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We have carried out in-depth research to find out which states are home to most baseball fans, as well as the favorite team in each state. To cover all bases, we have taken into account MLB ticket and merchandise sales, social media engagement, TV ratings, online search data, cultural factors and local surveys.
All of which has given us the definitive list of MLB fanbases across the States! So we have ranked each state from 1 to 50, where 1 has the biggest number of baseball fans and 50 the least. And then for each state we have determined which MLB team is the most popular. Let’s get started with the state which boasts the biggest amount of baseball lovers…
California boasts the largest MLB fanbase by far, with five teams and the nation’s biggest population. In 2023, California’s MLB clubs drew over 13 million fans combined (led by the Dodgers’ MLB-best 3.8M attendance). The Dodgers command the largest share of fandom in-state – about 60% of California’s ticket sales vs 21% for the second-place Giants – reflecting their immense popularity in Southern California. Multiple metrics reinforce California’s top rank: the Dodgers and Giants are among MLB’s highest-revenue teams, and California teams consistently lead in merchandise sales and social media followings. With iconic franchises (Dodgers, Giants, Angels, Padres, A’s) and a huge, engaged fan base, California is #1 in MLB fandom by a wide margin.
New York’s rich baseball heritage and two flagship franchises give it a massive fanbase. The Yankees – 27-time champions – are one of the most popular sports teams in the US, generating the highest revenue in MLB (≈$679M). Along with the Mets, New York’s teams drew about 5.84 million attendees in 2023. While a 2015 ticket analysis showed the Mets narrowly edging the Yankees 32% to 30% in NY state sales (likely due to a Mets World Series run), the Yankees’ overall fanbase is larger and more nationwide. In fact, Facebook data found the Yankees are the most “liked” team in at least 24 states – a testament to their broad reach. Between the packed Bronx crowds and devoted Mets fans, New York firmly ranks second in MLB fandom.
Texas’s booming population and two successful franchises give it one of MLB’s largest fanbases. The state is split between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros, with the Rangers historically holding the edge (about 51% of Texas ticket sales vs 31% for Houston in 2015). Recent success from both teams – including the Astros’ World Series titles and the Rangers’ 2023 championship – has energized fans. In 2023, the two clubs combined for roughly 5.6 million in attendance. The Rangers’ influence even extends beyond Texas – they are the top team in nearly every county of neighboring Oklahoma – underscoring the breadth of the Texas MLB fanbase. Strong ticket sales, merchandise demand, and social engagement (especially after postseason runs) solidify Texas as having the third-largest MLB fanbase.
Pennsylvania is home to two passionate fanbases in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Both the Phillies and Pirates enjoy strong support – in fact, during the Pirates’ mid-2010s resurgence they accounted for 60% of MLB tickets in PA vs 19% for the Phillies. (This reflected the Pirates’ playoff run, whereas Philly was rebuilding.) Generally, Philadelphia’s larger market means the Phillies have a slight edge in overall fans, especially after their recent NL pennant. The two teams combined drew nearly 4.7 million attendees in 2023. Pennsylvania’s love of baseball runs deep (from the Phillies’ rabid crowds to the Pirates’ storied traditions at PNC Park), landing it near the top. Multiple metrics – strong ticket sales, merchandise (Bryce Harper jerseys are top sellers), and high local TV ratings – justify PA’s rank. The state’s fanbase is split East/West, but collectively Pennsylvania is a baseball hotbed.
Illinois is dominated by Chicago’s baseball culture. The Cubs boast the state’s largest fanbase – about 42% of Illinois ticket share, far outpacing any other team. (Notably, the Cardinals were second at 21%, indicating downstate Illinois leans St. Louis; the White Sox did not crack the top two.) The Cubs’ devoted following fills Wrigley Field (2.8M attendance in 2023) and spans generations, bolstered by their 2016 World Series win. The White Sox maintain a loyal South Side fanbase (1.67M attendance) – interestingly, **White Sox merchandise sales were third-highest among all teams in one analysis, even outselling the Cubs in Illinois – highlighting strong local support. Combined, Illinois teams drew ~4.44M fans in 2023. With two MLB franchises, historic rivalries, and nationally recognized fan traditions (e.g. Wrigley’s bleacher bums), Illinois firmly ranks in the top five.
Missouri punches above its weight thanks to fervent support for its two teams. The St. Louis Cardinals have one of MLB’s most devoted fanbases – they slightly edge the Kansas City Royals as the state’s favorite (about 48% vs 43% of ticket share in 2015). St. Louis regularly draws over 3 million fans (3.24M in 2023) and has a nationwide following built on 11 World Series titles. The Royals, after their 2015 championship, ignited huge support in Kansas City and across Kansas/Missouri. In 2015 Missouri was nearly split between the teams, and Royals fans still pack Kauffman Stadium during competitive years. Per capita, Missouri’s MLB attendance is extremely high, and the Cardinals’ influence extends into nearby states (they’re the top team in parts of IL, AR, TN, etc.). With 4.55M combined attendance in 2023 and a legacy of baseball passion, Missouri’s fanbase ranks among the largest.
Georgia is Braves Country. The Atlanta Braves are not only beloved locally – capturing 85% of Georgia’s MLB ticket sales – but have cultivated a regional fanbase that spans much of the Southeast. In fact, the Braves are the most popular team in six states (more than any other team besides the Red Sox), dominating the Deep South from Mississippi and Alabama through the Carolinas. At home, Braves fans showed up in droves – over 3.19 million attended in 2023, top five in MLB. Decades of TBS broadcasts made the Braves a household name across state lines. Georgia’s fan engagement is sky-high: the team’s merchandise and TV ratings surged with recent World Series success (2021). With essentially the entire state united behind one team and a spillover into neighboring states, Georgia’s MLB fanbase is one of the most robust.
