Baseball is more than a sport: it’s a constant thread woven through the American experience. From small towns to major cities, the crack of the bat and roar of the crowd are sounds that shape entire communities.

Generations have grown up idolizing MLB players, collecting cards and wearing team caps like family heirlooms. The loyalty runs deep, often immune to standings or scoreboards, surviving droughts, heartbreaks and triumphs alike.

Some teams inspire followings that span continents, proving that popularity isn’t always tied to winning — it’s about connection. This ranking looks at the 25 MLB franchises with the largest fanbases, measured by Facebook followers.

25. Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics fans display signs during a reverse boycott game against the Tampa Bay Rays at RingCentral Coliseum on June 13, 2023. (Source: Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)

Fans: 32,000
City: Oakland, CA
Championships: 9
Founded: 1901 (as Philadelphia Athletics)

The A’s won three consecutive World Championships between 1972 and 1974, with legendary players such as Vida Blue, Catfish Hunter, Reggie Jackson, and ace reliever Rollie Fingers. But the franchise struggled to succeed since then.

The team plays its home games at the Oakland Coliseum. The stadium was also home to the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League in two periods (1966 to 1981 / 1995 to 2019).

24. Colorado Rockies

Colorado Rockies young fan in stands wearing foam finger during a game (Source: Getty Images)

Fans: 870,000
City: Denver, CO
Championships: 0
Founded: 1993

The Blake Street Bombers have never won a World Series. In fact, they only hold a National League pennant from their historical 2007 campaign. Even so, their fans have stuck to them through thick and thin.

In 2020, Larry Walker became their first player to be inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite their lack of success, the Rockies have a loyal fanbase who will support them regardless of the results.

23. Milwaukee Brewers

Taylor Green #5 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates with the fans after the Brewers 3-2 10 inning victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks the National League Division Series in 2011. (Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.1 million
City: Milwaukee, WI
Championships: 0
Founded: 1969 (as Seattle Pilots)

Born in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots, the franchise moved to Milwaukee the following year. They are the only team to play in four different divisions since the introduction of divisional play in Major League Baseball in 1969.

American Family Field is home to the Brewers and their faithful. Even if glory hasn’t come their way recently, they will always have their loyal supporters cheering on them from the stands.

22. Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates’ fans during a game. (Source: Getty Images)

Fans: 1.1 million
City: Pittsburgh, PA
Championships: 5
Founded: 1882 (as Allegheny)

While they hold the longest streak of consecutive losing seasons in US sports history, the Bucs can brag about their 5 World Series titles between 1909 and 1979.

The team plays its home games at PNC Park since 2001. Regardless of its performances, you’ll always find plenty of supporters on the bleachers, as they’re the second most beloved team in the city after the Steelers.

21. Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins fans watch as a video tribute to former player Kirby Puckett is shown during a ceremony marking the end of Twins’ baseball inside the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on October 4, 2009. (Source: Genevieve Ross/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.1 million
City: Minneapolis, MN
Championships: 3
Founded: 1901 (as Washington Senators)

Established in 1901, but based in Minneapolis since 1961, the team has fielded 20 American League batting champions. Since 2010, they play their home games at Target Field.

The Twins have had their fair share of struggles, especially over the past decade. But the fans have never turned their back on the team, even when it was painful to watch.

20. Baltimore Orioles

Fans cheer during Game Two of the Division Series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on October 08, 2023. (Source: Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.2 million
City: Baltimore, MD
Championships: 3
Founded: 1901 (as Milwaukee Brewers)

The Orioles have enjoyed their greatest years from 1966 to 1983, when they made six World Series appearances – winning three of them. However, The O’s suffered fourteen consecutive losing seasons in Major Leagues between 1998 and 2011.

That duality has defined the Orioles throughout history. You never know if you’re going to watch them dominate or fail to make the playoffs. I guess that’s what comes with supporting the Orioles.

