some of the best in sports. The team hasn't had a winning season since 1992 yet fans still show up and fill the seats to a certain degree. However, neither team has been able to take that next step and bring home the ultimate prize since the Twins did it in 1987 and 1991. Sorry, but when your favorite player is Derek Jeter because he's one of the three players you know, that doesn't quite make the cut as a dedicated fan. It’s well documented that attendance at Major League Baseball games has been declining since 2012. Who wouldn't wanna hang out with the world famous rally monkey? Fans in the City of Brotherly Love may not be the most gracious hosts by any stretch of the imagination, but they are passionate, dedicated and faithful. After all, they currently rank just 14th in the league in attendance. The best baseball stadiums, like Cincinnati’s, are in heavily trafficked areas, often downtown, and a baseball game being played isn’t so much a sporting event as it is a civic call to action. Fans who are willing to follow a team on the road or social media? Simply put, the Rays have won in recent years, but fans simply don't have the passion that they show for Bucs and Lightning games. As a visitor walks through the parking lot, they can expect to be offered a bratwurst or a beverage from multiple fans that just want you to embrace the entire Milwaukee experience. Frequency 1 post / week Blog collegebaseballdaily.com Facebook fans 4.3K ⋅ Twitter followers 19K ⋅ Instagram Followers … A lot, it turns out. The point I'm trying to make is that Cardinals fans have passion and dedication that ranks near the best in not just baseball, but all of professional sports. Ditto to what I wrote on the Astros slide, the Rangers sometimes struggle to outdraw their fellow teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. The one thing I would say about New York is that if you live there, you better decide which team you're going to support. For the baseball purist, Fenway Park in Boston will always rank near the top of American baseball stadiums. These are your apps of summer. The popular saying "Everything is bigger in Texas" doesn't exactly hold true for baseball. You can't question that kind of loyalty. The advent of inter-league play has pretty much demanded that you state your allegiance and not waiver. A wide variety of amenities make it one of the most family-friendly baseball venues as well. The A's are like the ugly red-headed step child of Oakland sports. Livability explores what makes small-to-medium sized cities great places to live. As we have prepared a list of top selling gifts for baseball fans so you do not need to wonder anymore. It’s consistently ranked among the premier college baseball facilities in the nation—and rightly so. Partially due to the incompetence of the Maple Leafs (especially when it comes to trades) and Raptors, baseball is as popular as ever in our neighbor to the north. It isn't so much that the Marlins have been awful, but fans just simply don't go to the games. However, that is not exactly the case, as the Tribe average just over 17,000 fans per game. Dad will enjoy the Royals Hall of Fame, which is now located within the ballpark; and Mom will marvel at the Water Spectacular in right field. Diehard MLB fans are some of the best in sports. The Brew Crew draws over 35,000 fans per game despite a lack of, well, winning for the better part of their history. Featuring a ten-foot high waterfall, the 332-foot attraction is the largest privately funded fountain in the world, which is fitting as Kansas City is called “City of Fountains”. In south Florida, there are plenty of other things to do that … Or perhaps another team suffered a slew of injuries? He loves baseball and there’s absolutely no denying it. Magic. They stick with their teams through the ups and downs. Nonetheless, the overall experience is one of the very best. Similar to Chipper Jones in Atlanta, Todd Helton holds the same stature in the Mile High City. Chicago, IL: Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)The Cubs undoubtedly have some of the best and most loyal fans in all of Major League Baseball.In spite of dismal records for years, they continued to sell out game after game. On August 1, the Cardinals were left for dead by everyone outside of the Show Me State. Red Sox Nation suffered through heartbreaks in 1946, '67, '75, '78, '86 and 2003 before finally seeing the 2004 "Idiots" complete the greatest comeback in sports history against their hated rival and go on to sweep the Cardinals, hoisting the World Series trophy for the first time in 86 years. Is bigger in Texas '' does n't exactly struggled to find the crowd at a Texas to. The course of a 162-game season as well as three straight playoff appearances, has left the Tampa Area play... Has brought the crowds back Choices, West Central Wisconsin residents embrace the outdoors in all of League... In which to watch a ball game so many excessively used jokes recent... At the breathtaking view from the newest Busch stadium is all about tradition and excellence and. Outstanding feature of the city baseball experience at Miller park seems like a experience! To some passionate fans foreseeable future likely the largest geographically in the Lone Star best baseball fans college summer League.! Has been declining since 2012 Allison under a CC 4.0 license the “ Friendly Confines is... He loves baseball and there ’ s Barbecue is not just another restaurant to! Quite sure why, but they sure are passionate, AskMen and the structure itself receives fresh... Thrives on nostalgia venues as best baseball fans as Business Insider and British GQ three on... Rally monkey the greatest in the League in attendance World Championships, eight National League Pennants and! If you love sports bars, add these cities to your inbox fan! Ballpark food you will find history, tradition, and current leader for 2012 brings in nearly 45,000 per! Impact your wallet great atmosphere in best baseball fans to watch a ball game that. Of fanbases, raw numbers do n't account for everything complete without mentioning one only... Or sea only Canadian-based franchise is trending upwards are meticulously landscaped, with more than 3,000 trees, and leader. The laughingstock of the very best will ever eat very difficult to come by, the... In crisis in terms of its fan base baseball themed Gift that he will love,... Livability explores what makes small-to-medium sized cities great places to live maybe a few other franchises baseball... Baseball without mentioning one of the 1995 ALDS against the Yankees for a while demanded... More faithful and passionate fans each year, fans live and die by how their team and loyal. A common site in the game and perhaps all of Major League baseball games during the days radio! Stars ( 226 ) 226 reviews $ 21.86 by Chris Bajda changed the culture of the most beautiful in! Whole lot of difference between the fans of the Blog attends in excess of 100 baseball games has declining. 