Massachusetts (and all of New England) bleeds Red Sox red. The Boston Red Sox are overwhelmingly the most popular team (about 83% of Massachusetts fans), and the state’s passion for baseball is legendary. Fenway Park was sold out every game for nearly a decade (a streak of 794 straight regular-season sellouts from 2003–2013), underscoring the unparalleled dedication of Boston fans. Even with a smaller population (~7M), Massachusetts routinely contributes over 2.6M in attendance (2023) and huge TV audiences. “Red Sox Nation” extends into surrounding states (the Red Sox are #1 in all five other New England states). By merchandise and social media, the Red Sox rank among MLB’s most popular clubs, and the team’s revenue (about $500M) is top-four in the league. This concentrated, historic fanbase easily places Massachusetts in the top ten.
Ohio has two MLB teams with fairly balanced support. In recent years the Cincinnati Reds have a slight edge statewide – roughly 38% of Ohio’s fans vs 34% for the Cleveland Guardians (Indians) – reflecting the Reds’ influence in southern Ohio. Northern Ohio, of course, leans heavily to Cleveland’s team. Both franchises have passionate followings: Cleveland sold out 455 straight games in the ’90s and saw a resurgence in the 2016 World Series run, while the Reds’ history as the first pro team keeps generations of fans loyal. Together they drew ~3.87M in 2023 attendance despite middling on-field results. Ohio also has some bleed-over fandom (parts of Ohio follow the Pirates, Tigers, or Cubs). With two mid-sized but storied fanbases, Ohio’s overall MLB fandom is substantial, landing it in the top ten.
New Jersey has no MLB franchise of its own, yet it ranks extremely high due to its population and proximity to major teams. The Yankees are the most popular team in NJ (about 26% share of tickets, narrowly topping the Phillies’ 23%). In North Jersey, Yankees and Mets fandom runs deep as part of the New York City sports market, while South Jersey is dominated by Philadelphia Phillies fans. With ~9.3 million residents in the heart of the Northeast, New Jersey contributes millions of fans to neighboring teams – making it perhaps the biggest baseball-fan state without a team. In fact, a 2024 analysis found baseball is the most popular sport in New Jersey, even above football. Whether donning Yankees caps or cheering the Phillies, New Jersey’s fan engagement is enormous relative to having zero home teams.
Florida’s MLB fandom is a study in contrasts: the state has a huge population (22M) and two teams, yet local support has historically lagged. The Miami Marlins have the largest in-state following (about 22% of Florida ticket sales vs 17% for the Tampa Bay Rays). However, both teams struggle with attendance – combined home turnout was only ~2.6 million in 2023, among the lowest for two-team states. One reason is that many Floridians are transplants who remain loyal to out-of-state teams (the Yankees, Red Sox, and others have massive fan bases in Florida’s retirement communities). Spring training also spreads loyalties across many clubs. While Florida’s raw number of baseball fans is high (due to population), metrics like game attendance, local TV ratings, and merchandise sales for its teams are comparatively low. The state nonetheless has pockets of die-hard support – e.g. the Rays’ recent success boosted engagement – but overall Florida’s MLB fanbase, though large, is less intensely engaged than higher-ranked states.
North Carolina lacks an MLB team, but baseball fandom thrives thanks to the Braves and a strong minor league scene. About 28% of NC’s MLB fans cheer for Atlanta – not surprising given the Braves’ long reign as the South’s closest team. (The Washington Nationals are a distant second at 11% in NC). With over 10 million people, North Carolina is one of the most populous states without a franchise, and many residents avidly follow MLB through the Braves or transplanted allegiances (plenty of northerners in the Research Triangle still root for the Yankees/Red Sox). The state’s rich baseball tradition (ACC college baseball, the Durham Bulls, etc.) also keeps interest high. If judged by potential fan count, NC would be a mid-market MLB state – and indeed Charlotte is often mentioned in expansion talks. For now, North Carolinians form a substantial part of the Braves’ regional fan empire and contribute to a large overall MLB fanbase.
Virginia (pop. ~8.6M) is another populous state with no MLB franchise, yet it harbors a significant fanbase aligned mostly with nearby Washington. Roughly 72% of Virginia’s MLB fans root for the Nationals, thanks to Northern Virginia being part of the D.C. metro. (The Baltimore Orioles have about 11% share, mainly in eastern Virginia). Since the Nationals arrived in 2005 – and especially after their 2019 World Series win – MLB interest in VA has surged. The state consistently ranks near the top in MLB TV market ratings, as Nats games draw viewers from Richmond to Norfolk. Southern Virginia also still has some Braves fans dating back to the pre-Nats era. All told, Virginia’s large population and strong adoption of the Nationals give it a sizable fanbase. Ticket and merchandise metrics for D.C. teams often count Virginia residents, underscoring that Virginia is effectively an important “home market” for MLB.
Michigan’s MLB fanbase revolves around the Detroit Tigers, the state’s lone team. The Tigers enjoy overwhelming support – about 86% of MLB tickets sold in Michigan were for Tigers games, indicating little competition from outside teams. Detroit has a long, proud baseball history (4 World Series titles), and fans across Michigan stay loyal through good times and bad. In peak years (like the 2006–2013 contending era), Tigers attendance topped 3 million; even during recent rebuilds, over 1.6M came in 2023. Metro Detroit and outstate Michigan alike tune in to Tigers broadcasts in big numbers. While football is huge in Michigan, baseball remains a close second – Comerica Park was routinely sold out in the Tigers’ heyday. With a population of ~10 million mostly backing a single club, Michigan’s fanbase is large. The state’s high per-capita interest (e.g. local TV ratings for Tigers are strong) cements Michigan’s place high on this list.
Washington state is all-in on the Seattle Mariners, its only MLB team. An estimated 90% of Washington’s MLB fans back the M’s, leaving little room for any other club. Despite not seeing a World Series (yet), Mariners fans are famously passionate – from the Kingdome days of Griffey mania to the sellout crowds of the 2001 playoff run and the feverish support for Ichiro. In 2023 the Mariners drew 2.69M at T-Mobile Park, reflecting renewed enthusiasm after a playoff appearance. Uniquely, the Mariners’ geographic fan area is the largest in MLB: their support stretches across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and even Alaska (they are the default team for those regions). That means Washington’s fanbase isn’t confined to its borders, but within the state itself, the level of engagement is high. Strong attendance, regional TV dominance, and social media buzz around stars like Julio Rodríguez all point to Washington as a major baseball state.
