New York vs. Los Angeles Sports Fans
With the 2024 World Series in full swing, it’s both the teams and their fan bases going head to head.
Wherever they watch this year's World Series, fans are debating which city has the better sports team. Photo by Ava Verret '28
After multiple nail-biting weeks of post-season baseball, in a Broadway versus Hollywood showdown, the World Series matchup has finally been set into motion, as the New York Yankees continue to face the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Yankees and Dodgers are arguably two of the most popular teams in baseball for a plethora of reasons.
The Yankees have been a team since 1903 and are widely known for having notable players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio and more. Additionally, the Yankees have 27 World Series wins, 41 American League pennants and 21 American League East Division Titles. They are a team recognized worldwide.
The Dodgers, founded in 1883 — and originally known as the Brooklyn Dodgers until their historic West Coast move in 1958 — have a total of seven World Series titles and a record 25 National League pennants.
Yet, besides these teams' historic stats and the impact they’ve had on Major League Baseball, much of their popularity is rooted in their loyal fanbase and their deep-rooted care for their teams.
A fanbase made up of loyal followers that all share a similar sense of belonging and pride is one that drives a team to success. Naturally, this statement describes both Los Angeles and New York fans.
Yet, in light of the competition, the question stands: Which town has the better sports fans?
When it comes to New York, Yankees fans tend to be some of the most loyal and passionate fans in the nation. Nearly every game at Yankee Stadium is packed, even during less-entertaining lineups. The passion at these games is arguably unmatched and widely known. A well-known example of Yankee pride is the infamous “Bleacher Creatures” at Yankee Stadium, who are known for their “strict allegiance to their team and fierce attitude towards the opposing fans and team.”
The Yankees are also culturally iconic. Fans argue that they’re not just another baseball team, they’re “The Bronx Bombers,” the team that makes players known — the team that represents New York City. Now, for the first time in 15 years, the Pinstripes are back in the World Series with an extremely iconic team, including Captain Aaron Judge, outfielder Juan Soto and hitter/outfielder Giancarlo Stanton.
To put it simply, “Yankees fans are a special breed. They are passionate about their Yankees.”
On the other side, there are the Dodgers fans: The Blue Crew.
The Dodgers are California’s most popular team. The fans of The Boys in Blue are especially proud of their rich history filled with progressiveness and diversity. The Dodgers are the first team to have a person of color play for their team, none other than Jackie Robinson. Robinson changed the course of sports by inspiring future generations of athletes by breaking the color barrier.
To many fans, Dodger Stadium “feels like home.” Even when the team is not always the best, the camaraderie of the fans makes for a prideful and passionate environment. Additionally, the loyalty of Dodgers fans is evident in the fact that they haven't won a World Series title since 1988. Fans of the current 2024 Dodgers team seem more loyal than ever to players such as Captain Shohei Ohtani, outfielder/shortstop Mookie Betts and second baseman Enrique Hernandez.
Ultimately, Dodgers fans have most definitely proved their fondness for their team, especially this year. Yet, if you were to ask me which stadium will be louder this series, without a doubt I’d say Yankee Stadium.
The sheer iconicity of the Yankees makes their fans some of the best in the league. The team itself is arguably the best sports team in the nation.
While Dodgers fans have a multitude of support, their pride in their team does not amount to Yankee pride.
So, when it comes to New York City versus Los Angeles sports fans, to me, the “city that never sleeps” comes out on top.
Ultimately, the 2024 MLB season and postseason has been one filled with outstanding performances from the Dodgers and the Yankees alike. This World Series will not be an easy matchup for either team. Let’s see if the Boys in Blue will win with the help of their fans or if The Bronx Bombers’ superior fanbase leads them to victory.