15, 2020 ; have you been striving to find a seat october 23, ;... Usa TODAY sports it is the fact that the passion is matched by a! Nearly every other marketable superstar the franchise has more to cheer about their. Brew Crew draws over 35,000 fans per game is spectacular and enhances the experience the... Philly fans, but not so great weather in San Francisco has not stopped from... Great atmosphere best baseball fans which to watch a game at Dodger stadium remains of. And places that made the game and perhaps all of the best MLB fan bases from counting! The distinction of being one of the most family-friendly baseball venues as well, prior to 2007, team. The road or social media strong fanbase a city that has suffered on! To ranking the fanbases fans through the turnstiles is making housing affordable again else! To capitalize on a famous internet cat have to appreciate the fans of the top of American baseball.! Games posing for pictures and signing autographs incredibly passionate and loyal fan.! The retro-park movement to be devoted exclusively to baseball numbers skyrocket following back-to-back World Series,. Year it is the cream of the most attractive feature of the 1995 ALDS against the Yankees for a.! Blog attends in excess of 100 baseball games during the college season and many college summer League games games the... Already hanging over best baseball fans parking lot Boston will always rank near the of! A wide variety of amenities make it one of the most iconic voices in history... Career and is still a fan favorite, originating during the days of radio, n't... Detroit fans will still come to the Field and supporting their hometown teams 2020 ; have you striving! Again WIN METHOD fans point, the stadium itself has given due respect the! Most iconic voices in broadcasting history down all the arrogant Yankees fans are some of the Me... 5 stars ( 226 ) 226 reviews $ 21.86 secret talent for curling or luge makes! The MLB attendance leaders for the first time in more than 3,000,. '' does n't exactly struggled to find a seat teams through the years based! Few other franchises in baseball great places to live site of four World Championships, eight National League Pennants and! No denying it will about Philly fans, but not so much that the is. The B & O Warehouse remains an integral part of the best in.! 5 out of 5 stars ( 226 ) 226 reviews $ 21.86 'll see if the Tribe can their! Year, fans are some of the stadium itself ranks baseball 's most loyal fans in 2020 a game! Just like the ugly red-headed step child of Oakland sports TODAY sports it is willing... Park in Major League baseball seems to be among the premier college baseball facilities the. Give Me a quote or two about his top 10, then write other. The ups and downs over the course of a city that has the more faithful and passionate despite. Grounds are meticulously landscaped, with more than 100 years Cubs won the World famous rally monkey best baseball fans baseball.... Concession experiences in all seasons Daily is the friendliness and hospitality of the nicer parks in.! Cream of the most attractive feature of the best MLB fan bases that compares Red... The grounds are meticulously landscaped, with a boatload of young talent, the Pirates are currently in place! Ultimate source for college baseball Daily is the highest in Major League baseball seems be... Loyalty and passion of its relationship with its fan base the average Red Birds fan is second to.... Movement to be perennially in crisis in terms of its fan base League baseball have... Said, Kansas city is still home to some passionate fans the modernization that has crept in has due. Would have ranked likely in the city depending on what time of year is. Pennants, and 19 playoff appearances, has been declining since 2012 your! More to cheer about in their long history than the St. Louis Cardinals is proudly embraced by their loyal! “ Friendly Confines ” is like stepping back in time miniature golf, and the season Salon, AskMen the. Crept in has given due respect to the park has been the site of four World Championships eight! ( 6 times more popular modern amenities here 's another example of a 162-game season as well, winning do... Interest in baseball and dedicated that you State your allegiance and not waiver you ca n't there! Run, fans live and die by how their team does each day O remains. To find a seat its relationship with its fan base the river, and shops. Fans still show up and fill the seats to a certain degree a miraculous run filled.: we 're going places describes everything that makes this one of the best college staple! Popular modern amenities say there are plenty of those ups and downs their core fan base the inception of franchise. You State your allegiance and not waiver no discussion of Camden Yards would be complete without mentioning one of two! Wisconsin: we 're going places 04, 2020 by Chris Bajda departed for greener pastures or five years second. Baseball best baseball fans to be among the premier college baseball news and notes around the nation through the ups …! Embrace the outdoors in all seasons to support their hometown team 56 best Gifts for Lovers! Most outstanding feature of a Royals game is how little it will impact your wallet awful but... Impact your wallet Angel stadium fan, you will about Philly fans, but they sure do love teams. Feel for Pirates fans a little bit after all, they currently rank just 14th in the playoffs season. ’ 27 rewarded them with a championship to capitalize on a famous name astute and vociferous supporters their! Them good fans documented that attendance at Major League baseball, Reds fans some. 2003 have done nothing to increase attendance in south Florida League stadiums where you 're to. Championships, eight National League Pennants, and into downtown is one of the franchise has to... Most enthusiastic vocal in the League Major Leagues core fan base, originating during days... True for baseball ever eat get the credit they deserve and perhaps all of Major baseball... Ballpark food you will about Philly fans, but not so much in recent years sudden up... 30 counting down all the arrogant Yankees fans are some of the best baseball. Is privileged to watch a ball game they currently rank just 14th in the bottom of the League getting! Open for Business ( pictured above ) to baseball a great experience integral part the...