PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — As baseball fans across the nation turn their attention to the World Series, a new study has revealed that Portland is far from a top spot for baseball enthusiasts. According to a recent WalletHub report, the city ranks among the lowest in the country for baseball fans.
Study Overview
WalletHub analyzed 330 U.S. cities using 31 different metrics to determine the best places for baseball lovers. The evaluation considered factors such as team performance, ticket affordability, stadium accessibility, and overall fan engagement.
Top Baseball Cities in the U.S.
Unsurprisingly, New York City claimed the top position as the best baseball city in the nation. With two major league teams—the Yankees and the Mets—New York boasts the highest average franchise value in the country. It also features a vibrant baseball culture, supported by one minor league team and six Division 1 NCAA programs, more than any other city in the U.S.
Also Read
Los Angeles followed closely in second place, also home to two MLB franchises—the Dodgers and Angels—and four Division 1 college teams, making it another powerhouse for baseball fans. Atlanta, St. Louis, and Boston rounded out the top five, each with strong professional and collegiate baseball traditions.
How Oregon Cities Ranked
Oregon didn’t fare particularly well in the rankings. Eugene, home to the Eugene Emeralds and the University of Oregon Ducks, landed at 31st place, making it the state’s top-ranked baseball city. Corvallis, represented by the Oregon State Beavers, followed at 87th place.
However, Portland fell significantly behind, coming in at 254th out of 330 cities. The city’s lack of a Major League Baseball franchise and limited professional presence are major factors contributing to its low ranking. Hillsboro, home to the Hillsboro Hops, placed even lower at 317th.
Potential for Improvement
Analysts noted that Portland’s ranking could rise substantially if an MLB team were to establish itself in the city. Local baseball advocates have long pushed for a franchise, arguing that the region’s growing population and passionate sports base could sustain one.
For now, though, Portland’s baseball fans will have to keep their hopes alive as the city continues to trail behind the nation’s leading baseball hubs.
