New York City, often considered the epicenter of American sports, is home to two storied baseball franchises: the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. While both teams share a passionate love for baseball, their fans couldn’t be more different. This article delves into the contrasting characteristics that define the New York Yankees and New York Mets fans, shedding light on the unique dynamic that makes the city’s baseball scene so intriguing. So What is the difference between New York Yankees fans and New York Mets fans?
Historical Context
The existence of two major league baseball teams in New York City has deep roots, dating back to the early 20th century when the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers joined the New York Yankees in representing the city’s baseball prowess. However, the landscape changed dramatically in 1957 when the Giants moved to San Francisco, and the Dodgers headed to Los Angeles, leaving New York with only one team, the Yankees.
The New York Mets, founded in 1962, emerged as a response to this void, giving New Yorkers a second chance to rally behind a hometown team. Since then, the Yankees and the Mets have carved their legacies, each with its unique identity and devoted fan base.
Yankees and Mets fans won’t be able to watch the Subway Series at their respective stadiums this year.
N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg
A Tale of Two Fandoms
While the Yankees and the Mets call the same city home, their fans are distinct in several intriguing ways. In 2010, a survey provided valuable insights into the differences between these two passionate groups of baseball enthusiasts.
1. Popularity
The Yankees enjoy broader popularity overall, nearly doubling the number of fans compared to the Mets. However, a notable exception exists in Manhattan, where the two teams boast almost equal followings.
2. Beverage Choices
Mets fans have a reputation for enjoying their beer, with 43% more likely to drink beer than their Yankee counterparts. Mets fans, on average, consume more alcohol in general than Yankees fans.
3. Ownership of Firearms
Surprisingly, Mets fans are more likely to own guns, with an 11% ownership rate compared to the 5% ownership rate among Yankees fans. This statistic adds a layer of intrigue to the fan demographics.
4. Metrosexual vs. Traditional
Yankees fans are often described as more “metrosexual” due to their preference for Starbucks coffee and owning Mac computers rather than PCs. This contrast in consumer choices hints at differences in lifestyle and values.
5. Marital Status
Mets fans are likelier to be married and have pets, while Yankees fans are more often single. This could indicate differing life stages and priorities among the fan bases.
6. Media Consumption
Mets fans consume “substantially more” sports radio than their Yankees counterparts, reflecting a deeper and more continuous engagement with their team and the sport.
Conclusion
New York City’s baseball rivalry between the Yankees and the Mets is a captivating tale of two fan bases with distinct identities and preferences. While the Yankees hold the edge in overall popularity, Mets fans display their unique character through their beer-drinking habits, firearm ownership, and love for sports radio. On the other hand, Yankees fans embrace a more cosmopolitan lifestyle, marked by Starbucks coffee and Mac computers.
This diversity among New York City’s baseball enthusiasts enriches the experience of being a baseball fan, showcasing that while they may root for different teams, they all share a common love for America’s pastime. Ultimately, it’s not just about the teams themselves but also about the vibrant communities of fans that make the New York baseball scene so dynamic and memorable.