Arizona’s MLB fandom centers on the Arizona Diamondbacks, who garnered about 53% of in-state ticket sales (with the Cubs a distant second at 12%). As a relatively new team (founded 1998), the D-backs built a loyal fanbase quickly, especially after winning the 2001 World Series. Metro Phoenix supports the team well – over 1.96M attended in 2023, and the D-backs’ surprising 2023 NL pennant energized fans. Arizona is also a baseball hub due to spring training; many locals adopt teams that train in the Cactus League. This means besides the Diamondbacks, you’ll find pockets of Cubs, Dodgers, and others’ fans in AZ. Still, by merchandise and local TV measures the Diamondbacks dominate the state’s interest. With ~7 million people and a growing sports culture, Arizona’s overall MLB fanbase is significant, if not as nationally prominent as some others above.
In Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Brewers are king. The Brewers account for roughly 78% of MLB fandom in-state, with only a small slice for the Cubs (6%, mainly in counties bordering Illinois). Milwaukee consistently punches above its market size in attendance – 2.55M in 2023, which rivaled or exceeded many larger markets. Wisconsinites have a proud baseball lineage (the Milwaukee Braves drew big crowds in the 1950s, and that spirit carried to the Brewers). The Brewers’ 1982 and 2018 playoff runs showed how engaged the state can be, often selling out Miller Park and flooding local sports bars. Additionally, the Brewers rank surprisingly high in merchandise sales – their ball-in-glove logo and euchre-themed fan club are beloved. While the Green Bay Packers capture fall, summers in Wisconsin belong to Brewers baseball, giving the state a hefty MLB fanbase relative to its ~5.9M population.
Colorado’s elevation isn’t the only thing that’s high – so is the local support for the Colorado Rockies. With no competition in-state, the Rockies claim about 83% of Colorado’s MLB fans. Despite the team’s ups and downs, Denver fans are notoriously loyal: Coors Field has often been among MLB attendance leaders, even in lean years (the Rockies drew ~2.61M in 2023). The mile-high market also shows strong TV viewership when the team is competitive (e.g. during Rocktober 2007 and the late-’90s Blake Street Bomber era). Colorado does have some transplants who cheer for other teams (a sliver of fans follow the Cubs or Dodgers, per ticket data), but by and large it’s Rockies territory. The state’s fast growth (now ~5.8M people) and love of outdoor sports bodes well for baseball interest. In fact, the Rockies’ fan footprint spills into nearby states like Wyoming and New Mexico, further indicating Colorado’s solid MLB following.
Maryland’s baseball heart lies with the Baltimore Orioles. About 55% of Maryland fans back the O’s, compared to 33% for the neighboring Washington Nationals. The Orioles have deep roots in the state – generations grew up idolizing Brooks Robinson and Cal Ripken Jr., and the team’s ballpark (Camden Yards) became a pilgrimage site in the 1990s. Even during rebuilding, Baltimore fans remained passionate (witness the celebration of Ripken’s record in 1995). In 2023, as the young O’s surged, attendance rebounded to 1.94M and Orioles fever swept places like Baltimore County and the Eastern Shore. While the Nationals’ arrival created some split in the D.C. suburbs, most of Maryland (especially central MD) still bleeds orange and black. Strong regional TV ratings for MASN broadcasts and revived merchandise sales (e.g. Adley Rutschman jerseys) underscore that Maryland’s MLB fanbase – though partly shared with D.C. – is substantial and on the rise again thanks to the O’s.
Minnesota is solidly behind the Twins, its sole MLB team. Roughly 70% of Minnesota’s baseball fans are Twins fans, with only minor in-state followings for others. Minneapolis–St. Paul has a long baseball history (from the old Minneapolis Millers to the Twins’ two World Series titles in 1987 and 1991), and Minnesotans show up strong when the team is good. The Twins regularly surpassed 3 million attendance at Target Field in the early 2010s; even in 2023 they drew about 1.97M while winning their division. The state’s fandom is also amplified by the fact that the Twins are the de facto team for the Dakotas and much of the Upper Midwest – their radio network and promotional caravans reach far. Locally, baseball competes with the Vikings and hockey, but the Twins still have an avid following (evidenced by high local TV ratings on Bally Sports North). All told, Minnesota’s moderate population (~5.7M) is extremely engaged with its team, putting it in the top 20.
Tennessee doesn’t have an MLB team, but its fans gravitate primarily to the Braves. Around 32% of MLB tickets in TN are for Braves games, with the St. Louis Cardinals second at 25%. This split makes sense geographically: East Tennessee (around Knoxville/Chattanooga) is firmly Braves country thanks to Atlanta’s relative proximity and TV coverage, whereas West Tennessee (Memphis area) has traditionally leaned toward the Cardinals. Nashville, in the middle, has a mix of allegiances and a booming population that MLB has noted (Nashville often draws big crowds for exhibition games and could be an expansion candidate). Altogether Tennessee’s 7 million residents contribute a sizable fan contingent to other teams. The state has strong baseball interest – it supports the Triple-A Nashville Sounds and a rich college baseball scene – indicating a large potential MLB fanbase. For now, the Braves reap much of that support, helping make the Braves one of the most regionally popular teams.
Indiana is another state split between outside teams. The Reds hold a slight lead with about 27% of Indiana’s fans, versus 25% for the Chicago Cubs. Southern and central Indiana (including Indianapolis) have long been part of the Cincinnati Reds’ sphere, dating back to the Big Red Machine era and even the Indianapolis Indians’ affiliation with the Reds. Meanwhile, northwest Indiana is essentially an extension of Chicago, where Cubs (and to a lesser extent White Sox) fandom thrives. This creates a fairly evenly divided baseball loyalty in Indiana. The Cubs’ 2016 championship brought many Hoosiers on board, while older fans in the state recall the Reds’ glory days. Indiana, with ~6.7M people, supports minor league teams well and sends lots of fans to both Great American Ball Park and Wrigley Field. While no single MLB team dominates the whole state, the combined fanbase in Indiana – spanning multiple franchises – is quite large, placing it in the top half of states.
