Once and for all, a group of researchers has identified the MLB fan base which is most prone to fair weather tendencies.
Phillies fans, you may want to stop reading here.
An Emory University study found that supporters in Philadelphia are most prone to bandwagon behavior. The researchers analyze consumer demands from 1998 through 2014 and found that the most demanding baseball fans live in the City of Brotherly Love. (For more about the study's methodology, see here).
When the Phillies are winning, it seems, fans show up. When the team is in the dumps, seats are empty.
"This fits the stereotype of Philadelphia fans as aggressive, demanding fans that are willing to cheer injuries and boo Santa," the researchers write, "The numbers say that Philadelphia fans require their team to perform or they won’t show up."
This year's data appear to back up the study. After their string of N.L. East division titles (the team won five from 2007 to 2011), the team has gradually dropped in the standings and fans have stopped showing up. The team's streak of 257 consecutive home sellouts ended in August 2012.
Attendance this year was at one point down 20 percent from last season, and the Phillies have experienced by far the largest single-season decline in attendance in the league. The team is currently 28-36 and in last place in the East.
Following Phillies fans are the supporters of the Baltimore Orioles, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers. The most loyal fans, according to the researchers, are those of the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals.
(H/T to Sports Illustrated)
