MLB Power Rankings: Measuring Fair Weather Qualities In Fan Bases
Everyone knows them, and if you are unaware of them, then you are one of them.
Wait who is "them?"
The fair-weather sports fan, and in this specific case-baseball.
When the team is winning, you can count on them backing the ball-club.
However, when the team is losing they are nowhere to been seen.
So, with that said defend your teams' ranking, because this is the one slide in which you do NOT want the No. 1 spot.
30. Chicago Cubs
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They have no fair-weather fans. Period.
When a team has virtually a cult following with no World Series wins since 1908, that takes the cake.
The Cubs could finish 0-162 and Wrigley Field would still sellout the final home game.
My hat is off Cubs fans, you are the best in baseball.
29. Boston Red Sox
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Prior to the Red Sox winning the 2004 World Series, they were still pulling in fans year in and year out.
Also, the fact the fans love old Fenway Park (breaking ground in 19-freaking-11) shows that they aren't going anywhere.
The stadium is like a sanctuary, and in Boston they most likely will never ask for a new one.
28. New York Yankees
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It might anger Yankee fans to come in right after their most-hated rival, but let's face it-Yankee fans have been spoiled.
27 World Series titles, and a brand new stadium.
However, the fact that they still show up even with the ridiculous ticket prices, shows a lot of loyalty.
They expect a World Series title every year, and although that asks a lot of the team, they know it's the way it should be.
These fans are tough and not afraid to speak their mind.
So, if you ever go to a game in the Bronx (and you're not a Yankee fan), just beware.
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27. St. Louis Cardinals
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The fact that the only other choice these people have are the St. Louis Rams, then becoming a Cardinals fan should be a no-brainer.
That said, these fans show up each year despite being a small market.
Also, the Cardinals are amongst one of the best for TV ratings, so even non-Cards' fans are interested in how they're doing.
A great baseball town with some smart fans, get excited for opening day!
26. Philadelphia Phillies
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The franchise with the most losses of any other team in the history of Major League Baseball.
The best part was after they eclipsed the 10,000 loss mark, their fans were cheering and had signs all over the stadium.
Lest we forget, these are also Philadelphia Eagles fans (0-2 in Super Bowls).
But, don't let that fool you as these fans are legitimate Phanatics (two fans who ran on the field during the season anyone? As well as their mascot's nickname).
25. New York Mets
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Watching the Yankees be vehemently more successful each year must be difficult.
In addition, blowing the season toward the end just adds more wood to the fire.
However, Mets fans are New Yorkers, so they have the mental toughness to deal with their teams' failures and have hope for next season.
And, since most Mets fans are also New York Jets fans, coming close near the end has become the norm (although the Jets have at least made the playoffs).
24. San Francisco Giants
7 of 30
Even with all the heat the Barry Bonds has taken in since he 73 bombs in 2001, San Francisco Giants fans always back their team.
Only once since 2001 have the Giants finished out of the top 10 in overall attendance percentage (2008), so you know they are crossing the Golden Gate more often than not.
Plus, with the lack of success with the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco 49ers, it makes being a Giants fan that much better.
23. Detroit Tigers
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For as bad as the economy has been in Detroit since, well, what's seemed like forever, Tigers fans have shown their support.
In Detroit, it's not so much the fair-weather fans that have made attendance inconsistent, but Detroit is also one of the more dangerous cities in the country each year (along side neighbor city Flint, Michigan).
However, the fans of the Motor City have been there for their team and the rest of the baseball world should take note.
22. Minnesota Twins
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With a new out-door stadium that opened in 2010, the Minnesota Twins can once again enjoy baseball in the summer sun.
Now, although they are not a major market team, their fans stretch from Minnesota, through the Dakotas, and to Montana.
Part of the reason is because the Twins are the closest MLB team to those markets, but they are fans nonetheless.
Attendance from 2001-2009 was rather low, but being outdoors clearly has changed their fans mindset.
21. Cincinnati Reds
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Reds or Bengals?
Most would choose the Reds simply on history.
The Big Red Machine with players Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan are always talked about more so than Boomer Esiason, Sam Wyche, and Icky Woods.
Cincinnati is a baseball town, and with their 2010 season it gives hope to a bright future.
20. Los Angeles Dodgers
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With a great history and tradition, the Dodger fans are consistently ranked high in fan attendance.
Not to mention they also travel well.
That said, even with the front office issues from last season, skipper Joe Torri stepping down, and Manny Ramirez now in Tampa Bay, the Dodger faithful remains intact.
They're intense and loyal, can't complain about passion like that.
19. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
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Thunder-sticks and the rally monkey, the Halo's have some sweet gimmicks in L.A.
During the summer months they battle the cross-town rival Dodgers for fans once the Lakers finish their season.
Their team name basically covers most of Southern California's geographical area, so Angel fans can be found anywhere.
Plus, Angels in the Outfield was a great movie, so the fans and team have that as well.
18. Milwaukee Brewers
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Ah the Brew Crew.
If you don't like baseball and/or beer, then just skip to the next slide.
Now, despite their lack of success, and the fact that the Packers virtually own the state of Wisconsin, fans fill Miller Park to the brim each year.
Much like how they like their beer glasses-filled to the brim.
17. Colorado Rockies
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They haven't been around nearly as long as Denver Broncos or Nuggets, so it's tough to have a consistently loyal fan base in comparison.
However, the Rocks' have been gradually increasing attendance rates since their World Series run back in 2007.
If the team can compete with the defending champs (San Francisco) this year, you can bet Coors Field will be rocking, literally.
16. Cleveland Indians
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Currently the second longest World Series Championship drought next to the Chicago Cubs.
