Examining MLB Fan Patriotism as July 4th Approaches
As Independence Day nears, Major League Baseball (MLB) becomes a stage for patriotic celebration. While the NFL has traditionally held the title of “America’s Sport,” baseball shines during July 4th, offering everything from doubleheader games to post-game firework displays. With all 30 MLB teams scheduled to take the field on the Fourth of July, a spirit of national pride is set to sweep ballparks across the country. But which fans stand out as the most patriotic? A recent survey of 5,000 baseball enthusiasts uncovers the teams with the strongest American pride, exploring voter participation, flag waving, and even knowledge of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Snapshot of Survey Insights: MLB Fan Patriotism
Key findings from the nationwide survey reveal:
– Los Angeles Angels fans lead as the most patriotic at 84.5% self-proclaimed patriotism.
– The Texas Rangers secure the second spot with an 83.4% patriotism rate.
– The Oakland Athletics have the lowest percentage (excluding Toronto) of self-identified patriotic supporters at just 66%.
– Colorado Rockies fans are predicted to fill the stands at the greatest rate this July 4th.
– Impressively, 88% of all polled MLB fans could recite the entire Pledge of Allegiance.
Leading the Pack: MLB’s Most Patriotic Fanbases
Determining fan patriotism involved assessing a range of behaviors, from standing during the national anthem to how often supporters vote in national and local elections.
Topping the list, Los Angeles Angels fans were recognized as the most patriotic group in baseball. Despite California’s reputation for lower statewide patriotic sentiment, Angels fans stand out with an impressive 84.5% patriotism rate. Their July 4th game against the Orioles is already a sellout, underscoring their enthusiasm.
Trailing just behind are the Texas Rangers fans, with an 83.4% patriotism score. This loyalty is evident in their consistent voting rates (84%), near-universal standing for the anthem (97%), and classic ballpark traditions—like indulging in hot dogs (94%).
In third place, Colorado Rockies supporters demonstrate a strong devotion to both team and country. Of those surveyed, every Rockies fan reported always standing for the national anthem, perfectly aligning baseball spirit with national pride.
On the Other Side: Teams with the Least Patriotic Fanbases
Even as many fans embrace the July 4th festivities, others are less moved by the holiday’s patriotic themes. Toronto Blue Jays fans, celebrating Canada Day on July 1st, were excluded from this portion of the ranking. Among American teams, the Oakland Athletics stand out for their lack of patriotic enthusiasm, averaging just 3.3 out of 5 in self-assessed pride—plus 15% of their supporters admitted to only knowing half the national anthem’s lyrics.
Nearby in California, San Francisco Giants fans also occupy the lower ranks of patriotism. Despite their city’s rich baseball history and reverence for legends like Willie Mays, the Giants’ fandom is less likely to display overt expressions of American pride.
Standing or Sitting: MLB Fan Behavior During the National Anthem
The act of standing for the national anthem remains a significant expression of patriotism at ballgames. Survey data revealed noteworthy differences among MLB fanbases:
– Miami Marlins fans were most likely to remain seated, with 21% choosing not to stand during the anthem.
– Cincinnati Reds fans followed, posting the second-highest sitting rate. Interestingly, Reds fans rank among the league’s top ten for overall patriotism, excelling in areas such as voting and support for the military.
– The Washington Nationals placed third in the sitting category, with 11% reporting they don’t always rise for the anthem—despite the team’s patriotic mascots, which include a bald eagle named Screech.
On the opposite side, the Colorado Rockies once again rank first for standing—100% of surveyed fans said they stand for the anthem. Pittsburgh Pirates fans come in second at 97.7%, while San Diego Padres supporters claim third spot with a 97.2% stand rate.
Ballpark Attendance Projections for July 4th
Patriotic spirit is also reflected in fans’ eagerness to attend Independence Day games. Here’s how anticipated attendance stacks up:
– The Colorado Rockies are expected to have the highest turnout, with 28% of fans planning to catch the July 4th game at Coors Field.
– The Los Angeles Angels anticipate a strong showing, with 23% of their patriotic fans set to attend.
– The Cleveland Guardians also expect a solid crowd (22%), even though they’ll be playing at Chicago’s ballpark.
– Conversely, Cincinnati Reds fans project the lowest turnout at only 2.2%.
– The Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals complete the bottom three, with just 4% and 5% attendance expected respectively.