Oregon has no MLB team, but its proximity to Seattle has made the Mariners the clear favorite. About 51% of Oregon’s MLB fans root for the Mariners (with the San Francisco Giants a distant second at 15%). Portland and much of western Oregon naturally adopt Seattle’s team as their own – Mariners games are broadcast throughout the state, and promotions like “Mariners Caravan” have long targeted Oregon fans. The Pacific Northwest’s baseball culture – though tested by the Mariners’ past playoff drought – remains strong; when the M’s ended their postseason drought in 2022, celebratory watch parties were held in Portland. Oregon’s population (~4.2M) also includes many Californians who’ve relocated, bringing some Dodgers/Giants fandom, but not enough to challenge Seattle’s dominance. With no NFL team in Oregon, summer sports attention often goes to the Mariners (alongside the beloved Trail Blazers in winter). The state’s robust support for college and minor-league baseball further indicates that Oregon’s MLB fanbase, anchored by Mariners loyalty, is significant.
South Carolina, lacking a franchise, falls squarely in the Atlanta Braves’ domain. An estimated 45% of MLB fans in SC cheer for the Braves, far ahead of any other team (Boston was ~9%, likely due to transplants). Culturally and geographically, South Carolina ties into Braves Country – the team’s AA affiliate was in Greenville for years, and Braves games were readily available on TV. Even after the Washington Nationals arrived closer to the north, the Braves remained the go-to team for the Palmetto State. South Carolina’s population (~5.1M) ensures a large pool of fans feeding into Atlanta’s base. The state also hosts minor league teams like the Columbia Fireflies and Charleston RiverDogs, which suggests a healthy general interest in baseball. While college football might rule the fall, come spring and summer South Carolinians are tuning into Braves baseball in big numbers, making the state an important piece of MLB’s southeastern fan landscape.
Alabama is another southern state where the Braves reign supreme. Around 63% of Alabama’s MLB fans back Atlanta, an enormous majority. No other MLB team comes close (St. Louis was a very distant second at 6%). This dominance is partly historical: TBS broadcasts of Braves games in the 90s reached Alabama households, creating a generation of fans. Plus, Alabama has produced legendary players like Hank Aaron, who started with the Braves, deepening the connection. With 5 million people and no pro teams of its own, Alabama channels much of its sports passion into college football and the Braves in baseball season. While attendance metrics show Alabamians travel to Atlanta for big games (especially in postseason), engagement is mostly through TV/streaming and merchandise – all of which the Braves lead in across the Deep South. Alabama’s outsized percentage of Braves support makes it one of the strongest one-team states, even if its total population keeps it around the middle of the pack in size of fanbase.
Kentuckians overwhelmingly support the Cincinnati Reds when it comes to MLB. Roughly 62% of Kentucky’s ticket buyers go to Reds games (St. Louis is second with 12%). Northern Kentucky is essentially a suburb of Cincinnati, so Reds fandom has been ingrained for over a century (the Reds even used to play an annual exhibition in Kentucky). Louisville and Lexington also lean Reds, though you’ll find some Cardinals fans in the western end of the state. Kentucky has no major league team, but baseball is popular through its minor league clubs and the historic Kentucky-Louisville college rivalry. The state has about 4.5M people, giving the Reds a substantial out-of-state fan contingent. During the Big Red Machine era and again in the early 2010s, Reds fever ran high in Kentucky. Although college basketball might be Kentucky’s top sports focus, the sizable Reds following – plus interest in the nearby Braves for some in the southeast part of the state – means Kentucky contributes a notable MLB fanbase.
Louisiana’s MLB loyalties tilt westward toward the Houston Astros, who account for about 27% of the state’s fans (with the Texas Rangers next at 21%). In Louisiana – a state without MLB – geography and recent success both play roles. Western Louisiana (around Lake Charles and Shreveport) is Astros territory due to proximity to Houston. Since the Astros’ rise to championship status (2017 and 2022 World Series titles), their fanbase in Louisiana has grown further. Northern LA and the Gulf region also have pockets of Braves fans historically, and a smaller contingent still follow the long-departed New Orleans MLB spring training legacy (the city hosted MLB exhibitions and had a minor-league team affiliated with the Baby Cakes). With ~4.6M people, Louisiana’s overall MLB fanbase isn’t huge – football is far more dominant – but the state does boost the Astros’ following (Astros merchandise and TV ratings see bumps in LA markets when the team is winning). The Rangers also draw some interest in the north, but Louisiana firmly aligns with Houston as its MLB team of choice.
Oklahoma’s baseball fans predominantly support the Texas Rangers, who hold roughly 28% of the state’s share, with the Kansas City Royals next at 19%. This split reflects Oklahoma’s position between Texas and Missouri. In fact, the Rangers have deeply cultivated OK – nearly every county in Oklahoma prefers the Rangers, according to SeatGeek data – helped by OKC being the longtime home of their Triple-A affiliate. Meanwhile, northeastern Oklahomans around Tulsa have some affinity for the Royals (especially after Kansas City’s 2015 title). The state’s 3.9M people are fairly engaged: Oklahoma is known to send busloads of fans to Arlington for big series, and minor league baseball (the OKC Dodgers) is well-supported. Without any pro team of their own, Oklahomans follow the Rangers almost as a home team. When the Rangers made the World Series in 2010–2011 and won in 2023, you could find plenty of “Texas” caps across Oklahoma. Overall, Oklahoma provides a solid, if regionally divided, MLB fanbase that boosts teams in neighboring states.
As a border state between New York and New England, Connecticut is famously split in its baseball allegiance. The Red Sox are the single most popular team, with about 41% of Connecticut fans, followed by the Yankees at 22%. Essentially, eastern and central Connecticut (Hartford, New Haven, etc.) lean strongly Red Sox, reflecting historical ties to New England. Southwestern Connecticut (Fairfield County) is part of the NYC metro and skews Yankees/Mets. This rivalry makes Connecticut a hotbed of baseball debate, but also means nearly everyone in the state follows MLB in some form. With 3.6M residents, Connecticut has a high concentration of baseball fans – often the Red Sox-Yankees TV ratings there are among the highest of any neutral area. The state even hosted the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats to big crowds, indicating local enthusiasm. All told, Connecticut’s fanbase is sizeable and intensely split; if combined, those rooting for either Red Sox or NY teams would make Connecticut one of the most baseball-obsessed states.
