The Most Loved and Disliked MLB Fan Bases: Survey Insights Across the League
The Deep Passion of MLB Fan Communities
Baseball holds a special place in the hearts of millions across the United States. For devoted fans, supporting their chosen Major League Baseball (MLB) team is more than a hobby—it’s a core part of their identity. These connections often fuel fierce rivalries, memorable alliances, and spirited debates about which teams have the most dedicated or notorious supporters.
With the start of a new MLB season, the perennial question resurfaces: Which franchise boasts the league’s finest fan base? While every supporter has their own bias, a large-scale survey set out to settle this debate through objective data and the perspectives of thousands of baseball enthusiasts.
Unveiling the Most and Least Popular MLB Fans: Survey Approach
Earlier this year, over 5,000 MLB followers were surveyed, with one key rule: they could not vote for their own team. The goal was simple—to ask, “Which team, apart from your own, has the best fan base?” and “Which has the worst?” By reaching beyond individual allegiances, the study provides a clearer ranking of popularity and infamy among baseball followers nationwide.
Infographic: Visualizing the Best and Worst MLB Fan Bases
Best and Worst MLB fans – survey results visualized
The Top Fan Base Crown: Chicago Cubs Supporters
Chicago Cubs fans earned the most admiration across the league, with supporters of 12 different teams—accounting for roughly 40% of respondents—naming them the best fan base. Teams singling out Cubs fans included the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets. Two main reasons emerged in the praise: unwavering loyalty (especially before their historic 2016 World Series win) and the unique, vibrant atmosphere found at Wrigley Field.
Despite their broad appeal, the Cubs weren’t beloved by all—supporters of the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals chose Cubs fans as their least favorite. A fascinating twist: while Cubs fans viewed White Sox supporters positively, the sentiment wasn’t mutual, highlighting the sometimes lopsided nature of local rivalries.
The Most Disliked: New York Yankees Fans
On the other end of the spectrum, New York Yankees fans were voted the league’s least popular by 14 other fan bases, nearly 47% of survey participants. The main criticism? A reputation for being “spoiled” or “entitled”—likely a side effect of the Yankees’ record 27 World Series trophies and their frequent acquisition of marquee talent. While such success garners admiration within their own ranks, it’s a consistent source of envy, and sometimes disdain, among rival fans.
Only San Diego Padres supporters offered high praise for the Yankees, naming their fan base the best outside their own. Padres fans pointed to the Yankees’ passion as a quality worth respecting, proving that even polarized groups can inspire respect from unexpected corners.
Survey Results: The 5 Top and Bottom MLB Fan Bases
Top 5 Best and Worst MLB Fanbases – infographic highlights
To make the results easy to digest, here are the five teams with the most and least admired fan communities:
| Top 5 Most Admired MLB Fan Bases | Top 5 Least Admired MLB Fan Bases |
|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs – Celebrated for resilience and loyalty | New York Yankees – Criticized for entitlement |
| St. Louis Cardinals – Praised for stadium atmosphere | Boston Red Sox – Knocked for perceived negative atmosphere |
| Atlanta Braves – Noted for fan friendliness | Philadelphia Phillies – Marked as unwelcoming |
| Seattle Mariners – Highlighted as the lone West Coast favorite | Los Angeles Dodgers – Labeled as unfriendly |
| Chicago White Sox – Commended for positive ballpark energy | Houston Astros – Viewed most negatively, often referencing the fallout from the 2017 sign-stealing scandal |
Loyalty and a lively ballpark experience stood out as defining qualities for the most respected groups, while controversy and perceived negativity contributed to the least favorable reputations.
Getting Involved: Following and Betting on MLB Teams
The MLB season, running from April to November, is marked by thrilling games and loyal fan engagement. For those looking to heighten the excitement, betting on team outcomes—from division standings to World Series champions—is a popular pursuit. When choosing an online sportsbook, it’s wise to assess not just betting markets, but also welcome bonuses and payout reliability.
Independent reviews can help fans find trustworthy betting platforms tailored to their needs, making game days more enjoyable and rewarding.
How the Survey Was Conducted
To ensure broad, unbiased results, the survey gathered answers from 5,000 MLB fans in April 2023. Each participant identified their favorite team, then chose the fan bases they most admired and those they least liked—with no votes allowed for their own team. This methodology offers a unique, democratic snapshot of inter-team perceptions across the league.
Image & Content Attribution
All images, logos, and assets depicting Major League Baseball teams are the property of MLB and used here for informational purposes. For media inquiries about the data or visuals in this report, please reach out to the original publishing source.
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This article provides valuable insights into MLB fan culture, rivalries, and perceptions—showcasing both the enduring connections and passionate debates that make baseball a beloved American pastime.