Patriotism on the Field: Most and Least Patriotic MLB Players
When it comes to players, their backgrounds and visible support for American customs can impact how fans perceive team patriotism. Notably, 27.8% of MLB players are foreign-born, influencing the patriotic makeup of each roster.
– The Texas Rangers roster is viewed as the most patriotic, led by Houston native Nathan Eovaldi.
– The Washington Nationals boast the second-most patriotic lineup, with a majority hailing from states like Florida, North Carolina, and California.
– Atlanta Braves players round out the top three, known for regularly hosting military appreciations and related events.
On the other hand, the Oakland Athletics roster is noted for its international diversity, which may contribute to their lower patriotism scores. The Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants also fall at the bottom, lacking a strong base of “hometown heroes” and, in the Giants’ case, fielding a manager who encourages rather than requires standing for the anthem.
Civic Engagement and More: How MLB Fans Show American Pride
Patriotism extends beyond just game-day gestures. The survey investigated several everyday expressions of American pride:
Voting Rates:
– Kansas City Royals fans report the highest electoral participation at 97.5%.
– Miami Marlins fans rank lowest in this category with a 79% voting rate.
– The average voting rate across all fanbases is 89%.
Supporting the Military:
– 100% of Colorado Rockies fans affirmed they support the troops.
– The Pittsburgh Pirates’ support stands at 88%, while the league average is 94%.
Pledge of Allegiance Knowledge:
– Royals fans again demonstrate the highest knowledge, with 95% able to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
– Marlins fans trail at 72%.
– Nationwide, fans average an 88% recall rate of the pledge.
Wearing Patriotic Attire:
– 67% of Rockies fans plan to wear red, white, and blue on the Fourth of July.
– Only 27% of Oakland Athletics fans expect to don patriotic clothing.
– Across MLB, about half (51%) plan to dress up for Independence Day games.
How Do Fans Feel About Kneeling During the Anthem?
The survey also explored opinions on the possibility of MLB players kneeling during the national anthem, a gesture that once echoed through the NFL:
– 40% of surveyed baseball fans responded with neutrality or indifference to the idea.
– 29% would support players, while 27% said it would make them angry.
– Fans of the Cleveland Guardians were most likely to feel anger (40%), while Seattle Mariners supporters were the most supportive (46%).
Full July 4th MLB Game Schedule
Baseball devotees looking to celebrate Independence Day at the ballpark (or from home) can look forward to a packed schedule. Here are the slate of games set for July 4th:
– Mets vs. Nationals — 11:05AM ET
– Cardinals vs. Pirates — 12:35PM ET
– Reds vs. Yankees — 1:05PM ET
– Astros vs. Blue Jays — 1:07PM ET
– White Sox vs. Cubs — 1:10PM ET
– Red Sox vs. Marlins — 1:10PM ET
– Tigers vs. Twins — 2:10PM ET
– Phillies vs. Cubs — 2:20PM ET
– Padres vs. Rangers — 2:35PM ET
– Angels vs. Athletics — 4:07PM ET
– Orioles vs. Mariners — 4:10PM ET
– Giants vs. Braves — 7:20PM ET
– Rays vs. Royals — 8:10PM ET
– Brewers vs. Rockies — 8:10PM ET
– Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers — 9:10PM ET
Conclusion: Celebrate America With MLB’s Patriotic Spirit
As the national anthem echoes and fireworks light up the evening sky, MLB games provide the perfect backdrop to revel in patriotic pride. Whether joining the festivities at the ballpark or relaxing at a backyard barbecue, supporting your favorite baseball team is an enduring American tradition. No matter which fanbase you belong to, July 4th offers an opportunity to celebrate both country and sport.
Research Methodology
The findings presented are based on a June 2024 survey of 4,000 American MLB fans, focusing on a broad age range (18-65 years). Participants, the majority of whom were male (61%) with 38% female and less than 1% identifying otherwise, answered questions on topics such as:
– Voting frequency in national, state, and local elections
– Plans for Fourth of July attire
– Military support on a scale of 1 to 10
– Attitudes toward “taking a knee” during the national anthem
– How often they stand for the anthem at MLB games
– Ability to recite the Pledge of Allegiance
Data Usage and Attribution
Data and graphics from this article may be used for non-commercial purposes with appropriate attribution. Please link back to this page to credit the original authors. For media inquiries, please reach out to the author directly.