19. Seattle Mariners

Felix Hernández and the Mariners’ fans. (Source: Getty Images)

Fans: 1.2 million
City: Seattle, WA
Championships: 0
Founded: 1977

The Seattle Mariners’ decision to hire Lou Piniella proved to be correct. Between 1992 and 2002, the franchise won three West Division titles. Since 1999, the team plays its home games at T-Mobile Park.

Sadly, they couldn’t make the most of Felix Hernández’s prime. They’ve had some of the most talented players in the history of the game like Ken Griffey Jr, Ichiro Suzuki, Alex Rodríguez, Randy Johnson, and Edgar Martínez but they don’t have a ring to show for it. Even so, their fans are still there.

18. Kansas City Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of the Kansas City Royals signs autographs for fans before a game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 21, 2023. (Source: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.2 million
City: Kansas, MO
Championships: 2
Founded: 1969

In 2015, the Royals became the first AL Central team to win a division title. After that, they defeated the New York Mets in five games to win their second World Series championship.

In 1973, they moved from Municipal Stadium to Kauffman Stadium (“The K”), which they continue to make their home. The last few years haven’t been easy as they couldn’t find much success, but the Royals fans are still proud of their team.

17. Cleveland Guardians

A fan dressed as Santa Claus looks on as Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches against the the Tampa Bay Rays during Game One of the Wild Card Series in 2022. (Source: Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.2 million
City: Cleveland, OH
Championships: 2
Founded: 1894 (as Grand Rapids Rustlers)

While it has the longest active championship drought in MLB, Cleveland also set the record for the longest winning streak in American League history, winning 22 consecutive games from August 2017 to September 2017.

Since 1994 the team plays its home games at Progressive Field. The franchise, however, went through a significant change in 2021, when they rebranded from Indians to Guardians.

16. Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds fans gather during the Opening Day parade prior to a game against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park on March 27, 2025. (Source: Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.3 million
City: Cincinnati, OH
Championships: 5
Founded: 1881 (as Cincinnati Red Stockings)

In 1970, the Cincinnati Reds formed the emblematic ‘The Big Red Machine.’ With Johnny Bench, Tony Pérez, Pete Rose, Lee May, Bobby Tolan, Gary Nolan, Jim Merritt, Wayne Simpson, Jim McGlothlin, Tony Cloninger, Clay Carroll, Pedro Borbón and Don Gullett, they had their golden era. Five years later, they won two consecutive World Series titles.

In the wake of the Riverfront Stadium demolition, the franchise has played its home games at the Great American Ball Park since 2003. Despite its youth, it’s seen as one of the most iconic ballparks in the nation right now.

15. Los Angeles Angels

Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim acknowledges a standing ovation from the fans prior to batting against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on June 23, 2019. (Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.3 million
City: Anaheim, CA
Championships: 1
Founded: 1961

The franchise has changed its name four times since its foundation in 1961 due to its multiple relocations. Though they were born with their current name, the Angels have been renamed as California Angels between 1965 and 1996 and as Anaheim Angels between 1997 and 2004.

In 2005, the team was officially renamed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in compliance with the terms of its lease with the city. The Halos’ ballpark since 1966 is Angel Stadium, where fans get to watch Shohei Ohtani’s magic.

14. Chicago White Sox

Fans of the Chicago White Sox celebrate their team winning Game Four of the 2005 Major League Baseball World Series against the Houston Astros. (Source: Elsa/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.5 million
City: Chicago, IL
Championships: 3
Founded: 1900 (as Chicago White Stockings)

The White Sox won their last World Series title in 2005, when they beat the Houston Astros. Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko, Mark Buehrle, catcher A. J. Pierzynski and Ozzie Guillén were some of the icons who helped them achieve that feat.

They play their home games at U.S. Cellular Field, located in the city’s South Side. They have to share the city with their lifelong rivals Cubs, and those ‘Crosstown Classics’ are always a must-watch for baseball fans.

13. New York Mets

Young fans of the New York Mets pose before the Mets play the New York Yankees at Shea Stadium May 18, 2007. (Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.6 million
City: New York, NY
Championships: 2
Founded: 1962

Even though they live in the shadow of the New York Yankees, the Mets are still one of the most important teams in MLB history. They have two championships to show for it, and a loyal fanbase that takes pride in supporting this franchise instead of its crosstown rivals.

