The Most Popular Minor League Teams: A Ranking of Fan Favorites

Voting rules: Choose the minor league team you think is the most popular!

Updated on Sep 27, 2023 05:22

Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinions matter! We've got an exciting new ranking in store for you - "What are the most popular minor league teams?" Minor league teams are the unsung heroes of the sports world, and it's time they get the recognition they deserve. From baseball to hockey, these teams showcase thrilling talent and bring joy to local communities. So, it's time to step up to the plate, cast your vote, and make your voice heard! Don't see your favorite team on the list? No problem! Simply suggest a missing option, and we'll add it to the lineup. Come on, sports fans - let's celebrate the incredible world of minor league sports and find out which teams truly hit it out of the park!

What Are the Most Popular Minor League Teams? (October 2023)

1

78
votes
Durham Bulls

The Durham Bulls are a popular minor league baseball team based in Durham, North Carolina. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and have a long history of success on and off the field. They are also known for being the inspiration for the movie "Bull Durham."
Durham Bulls in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Minor League Baseball team
2

36
votes
Toledo Mud Hens

The Toledo Mud Hens are a minor league baseball team based in Toledo, Ohio. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and have a loyal fan base that has supported the team for over a century. They are also known for their unique logo and colorful uniforms.
Description

The Toledo Mud Hens is a minor league baseball team based in Toledo, Ohio. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, playing in the International League. The team is known for its rich history, passionate fan base, and unique team name.

Location: Toledo, Ohio

Affiliation: Detroit Tigers (Triple-A)

League: International League

Stadium: Fifth Third Field

Year Established: 1896
Toledo Mud Hens in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Minor League Baseball team
3

9
votes
Rochester Red Wings

Rochester Baseball Club

The Rochester Red Wings are a minor league baseball team based in Rochester, New York. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals and have a long history of success on and off the field. They are also known for their iconic red and white uniforms.
Description

The Rochester Red Wings are a minor league baseball team based in Rochester, New York. They are currently affiliated with the Minnesota Twins as their Triple-A affiliate. The team was established in 1899 and has a rich history in baseball. The Red Wings play their home games at Frontier Field, which has a seating capacity of over 10,000 spectators.

Affiliation: Minnesota Twins

Established: 1899

League: International League

Level: Triple-A

Home Stadium: Frontier Field
Rochester Red Wings in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular Minor League Baseball team
4

12
votes
Charlotte Knights

George Shinn

The Charlotte Knights are a minor league baseball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and have a loyal fan base that has supported the team since their inception in 1976. They are also known for their state-of-the-art stadium, BB&T Ballpark.
Description

The Charlotte Knights is a minor league baseball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They were founded in 1976 and are currently a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The team plays its home games at Truist Field, which is located in uptown Charlotte.

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Year Founded: 1976

Affiliation: Chicago White Sox (Triple-A)

Home Stadium: Truist Field

League: International League
Charlotte Knights in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Minor League Baseball team
5

10
votes
Reading Fightin Phils

Reading Baseball Club, LP

The Reading Fightin Phils are a minor league baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania. They are the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and have a unique name and logo that has become synonymous with the team. They are also known for their passionate fan base and lively atmosphere at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Description

The Reading Fightin Phils is a minor league baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania. They are affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies and compete in the Double-A Eastern League. The team was established in 1967 and has since been a popular choice among baseball fans.

Location: Reading, Pennsylvania

Affiliation: Philadelphia Phillies

League: Eastern League

Level: Double-A

Year Established: 1967
6

10
votes
Birmingham Barons

William McQueen

The Birmingham Barons are a minor league baseball team based in Birmingham, Alabama. They are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and have a long history of success on and off the field. They are also known for their iconic black and white uniforms and their home field, Regions Field.
Description

The Birmingham Barons are a popular minor league baseball team located in Birmingham, Alabama. They were established in 1885 and are part of the Southern League.

Location: Birmingham, Alabama

League: Southern League

Year Established: 1885

Stadium: Regions Field

Team Colors: Black, white, red
7

10
votes
Portland Sea Dogs

The Portland Sea Dogs are a minor league baseball team based in Portland, Maine. They are the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and have a loyal fan base that has supported the team since their inception in 1994. They are also known for their unique logo and their home field, Hadlock Field.
Description

The Portland Sea Dogs is a minor league baseball team based in Portland, Maine. They are a Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and play their home games at Hadlock Field. The team was established in 1994 and has gained a significant following in the Portland community.

