MLB: An Overview of the Most Popular Teams - Part 1
Major League Baseball has seen a major surge in attendance in recent times. Officials have related this increase to the increasing popularity of baseball in America. However, statistics have seen a dip in the percentage of people who are actively following the game of baseball and thus do not support the notion of increasing popularity.
A recent poll depicted that baseball has experienced a five percent decline in the number of people following the sport in America. Where 41 percent of the sample followed the sport with enthusiasm in 2009, the number has dropped to 36 percent in 2011.
This year, however, there is a different scenario which has attracted many people to the baseball field. Two major sports in America are currently in a lockout and their future seems uncertain. There are growing speculations about whether the football season begins in time on September or not. Baseball is far away from such controversies and is now acting as America’s prime pastime. More people now have time to relive and relish the heroics of legends such as Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.
The current fans comprise of majority of people who used to sacredly follow and play baseball even on the streets when in their childhood and youth. They are now bringing their families to the ballpark in large numbers but most of the family members, especially the youth, are no longer attracted to the once cherished sport in America. Although the game has changed a lot in the sense that it has become more aggressive.
More home-runs are now hit and pitchers have worked hard to add variety to their repertoire. There are more chances of young college players to mark their entry on the big scene as soon as their talent is visible to the scouts. More money is now on offer for exquisite talent and this has helped a certain class to continue baseball as a passion.
The college players are usually not only focusing on baseball. They have their positions cemented in the other sports as well and usually select the higher-paying option for professional representation. This has not only reduced the passion for the “once-most-intriguing” sport but also has hurt its integrity. Baseball was never about money but commercialisation has taken a toll on even the slenderest of commodities in existence, let alone baseball.
Following is an analysis of the MLB teams based on popularity.
The New York Yankees have continued to rule on the hearts of baseball lovers. It is either their famous pin-striped Jersey or the star power in their bull-pen which has persistently attracted millions of fans to the team. Even in countries where baseball is not popular, Derek Jeter’s shirts carrying the famous number two came out on sale when he completed his 3000th hit this season.
The Yankees were ranked Number two in the list of most popular MLB teams in 1999. Their ranking has improved since and they are now rated the most popular team in America. They have dominated this spot since 2003 and there has not been a single year in which popularity has declined. This gives reason that their popularity is not based on their success rate; rather it is based on a large number of die-hard fans for whom baseball means Yankees. There has not been a single game when the Yankees stadium is not completely occupied.
Continued in Part 2
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