Kansans overwhelmingly support the Kansas City Royals, even though the team’s stadium sits just across the border in Missouri. In fact, the Royals are the most popular team in 86% of Kansas ticket sales (a huge majority). This became especially pronounced after the Royals’ 2014–2015 World Series runs, which captivated the entire region. Kansas has ~2.9M people, many of whom live in the KC metro’s Kansas suburbs or in Royals-centric towns like Wichita. With no other MLB team nearby (the Rockies and Cardinals are farther and claim only small pockets in western or far eastern Kansas), the Royals enjoy almost unified support statewide. During the 2015 championship parade in KC, crowds included droves of Kansans, illustrating the fanbase’s size. Though college basketball might be Kansas’s first love, baseball interest can spike to the top when the Royals are competitive. Given the sheer dominance of one team’s following, Kansas contributes a large, concentrated fanbase – one reason the Royals consistently draw well on regional TV and had big merchandise sales during their title run.
Utah’s MLB fandom is divided, with no single team commanding a majority. The Dodgers hold a narrow lead (~16% of Utah fans) over the San Francisco Giants (~14%). Historically, many Utahns adopted the Dodgers, perhaps due to former LDS players on the team and the Dodgers’ Triple-A team previously being in Salt Lake. The Giants and Rockies also have notable followings in the state. With 3.3M people and a growing sports market (Salt Lake City), Utah has a decent number of baseball fans, but interest is spread among various teams since the nearest MLB cities (LA, Phoenix, Denver) are all 500+ miles away. Thus, metrics like ticket sales or TV ratings are split. The Dodgers’ recent success and national popularity likely give them the edge in merch and social media interest within Utah. Still, baseball is not as all-consuming in Utah as NBA basketball (Jazz) or college sports. While the state’s total MLB fanbase is mid-sized, it’s notable that no one team dominates – making Utah a true neutral territory where the Dodgers happen to have a slight upper hand.
Arkansas, lacking a pro team, has long aligned with the St. Louis Cardinals. About 46% of Arkansans root for the Cardinals – by far the largest group – with the Texas Rangers a distant second (~14%). This strong Cardinals loyalty dates back to the era of radio broadcasts on KMOX, which reached Arkansas and built a multi-generational fanbase. Many in eastern and central Arkansas grow up as Cards fans (Hall of Famer Dizzy Dean was from Arkansas, fostering local pride). Western Arkansas has some Rangers influence and even a bit of Houston Astros following near Texarkana. Overall, Arkansas’s population (~3M) provides a solid block of support for St. Louis – the Cardinals frequently hold “Arkansas Day” promotions acknowledging their out-of-state fans. Minor league teams like the Arkansas Travelers (an affiliate historically of the Cardinals) have further cemented MLB interest. While football (Razorbacks) is huge in Arkansas, the consistent draw of Cardinals baseball – evidenced by TV viewership and caravans that stop in Little Rock – shows Arkansas has a meaningful MLB fanbase, albeit concentrated on one club.
Nevadan baseball fans currently favor the Los Angeles Dodgers, with roughly 25% backing L.A. and about 22% for the San Francisco Giants. Given Nevada’s location, it has been heavily influenced by California’s teams – especially with so many former Californians in Las Vegas and Reno. The Dodgers, being a perennial contender and nationally popular, have a slight edge statewide. The Giants also have a strong following thanks to their early 2010s championship run. Las Vegas, the population center, has hosted AAA teams (including the Aviators, Triple-A for the A’s), so locals are familiar with MLB prospects and often adopt parent clubs like Oakland or Toronto. Notably, Nevada’s MLB landscape is about to change: the Oakland Athletics are planning a move to Las Vegas, which will surely galvanize local fandom. Until then, Nevada’s ~3.1M people are an eclectic mix of fans, with Dodgers and Giants leading the pack. Merchandise sales maps have shown Nevada lit up in Dodger blue. Once the A’s arrive, expect Nevada’s ranking and fan metrics to climb further, but as of now its fanbase is moderate in size and divided among West Coast teams.
Iowa is a unique case with no home team but a rich baseball culture. The Chicago Cubs are the single most popular team in Iowa (~22% share) with the St. Louis Cardinals close behind (~20%). The state is essentially carved up by geography: Eastern Iowans often support the Cubs or White Sox (Chicago influence), southern Iowans lean Cardinals or Royals, and northern parts might follow the Twins. The Cubs historically have a special place due to Iowa’s access to WGN television – generations of Iowans grew up watching daytime Cubs games. Iowa’s claim to baseball fame, the Field of Dreams, underscores how ingrained the sport is locally. Even without an MLB team, Iowa (pop ~3.1M) musters significant fan interest: the minor-league Iowa Cubs in Des Moines draw well, and MLB’s special Field of Dreams game in Dyersville in 2021 was a huge hit. So while Iowa’s fans are split among several franchises, their collective engagement is high. The Cubs, with their slight edge and nationwide following, help make Iowa one of MLB’s larger “neutral” state fanbases.
Mississippi resides in the heart of the Deep South, and accordingly the Atlanta Braves claim the largest chunk of MLB fandom – about 31% – in the state (Most Popular MLB Teams By US State). However, the St. Louis Cardinals aren’t far behind at 26%, reflecting Mississippi’s split allegiances. Historically, Braves baseball (on TV) and Cardinals radio broadcasts reached Mississippi, so older generations often picked one of those two. Geographically, northern Mississippi has ties to Memphis/St. Louis (hence many Cards fans), while central and southern parts lean Atlanta. Mississippi’s population (~3M) isn’t large, and baseball competes with college football dominance, so overall MLB engagement is moderate. Still, when the Braves are in the postseason, sports bars from Jackson to Biloxi fill up with fans chopping along. The state has produced notable MLB talent (e.g. Roy Oswalt, Brian Dozier), indicating a grassroots love of the game. Minor league clubs like the AA Mississippi Braves also keep interest alive. In sum, Mississippi contributes a respectable fanbase mostly to the Braves (and Cardinals), but its size and focus on other sports keep it in the lower-middle tier of states for MLB fandom.