League: Eastern League

Affiliation: Boston Red Sox

Home Stadium: Hadlock Field

Established: 1994

Location: Portland, Maine
8

7
votes
San Antonio Missions

San Antonio Community Leaders

The San Antonio Missions are a minor league baseball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are the Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres and have a long history of success on and off the field. They are also known for their iconic "M" logo and their home field, Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium.
Description

The San Antonio Missions are a minor league baseball team based in San Antonio, Texas. The team competes in the Double-A Central division, affiliated with the San Diego Padres. The Missions play their home games at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, known as Wolff Stadium, which has a seating capacity of approximately 9,100 spectators. The team's logo features a silhouette of the Alamo, paying homage to the city's historical significance.

Location: San Antonio, Texas

League: Double-A Central

Affiliation: San Diego Padres

Stadium: Wolff Stadium

Seating Capacity: Approximately 9,100
9

6
votes
Hartford Yard Goats

The Hartford Yard Goats are a minor league baseball team based in Hartford, Connecticut. They are the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies and have a unique name and logo that has become synonymous with the team. They are also known for their state-of-the-art stadium, Dunkin' Donuts Park.
Description

The Hartford Yard Goats is a minor league baseball team based in Hartford, Connecticut. They are a Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies and play their home games at Dunkin' Donuts Park. The team was created in 2016 and has quickly become one of the most popular minor league teams in the country.

Affiliation: Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies

Home Stadium: Dunkin' Donuts Park

Location: Hartford, Connecticut

Year Founded: 2016

League: Eastern League
10

3
votes
Las Vegas Aviators

Howard Hughes Corporation

The Las Vegas Aviators are a minor league baseball team based in Las Vegas, Nevada. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics and have a loyal fan base that has supported the team since their inception in 1983. They are also known for their flashy uniforms and their home field, Las Vegas Ballpark.
Description

The Las Vegas Aviators is a minor league baseball team based in Las Vegas, Nevada. They are a Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. The team was established in 1988 as the Las Vegas Stars and changed its name to the Las Vegas 51s in 2001. In 2019, they rebranded and became the Las Vegas Aviators. The Aviators play their home games at Las Vegas Ballpark, a state-of-the-art stadium located in Downtown Summerlin.

Affiliation: Oakland Athletics

League: Pacific Coast League

Established: 1988

Previous Names: Las Vegas Stars, Las Vegas 51s

Home Stadium: Las Vegas Ballpark

Missing your favorite minor league team?

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Ranking factors for popular minor league teams

Attendance

One of the primary factors in determining the popularity of a minor league team is the number of fans attending their games. Higher attendance means more people are interested in watching the team play, showing a higher level of popularity.
Merchandise sales

The sales of team-related merchandise, including jerseys, hats, and other items, are a good indicator of the team's popularity. Higher merchandise sales typically mean the team has more fans or has a more dedicated fanbase.
Social media presence

In today's digital age, many people interact with their favorite sports teams through social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. A strong social media following can indicate the team's level of popularity among fans.
Media coverage

The amount of local and national media coverage a minor league team receives can indicate its popularity. Teams that generate more interest from media outlets are likely more popular.
Community involvement

Minor league teams that are actively involved in supporting local community events and causes will likely have a stronger connection with their fanbase and therefore be more popular.
Team success

While not always directly correlated with popularity, a team's on-field success can contribute to its overall appeal. Winning teams are often more popular, as more people are drawn to the excitement of a successful team.
Fan experience

Factors such as the quality of the team's stadium, promotions, and overall fan experience can influence the team's popularity. Teams that consistently provide an enjoyable experience for their fans are more likely to be popular.
Player development and affiliation

A minor league team's affiliation with a popular major league team can boost its popularity. Additionally, if the minor league team has several highly-touted prospects or has had a history of developing successful major league players, they may be more popular among fans.
Geographic location

The proximity of the minor league team to major cities or large populations can impact its popularity. Teams that play in larger markets or in regions with a strong baseball culture might be more popular.
Team history and tradition

Minor league teams with a rich history and tradition, including championships and notable alumni, tend to be more popular among fans.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular minor league teams. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite minor league team is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

1641 views
181 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each minor league team once every 24 hours. The rank of each minor league team is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular minor league teams

Minor league baseball has been a beloved pastime for decades, offering fans a chance to experience the excitement of the sport at a more affordable price point than major league games. With over 160 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, there's no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a minor league team to root for. But which teams are the most popular? Whether you're a diehard fan or just curious about the minor league scene, we've got you covered. Here, we'll explore some of the most popular minor league baseball teams and what makes them stand out from the rest.

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