Baseball fans are nothing if not loyal — and often patient. Between long innings, unpredictable weather, and ticket prices that can swing from cheap seats to jaw-dropping, following the game can test your love for America’s pastime. Still, when October rolls around, there’s nothing quite like a packed stadium during the World Series.
So which cities really deliver for baseball lovers? WalletHub compared 333 U.S. cities with at least one professional or college team to find out, ranking them across 31 factors, from team performance and ticket prices to stadium accessibility and fan engagement. The final scores were weighted by division (MLB, MiLB, and NCAA) to reveal where baseball truly thrives.
As WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo explained, “While the top baseball cities tend to be those with the best-performing MLB teams, they also often have several teams to cheer on at the Minor League and collegiate levels.”
Here’s where the data says baseball fans are hitting it out of the park in 2025.
10. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati may not have the newest ballpark or the flashiest roster, but its baseball roots run deep. Home to the Reds, the first professional baseball team, this city keeps tradition alive. Add in the affordable ticket prices and strong Minor League presence, and it’s easy to see why Cincinnati ranks so high.
9. West Sacramento, California
It might surprise some to see this Northern California city break the top 10, but the Sacramento River Cats (the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate) have built one of the most devoted Minor League fan bases in the country. The proximity to San Francisco’s MLB scene doesn’t hurt either.
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Phillies have kept the city buzzing with playoff appearances and a fiercely loyal fan base that bleeds red and white. Between the MLB excitement and a solid mix of collegiate teams, Philly’s blend of history, passion, and attitude makes every game day memorable.
7. San Francisco, California
The Giants’ waterfront stadium is a destination in itself — few spots can top watching a home run splash into McCovey Cove. With a franchise valued among MLB’s highest and a strong Minor League pipeline nearby, San Francisco remains one of the sport’s crown jewels.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Between the Cubs and the White Sox, Chicago fans get twice the baseball drama. Whether you’re singing along in Wrigleyville or catching a night game on the South Side, the Windy City lives and breathes baseball, even if both teams’ recent records test that loyalty.
5. Boston, Massachusetts
Few fan bases match Boston’s intensity. The Red Sox are practically religion in New England, with Fenway Park standing as a living museum to the sport. Boston’s high ticket prices reflect that devotion — but the atmosphere is worth every penny. (There as SO many fun things to do in Boston too!)

4. St. Louis, Missouri
Baseball in St. Louis borders on sacred. The Cardinals boast some of the most consistent attendance numbers in the league and one of the most knowledgeable fan bases anywhere. Busch Stadium fills up no matter the standings — loyalty here doesn’t waver.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
The Braves have been on fire in recent years, earning multiple division titles and a World Series win. Truist Park’s fan experience ranks among the best, combining modern amenities with that southern sense of community that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
2. Los Angeles, California
With both the Dodgers and the Angels, Los Angeles gives baseball fans plenty to cheer for. The Dodgers’ World Series pedigree, combined with sunny weather and star-power rosters, keeps L.A. near the top — even without a Minor League presence.
1. New York City, New York
No surprise here. Between the Yankees’ 27 World Series titles and the Mets’ devoted following, New York dominates the sport on both history and hype. The city also has one Minor League team (the Brooklyn Cyclones) and a record-setting six Division I NCAA programs. Whether you’re in the Bronx, Queens, or Coney Island, baseball is part of the city’s DNA.
Want to see how your hometown stacks up overall? Don’t miss the best sports cities in America…and for a little off-field inspiration, the best sports movies of all time.