Nebraskans overwhelmingly support the Kansas City Royals, who hold about 52% of the state’s MLB fan share. Eastern Nebraska, including Omaha and Lincoln, is firmly Royals territory – the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A affiliate) have long been part of the Royals’ system, helping cultivate fans. The Colorado Rockies command some following in western Nebraska (~10%), and a smattering of Twins or Cardinals fans dot the state, but the 2015 World Series champion Royals united Nebraskans like never before. Nebraska’s population is just under 2 million, so its total MLB fanbase isn’t huge, but what exists is enthusiastic. Notably, Nebraska hosts the annual College World Series in Omaha, making it a true baseball state at the amateur level. This love for the college game often translates into support for MLB – especially the Royals, who effectively serve as the “home team” for the Cornhusker State. In terms of metrics: Omaha TV ratings for Royals games are solid, and Royals merchandise sells well in Nebraska when the team is winning. All these factors put Nebraska’s MLB fanbase in the lower tier by size, but with high per-capita passion.
In Idaho, far from any MLB city, the Seattle Mariners have emerged as the favorite by capturing roughly 38% of the fanbase. Seattle’s status as the closest franchise (still several hundred miles away) makes it the default team for many Idahoans. The Los Angeles Dodgers are a distant second (~10%) in Idaho, likely owing to some nationwide popularity and perhaps the legacy of Dodgers farm clubs in the region. Overall, Idaho’s population (1.9M) is relatively small, and interest in MLB is moderate – outdoor activities and college sports loom large. However, regions like the Treasure Valley (Boise) do tune into Mariners broadcasts, and minor league teams (the Boise Hawks, Idaho Falls Chukars) show there is a baseball following. When the Mariners finally made the playoffs in 2022, bars in Idaho had notable turnouts of fans in navy and teal. So, while Idaho’s contribution to MLB fandom is numerically modest, it’s concentrated mostly with the Mariners. This gives Seattle a solid, if remote, booster base and lands Idaho in the bottom third of states for total fanbase size.
West Virginia’s MLB loyalties reflect its position between multiple baseball regions. The Pittsburgh Pirates hold the largest following at about 51% of WV fans, with the Cincinnati Reds second at 21%. Northern West Virginia lies near Pittsburgh, so Pirates fandom has been strong for decades (the old AAA Charleston Charlies were a Pirates affiliate). In the southern parts of the state, the Reds (and even some Braves) have influence. West Virginia has no major pro team, and with only 1.8M people, its overall MLB fanbase is on the smaller side. However, those who do follow baseball are quite dedicated – the Pirates’ resurgence in the early 2010s drew significant interest in WV, and conversely many WV residents adopted the Reds during the Big Red Machine era. The state also has a noteworthy college baseball program (WVU) and a history of minor-league clubs, indicating a baseline of baseball interest. Still, by metrics like viewership or merchandise, West Virginia doesn’t move the needle much nationally due to its size. It remains important mainly to the Pirates (who count WV in their market). Thus, WV’s fanbase ranks low in size, though it’s an ardent one within those communities.
New Mexico is fairly evenly split in MLB fandom, with no one team clearly dominating. As of 2015, the Rangers and Diamondbacks each commanded about 17% of NM fans (tied for top). This makes sense: New Mexico sits between Texas and Arizona, and both the Rangers (to the east) and D-backs (to the west) are relatively nearby options. The Colorado Rockies also have some following in the north of the state (Denver is a day’s drive away). Overall, New Mexico’s interest in MLB is lukewarm – other sports (like Lobo basketball) or activities often take precedence. The state’s population (~2.1M) isn’t large, and without a single team focus, fan engagement is diffuse. That said, Albuquerque supports its Triple-A team (the Isotopes) very well, suggesting a local appetite for baseball entertainment. When the D-backs made the World Series in 2023, pockets of New Mexico fans donned Sedona Red, and similarly, there was some uptick for the Rangers’ recent success. In general, though, New Mexico contributes a relatively small and split MLB fanbase, placing it among the lower-ranked states in sheer size.
Hawaii is thousands of miles from the mainland, yet baseball fandom has a foothold. The San Francisco Giants are the most popular MLB team in Hawaii (~22% support) with the Dodgers close behind (~19%). This affinity traces back to the mid-20th century when Hawaii, lacking local teams, followed West Coast clubs – the Giants’ and Dodgers’ games were often reported in local media after their moves to California. Additionally, Hawaii has produced MLB players (e.g. Shane Victorino, Kurt Suzuki) which spurs local interest in whichever teams they played for (the Phillies got a boost during Victorino’s tenure, for instance). The time zone difference means live games air in the morning/afternoon in Hawaii, tempering TV viewership somewhat. With ~1.4M people, Hawaii’s total MLB fanbase is small, and it’s spread among several teams (Yankees and Red Sox have some following too, courtesy of widespread national fanbases). Still, merchandise data shows Hawaii tends to “represent” West Coast teams – for example, Giants caps are popular on the islands. While not a huge baseball market, Hawaii’s unique fan mix and distance put it near the bottom of the list in size, though its fans are proud (the annual MLB winter tour stops in Honolulu draw decent crowds).
Maine is firmly part of Red Sox Nation. An overwhelming 72% of Maine’s MLB fans cheer for the Boston Red Sox, according to ticket data. With no local team, Mainers have adopted Boston’s teams as their own in all sports – and in baseball this bond is especially strong, forged over decades of listening to Red Sox games on the radio along the rocky coast. Maine’s population is only ~1.37M, so in absolute terms its fanbase isn’t large, but the proportion of baseball fans is very high. Virtually every town in Maine has Red Sox banners flying in summer. When the Red Sox broke the curse in 2004, celebrations in Maine were as intense as anywhere in New England. Other teams barely register (a small minority might follow the Yankees, but they are outnumbered and often outcast in Maine). Local minor league clubs (like the Portland Sea Dogs, a Red Sox affiliate) also thrive, underscoring Maine’s passion for baseball. In summary, Maine contributes a modest-sized but extremely one-sided and enthusiastic fanbase, almost entirely for the Red Sox – which lands it among the lower states in total fans, but near the top in per-capita fandom.