The team plays its home games at Citi Field since 2009, and, believe it or not, they have one of the strongest fanbases on earth. New York City is all about baseball and there’s always enough room for everyone.

12. Philadelphia Phillies

Fans celebrate a Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies home run against the New York Mets during the first inning in Game One of the Division Series in 2024. (Source: Hunter Martin/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.7 million
City: Philadelphia, PA
Championships: 2
Founded: 1883(as Philadelphia Quakers)

The Phillies are one of the more successful franchises since the start of the Divisional Era in MLB. They had their ‘Golden era’ between 2003 and 2012, when they grabbed the 2008 World Series title, 2 National League pennants, and 5 East Division Titles.

Since 2004, the team’s home stadium has been Citizens Bank Park. Like every team from Philadelphia, they’re always going to have the loudest, most heartfelt fanbase rooting for them – even when things don’t go their way.

11. Houston Astros

Fans cheer during Houston Astros Game 7 World Series watch party on November 1, 2017. (Source: Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.8 million
City: Houston, TX
Championships: 2
Founded: 1962 (as Houston Colt)

Astros became a force in recent years, having won the 2017, 2022, and 2023 World Series. Still, they were also surrounded by controversy. An investigation found that members of the franchise stole signs of opposing teams using technology in 2017 and 2018.

Their home is Minute Maid Park, which opened in 2000. In only a few years, it became an intimidating ballpark for the rest of the league as the Astros strengthen themselves at home.

10. Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays fans cheer as the team makes their way onto the field for their first home game in Toronto this season prior to a MLB game against the Kansas City Royals in 2021. (Source: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Fans: 1.8 million
City: Toronto, ON
Championships: 2
Founded: 1977

The Blue Jays are currently the only MLB team based outside the U.S. and one of two under corporate ownership – along with the Atlanta Braves. They’re also the only American League team to be under such management.

Rogers Centre is home to the Jays and, since they represent Canada in the league, they actually have the support of their entire nation. Baseball is still making its way up north but the Blue Jays have found great PR success. Therefore, their contribution to the league is deeply appreciated.

9. Detroit Tigers

Fans cheer during introductions in Game Three of the Division Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park on October 09, 2024. (Source: Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

Fans: 2.2 million
City: Detroit, MI
Championships: 4
Founded: 1894

The oldest team to have the same name and be in the same city in the American League, the Tigers definitely deserve respect. From 1935 to 1984, the Bengals won 4 World Series titles. Since 2000, Detroit plays its home games at Comerica Park.

The Tigers have struggled big time in the last decade but they had their fair share of success during Miguel Cabrera’s prime. But their fans will continue to root for them regardless of their shortcomings.

8. St. Louis Cardinals

Fans of the St. Louis Cardinals cheer as the players take the field during the World Series Victory Parade and Rally on October 29, 2006. (Source: Elsa/Getty Images)

Fans: 2.2 million
City: St. Louis, MO
Championships: 11
Founded: 1882 (as St. Louis Brown Stockings)

The Cardinals are one of the most successful franchises in the league. They have won 11 World Series championships, more than any other team in the National League. Only the New York Yankees boast more banners.

Their ballpark is called Busch Stadium and has a seating capacity of 44,494. Unsurprisingly, their track record of success has made the Cardinals one of the most polarizing teams in the league. Either you love them or you hate them.

7. Texas Rangers

Fans cheer a passing player along the parade route during the Texas Rangers World Series victory parade on November 3, 2023. (Source: Smiley Pool – Pool/Getty Images)

Fans: 2.3 million
City: Arlington, TX
Championships: 1
Founded: 1961 (as Washington Senators)

Born as the Washington Senators, the team rebranded as the Texas Rangers in 1972 and went on to win seven West Division titles. In 2011, they missed out on the ultimate glory by losing to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games in the World Series.