And, by the luck of Tribe and Cubs fans, both would probably meet in the Fall Classic to get their next baseball title.
Cleveland however, has dealt with so much bad sports memories, calling them fair-weather fans isn't, well, fair.
The Drive, the Fumble, the Shot, the Decision, the Catch, Edgar Renteria's Single, and Red-Right 88, all have denied the entire city of a professional sports championship since 1964.
Not to mention the economy is quite awful, and it is very dangerous near Lake Erie.
15. Baltimore Orioles
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Let's face it, the Orioles are awful.
The fans, still rather loyal.
Even with the Washington Nationals competing for fans of the Mid-Atlantic area, and the fact that they're in arguably the most difficult division in the bigs, Oriole fans still remain.
Plus, they've been around for quite a while so if they can re-capture the magic then expect some sellout games.
14. Texas Rangers
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Prior to the addition of Cliff Lee in 2010, the Rangers attendance rates were adequate at best.
However, once Lee arrived, attendance improved and it was insane throughout the playoffs.
That said, the next question is-Will that keep up even with the loss of Lee via free agency?
Well, based on previous years it may not, but maybe that will change it 2011.
13. Chicago White Sox
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The hardest part for White Sox fans have to be Cubs fans.
But, both do rejoice in unity for the Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears.
So, the Chi-Sox fans aren't as focused on baseball, but being on the more dangerous side of town doesn't help either.
And, with such a character in Ozzie Guillen as manager, you think attendance would be higher.
12. Seattle Mariners
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After the Seattle Super Sonics got ripped out of their hearts, all that remains are the Seahawks and Mariners.
And, as long as the Seahawks continue to win the NFC West, the great northwest may continue as a football town.
However, as long as Ichiro continues his consistency and Felix Hernandez can dominate like last season, the seats will fill.
The future is bright on the field in Seattle with some potential prospects, but how will the fans respond in 2011?
11. Atlanta Braves
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The hardest part for the Atlanta Braves organization is that their in a major football area.
The Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Falcons dominate the state, and even the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA have a better showing.
Not selling out during the playoffs is an issue, and even with the last season's post-season run, support has been much much better.
However, if the Tomahawk Chop can make a valiant return then maybe some history can return to Turner Field.
10. Houston Astros
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Even with Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt the attendance was usually rather low.
It also doesn't help that the 'Stros haven't made the post-season since their 2005 World Series run.
Plus, the guy who ducked out of the way to save himself and leave his girlfriend out to dry may hurt them from a stereotypical perspective.
If you watch Tosh.O on Comedy Central, you saw them on one of the "web redemptions."
9. Kansas City Royals
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For what seems like forever, the Royals have been terrible.
It also hurts being in a small market dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Even when the Chiefs were bad, there were easily more fans at their games (and football tickets are also more expensive).
If the Royals can manage to draft some stud players, maybe the attendance will increase, maybe.
8. Arizona Diamondbacks
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Being a young franchise, fans are hard to come by.
Even in their World Series year of 2001, D-Back fans were few and far between.
That said, those that were loyal then, sure haven't been lately since the D-Backs have yet to rank higher than the top 15 in attendance percentage since 2004.
7. San Diego Padres
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Going to a Padres game in San Diego is more like a tourist attraction.
There's so many other things to do while there, a baseball game just seems rather, well, fair-weather.
It also doesn't help that they haven't made the playoffs since 2006 either.
Plus, since football pretty much dominates all over the country, that's no exception in San Diego.
With the Chargers in the playoff race each year, people would rather go to an early season football game over a late-season baseball game.
6. Toronto Blue Jays
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Hockey rules Canada, period.
And, since the early '90s, baseball has been slowly dying.
The Blue Jays haven't won the AL East since 1993, and being in the same division with New York and Boston doesn't help their record.
The days of Joe Carter are long gone, so unless he comes back, don't expect the Rogers Centre to fill up anytime soon.
5. Tampa Bay Rays
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You know it's bad when the players call out the fans.
The Rays have been an excellent ball-club the past few years, however they still had to give away thousands of tickets during a pennant race.
Don't be surprised if the team ends up relocating in a few years, but maybe the new stadium proposal will get approved sooner than later to attract some newcomers.
4. Washington Nationals
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Since moving from Montreal to Washington, the fan base has just been sad.
The premier of No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg was extremely successful, but now that he's hurt it just makes matters worse.
Adding more wood to the fire, it's not like their fans have had much to cheer about.
The Nats' haven't finished higher than fourth place (once) in their division since the relocation.
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
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The only thing that matters to any Pittsburgh sports fan are the Steelers.
The Penguins are a distant second, and the Pirates, well, are just sort of there.
Their stadium is amazing, but winning matters too.
The Pirates are arguably the worst team in all of professional sports, so don't expect them to improve anytime soon.
With that said, the fans aren't going to show up because all that cheering is needed for football season (if there is one).
2. Oakland Athletics
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With their Bay Area rivals winning the World Series, A's fans have to be bitter.
Add in the recent success of the Texas Rangers, and this past decade's success of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and A's fans aren't too happy.
However, not going to games shouldn't happen because players feed off the energy of the stadium.
But, based on last season's 40 percent attendance rating, fans aren't showing up until some more wins show up.
1. Florida Marlins
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With the threat of relocation, apparently Marlin fans are apathetic because averaging under 19,000 fans per game is not good.
Then again, Miami residents have the big three with the Heat, and the Dolphins who have an excellent history.
Add in "The U" (Miami Fla. Football) and baseball is put on the back burner in South Florida.
And despite their two World Series titles, the fans just haven't been there for the Marlins.
Recent lack of success also doesn't help.
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