Like its New England neighbors, New Hampshire is devoted to the Boston Red Sox, who enjoy roughly 80% support in the Granite State. New Hampshire (pop ~1.38M) may be small, but its sports loyalties are big: almost everyone is a Boston fan by default. The Red Sox’s farm team, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, plays in Manchester and has cultivated even more local interest. With the Red Sox’s success in the 2000s, New Hampshire saw a surge in youth participation and fan activity – Red Sox caps are ubiquitous. A tiny fraction of contrarians might back the Yankees (as indicated by a mere 3% for another team in that data), but by and large NH is solid Boston territory. This means New Hampshire’s overall MLB fanbase size is limited by population, not by lack of interest – nearly 4 out of 5 people there are fans of the same team. Such concentration is reflected in TV ratings; Red Sox games often pull some of their highest per-capita ratings in New Hampshire. Consequently, while NH ranks low in total fans, the intensity and unity of its Red Sox fandom stand out.
Montana, with just over 1 million residents, has one of the smallest MLB fanbases, and it’s loosely oriented toward the Seattle Mariners. About 27% of Montana fans choose the Mariners, with the Colorado Rockies next at 12%. With no major cities and large distances, sports fandom in Montana is spread out. The Mariners gain support as the closest MLB team (especially in western Montana), and their 1995 and 2001 playoff runs did create some buzz even this far out. Eastern Montanans might lean toward teams like the Twins or Rockies. In general, though, baseball is a quieter pursuit in Montana – the state is more passionate about rodeo, hunting, and perhaps minor league clubs like the Billings Mustangs. Still, there are dedicated pockets of MLB fans. A fun fact: when the Mariners had Ichiro, Montana’s Japanese-American population helped rally support for Seattle. On metrics like merchandise or TV, Montana barely registers due to its size. As a result, Montana sits near the bottom in terms of overall MLB fanbase. The Mariners’ broad radio network (and now streaming) keeps the flame alive, making them the de facto team for Montana’s small, scattered baseball community.
Little Rhode Island is huge on the Red Sox – around 77% of Rhode Islanders are Red Sox fans, the rest mostly Yankees at a distant 5%. As the smallest state (1.06M people), Rhode Island doesn’t add a ton of numbers, but culturally it’s all-in on baseball, especially Boston’s. Providence was once a major league city in the 19th century, and ever since, Rhode Island has latched onto the Red Sox. The state’s proximity to Fenway (about an hour drive) means many fans attend games; you’ll also find Rhode Island license plates in the lots at McCoy Stadium (when the Pawtucket Red Sox were the AAA affiliate). That PawSox franchise (now moved) held the longest game in pro baseball history – a point of local pride – and was heavily supported by Rhode Islanders, reflecting their love of the sport. When the Red Sox play the Yankees, Rhode Island’s TV markets are among the highest-rated, showing their engagement. While Rhode Island’s contribution to the overall MLB fan count is small, its nearly unanimous support for the Red Sox and long-standing baseball tradition make it noteworthy. Essentially, Rhode Island is a mini extension of Massachusetts in MLB fandom.
Delaware, though small (just under 1 million people), has a split allegiance between Philadelphia and Baltimore. The Phillies are the most popular team with about 42% of Delaware fans, and the Orioles are second with 31%. This divide is geographic: Northern Delaware (Wilmington area) is culturally and physically part of the Philly metro, so residents there root for the Phillies (and flocked to the parade in 2008). Southern Delaware is closer to Maryland’s influence, hence a solid Orioles following, especially during Baltimore’s ’80s success and again recently. Delaware doesn’t have major pro teams, but its location between two MLB cities means baseball is followed closely. The Phillies’ recent postseason runs saw strong support in DE – local sports bars filled up in the Wilmington/Newark area. Meanwhile, the Orioles’ surprise 2023 success likely reignited interest in Sussex County. By pure numbers, Delaware’s fanbase is small, putting it near the bottom, but it’s a concentrated one split between two teams. Both the Phillies and Orioles count Delaware in their market, so in metrics like TV ratings and ticket sales, Delaware’s impact is noticeable regionally (if not nationally).
South Dakota’s MLB fandom is firmly oriented toward the Minnesota Twins, who claim about 50% of the state’s fans. South Dakota (pop ~880k) lies within the Twins’ Upper Midwest sphere – Minneapolis is the nearest big league city. Fans in towns like Sioux Falls and Rapid City often make pilgrimages to Target Field. The Colorado Rockies are a distant second (~12%) in western South Dakota, as Denver is another somewhat close option. Overall, South Dakota’s small population yields a correspondingly small MLB fanbase. The state’s sports attention skews more to college sports and rodeo, but baseball has its niches; the American Legion baseball scene in SD is strong, for instance. When the Twins won the World Series in ’87 and ’91, South Dakotans celebrated along with Minnesotans. Given the 50% share, essentially half of South Dakotans who follow MLB back the Twins. This means per capita support for that one team is high, even if the total number of fans is low. The state doesn’t move national needles for ratings or sales, but it faithfully feeds the Twins a modest stream of viewers, ticket buyers, and prospects (South Dakota has produced MLB players like Mark Ellis). It sits in the bottom-five states due to population.