They left Globe Life Park after 25 years to move to Globe Life Field in 2020. The change of environment paid off, as the team ended its championship drought by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 World Series.

6. Atlanta Braves

Fans of the Atlanta Braves do the Tomahawk Chop during their game against the Houston Astros in game one of the National League Divisional Series on October 6, 2004. (Source: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Fans: 2.4 million
City: Atlanta, GA
Championships: 4
Founded: 1871 (as Boston Red Stockings)

The Braves became one of the most successful teams in baseball history from 1991 to 2005, winning 14 division titles in a row. They are also the only Major League Baseball franchise to win the World Series in three different home cities.

After leaving Turner Field in 2016, the Braves moved to Truist Park the following season. The Braves have enjoyed recent success as they won the World Series against the Astros in 2021.

5. San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Giants fan reacts after Joc Pederson #23 hit a home run during the first inning of a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 12, 2023. (Source: Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Fans: 2.7 million
City: San Francisco, CA
Championships: 8
Founded: 1883 (as NY Gothams)

Founded in 1883 as the New York Gothams, the Giants hold the most wins in the history of baseball. Apart from 23 National League pennants, they boast 20 World Series appearances.

The rivalry between them and the Los Angeles Dodgers is one of the longest-standing not only in MLB, but in American sports. The Orange and the Blacks play their home games at Oracle Park.

4. Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs fans celebrate after the Chicago Cubs defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the National League Wild Card game at PNC Park on October 7, 2015. (Source: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Fans: 3.2 million
City: Chicago, IL
Championships: 3
Founded: 1876 (as Chicago White Stockings)

The Chicago Cubs are a legendary franchise that struggled to find success. It wasn’t until 2016 that they finally won the World Series, ending a 108-year championship drought. The North Siders have played their home games at the emblematic Wrigley Field since 1916.

Wrigley is by far one of the most iconic ballparks in the history of the sport. The Cubs were ‘cursed’ for years, but that’s over now and many generations finally got to see their beloved team become world champs.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers fans hold up syringes during an at bat by Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 13, 2023. (Source: Harry How/Getty Images)

Fans: 3.7 million
City: Los Angeles, CA
Championships: 7
Founded: 1883 (as Brooklyn Atlantics)

The Dodgers have won seven World Series championships and twenty-four National League pennants. The franchise also set the world record for the largest attendance in a baseball game: 115,300 spectators showed up for an exhibition against the Boston Red Sox in 2008 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

They’ve played their home games at Dodger Stadium since 1962 and have been on the losing side of most World Series lately. However, they did get over the hump in 2020, when they beat the Rays in the World Series.

2. Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox fans celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees 10-3 to win game seven of the American League Championship Series on October 20, 2004. (Source: Al Bello/Getty Images)

Fans: 4.8 million
City: Boston, MA
Championships: 9
Founded: 1901 (as Boston Americans)

The Boston Red Sox are not just another team in the league. Not only are we talking about the third most successful team in MLB with nine World Series titles, the Red Sox are also popular outside the US.

Their rivalry with the Yankees may explain their fame, as it’s one of the biggest in the top American competitions. Fenway Park, their historic ballpark since 1912, is one of the most intimidating stadiums every rival could set its feet on.

1. New York Yankees

Fans of the New York Yankees wave during game six of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves at Yankee Stadium in 1996. (Source: Doug Pensinger/Allsport)

Fans: 8 million
City: New York City, NY
Championships: 27
Founded: 1901 (as Baltimore Orioles)

Even people who don’t like baseball know about the New York Yankees, which explains their incredible popularity. Their unparalleled success may explain that recognition: 27 World Series championships, 40 American League pennants, and 19 AL East Division titles.

The Yankees became a worldwide brand, as their logo seems to transcend the sport as a fashion icon. Additionally, fans from all over the world travel to the Bronx every year to watch a ballgame at Yankee Stadium. Curiously, they’re also the most hated team in the nation, but that’s the price you have to pay for success.

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Top 25 MLB franchises with most fans: The most popular baseball teams