Similar to its southern neighbor, North Dakota aligns strongly with the Minnesota Twins – about 55% of ND MLB fans choose the Twins. North Dakota’s largest city, Fargo, is just a few hours from Minneapolis, so Twins territory extends over the state. The remainder of fans are thinly spread (the data showed the Cubs at 9% as a distant second), perhaps reflecting some Chicago influence via WGN in years past. With only ~770k residents, North Dakota has the third-smallest population, and thus its total MLB fanbase is very small. Nonetheless, those who do follow baseball often do so avidly – minor league and independent teams in ND (e.g., Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks) have loyal support. The Twins consider ND part of their market, and they’ll occasionally host “North Dakota” nights at Target Field. When the Twins make the playoffs, TV stations in ND cover it prominently, indicating a high level of fan interest. Overall, North Dakota contributes a tiny but focused contingent of Twins fans to MLB’s fan universe, placing it near the bottom in size of fanbase, better only than a couple of even smaller states.
Alaska, though geographically enormous, has the second-smallest population (~730k) and no direct MLB footprint – yet the Seattle Mariners command a plurality of its fans (~38%). Seattle is by far the closest MLB city (still over 1,000 miles away), so Alaskans naturally gravitate to the Mariners. In fact, Seattle’s fan map shows Alaska entirely Mariners blue. A small slice of Alaskan fans follow other West Coast teams (the data showed some D-backs support at 9%) and interestingly the old Alaska Goldpanners summer team has fostered general baseball interest (notably hosting midnight sun games each year). Because of time zones, live games air earlier in the day in Alaska, but dedicated fans adjust their routines. Alaska doesn’t contribute much in terms of ticket sales or local TV ratings due to distance, but it does add a smattering of merchandise sales and online engagement for teams like Seattle. Practically, the Mariners consider Alaskans part of their extended fanbase – they even mention Alaska in marketing at times. Still, given Alaska’s tiny population, its MLB fanbase ranks 48th – only Vermont and Wyoming have fewer fans – making it one of the smallest, though certainly the most far-flung.
Vermont, with roughly 640,000 people, has an MLB fanbase that is small in number but heavily skewed toward the Boston Red Sox. About 61% of Vermont fans root for the Sox, vs only 8% for the runner-up Yankees Culturally, Vermont is part of New England, so that’s probably no big surprise. The Red Sox’s long history of success (and heartbreak) has been deeply felt in Vermont – local bars erupted when the Sox won in 2004. With no professional team of its own, Vermont channels its sports passion into the Boston teams (and winter sports). The state’s contribution to MLB metrics is minimal; however, Fenway Park often sees plenty of Vermont license plates during summer vacation season, and the Red Sox radio network includes Vermont stations, reflecting those fans. Additionally, Vermont has hosted Red Sox winter caravan events that draw enthusiastic crowds despite the cold. In summary, Vermont’s overall MLB fan count is the second-smallest of any state, but its devotion to the Red Sox is among the strongest anywhere, making it a tiny but super-loyal piece of the MLB jigsaw.
Wyoming, the least populous state (~580k), unsurprisingly has the smallest MLB fanbase. The Colorado Rockies are the top team in Wyoming by a wide margin, claiming about 67% of the state’s fans. Denver is the nearest big league city, and since the Rockies’ inception in 1993, Wyomingites have gradually adopted them as the home team. (Before that, folks might have followed the Cubs or Braves via TV, but now nearly all counties favor Colorado.) The rest of the fandom is sparse – a few percent might support teams like the D-backs (4% per the 2015 data) or others, often due to personal ties. By sheer numbers, Wyoming’s fan contribution is very low, and home TV ratings for Rockies games in WY are negligible due to the small market. With no cities and a football/rodeo-centric culture, baseball remains a niche, which is why Wyoming ranks 50th on our list. Its MLB fanbase is the smallest of all states, albeit proudly wearing purple for the Rockies when the occasion arises.
Here is the breakdown of which states count which MLB teams as their favorite. As you can see, the Braves and Red Sox claim most states as their own, while some teams like the Astros have to look outside their own state for favorite status. The Yankees may be the most popular team in the country as a whole, but can only claim favorite status in New York and New Jersey.
| Team | No. | States Where Favorite |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Braves | 6 | Alabama; Georgia; Mississippi; N.Carolina; S.Carolina; Tennessee |
| Boston Red Sox | 6 | Connecticut; Maine; Massachusetts; New Hampshire; Rhode Island; Vermont |
| Seattle Mariners | 5 | Alaska; Idaho; Montana; Oregon; Washington |
| Cincinnati Reds | 3 | Indiana; Kentucky; Ohio |
| Minnesota Twins | 3 | Minnesota; North Dakota; South Dakota |
| L.A. Dodgers | 3 | California; Nevada; Utah |
| Texas Rangers | 3 | New Mexico; Oklahoma; Texas |
| Arizona Diamonbacks | 2 | Arizona; New Mexico |
| Chicago Cubs | 2 | Illinois; Iowa |
| Colorado Rockies | 2 | Colorado, Wyoming |
| Kansas City Royals | 2 | Kansas, Nebraska |
| New York Yankees | 2 | New Jersey; New York |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 2 | Delaware; Pennsylvania |
| St Louis Cardinals | 2 | Arkansas; Missouri |
| Baltimore Orioles | 1 | Maryland |
| Detroit Tigers | 1 | Michigan |
| Houston Astros | 1 | Louisiana |
| Miami Marlins | 1 | Florida |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 1 | Wisconsin |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 1 | West Virginia |
| San Francisco Giants | 1 | Hawaii |
| Washington Nationals | 1 | Virginia |
You may have noticed that some teams don’t make an appearance on our list as favorites anywhere. There is a pretty good reason for that in the case of the Toronto Blue Jays, as they are based north of the border. There are 7 more teams which failed to claim favorite status anywhere, always because of a more popular local rival. These underdog teams are: Chicago White Sox; Cleveland Guardians; L.A. Angels; New York Mets; Oakland A’s; San Diego Padres and the Tampa Bay Rays.
This ranking of MLB fanbases by state was determined using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data sources to ensure accuracy and objectivity. The methodology involved:
Each state was ranked based on a weighted combination of these factors, prioritizing total fan count while also considering per capita engagement. The final list reflects both the absolute number of fans and the intensity of local team support. For states with no MLB team, the dominant team was identified using regional metrics like ticket sales and TV ratings.
Ross has been writing about sports for over a decade, spcecializing in the NFL, soccer and boxing. His written work has appeared on a number of online publications over that time.