Sports Cities: Who's the Best?
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by user JuTMSY4
As a sat through another typical Philadelphia Phillies game (them losing), like most Philly fans, my thoughts began to turn towards the start of Philadelphia Eagles training camp. Which really got me thinking, Philadelphia truly is not as much of a baseball town as it is a football town. Much like Boston, where even at New England Patriots parades, they chant “Yankees Suck.”
Each of the major cities in the United States can be very unique, and each embraces sports in the same and sometimes in very different ways. Somehow, cities seem to match up to certain sports in a way that is unlike many other cities. New York loves the history of baseball, Los Angeles loves the glitz and glamour of basketball and Chicago enjoys the brutality of football. Finally, I came to the conclusion that certain cities are just head and shoulders above the rest in their love for certain sports. As such, I am presenting a list of the best cities for certain sports. I invite debate, as I’m sure many of you will disagree with my conclusions, which is fine. To that extent, teams named after regions or states will be counted based on the city they exist in and college and high school sports may factor in, but are not truly considered. This is my take on the five best cities for each of the 4 major sports.
Basketball Cities
Los Angeles
Teams: 2
Championships: 14 (All Lakers)
Best Player: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Debatable)
Current Best Player: Kobe Bryant
Nothing quite defines basketball like the Los Angeles Lakers. Their unique name (which has nothing to do with their current city) comes from Minnesota, the land of lakes, while their colors are almost synonymous with Los Angeles. Its hard to imagine a time when the Lakers didn’t have a major star or did o’t have numerous celebrities patrolling courtside. If you ever want to breathe in the celebrity of basketball that side of the Mississippi, I suggest you make a quick stop at the Staples Center. They’ve also got the Clippers, but like I said, we’re talking about basketball history, not the future.
Boston
Teams: 1
Championships: 16
Best Player: Larry Bird
Current Best Player: Paul Pierce
You say you want basketball history on the east coast? Fair enough. I suggest you visit the new “gahden.” Home of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are probably most famous for having one of, if not the, greatest dynasty in basketball and even sports history. From 1957 to 1969, they racked up 12 championships, 10 in a row. Moreover, they also created an amazing rivalry between themselves and the Lakers during the 1980s, resulting in a rejuvenation for the game. Until the arrival of Michael Jordan, Boston was responsible for at least half of what the game became, especially in popularity. Their best player, Larry Bird, a gangly white man from Indiana, brought the game to a whole new crowd and allowed the game to grow into what it is today.
Detroit
Teams: 1
Championships: 3 (2 NBL)
Best Player: Isiah Thomas
Best Current Player: Chauncey Billups (Debatable)
The Detroit Pistons did not come into their own until the late 80s and early 90s when the “Bad Boys” lead by Isiah Thomas Detroit to back to back titles. The team recently hit a renaissance, as the Pistons win the 2004 Championship and returned to the finals in 2005, only to lose to the San Antonio Spurs. Really, the “Bad Boys” embodied the hard working, muscle building, take what you can get attitude of Detroit and turned it into a team concept, and one that worked at that. Now the Pistons defensive skill has caused the city to embrace them yet again.
Indiana
Teams: 1
Championships: 0 (3 ABA)
Best Player: Reggie Miller
Best Current Player: Jermaine O'Neal
Nothing quite shows basketball’s history like the great state of Indiana. Famous for producing legends like Larry Bird and Bobby Knight, Indiana also has a rich professional basketball history with the former ABA squad the Indiana Pacers. While the Pacers have never won an NBA championship, they have been to the NBA Finals and have had one of the more prolific clutch shooters in Reggie Miller. While famous coach Larry Brown may have never won a championship there, he did capture a conference championship and the foundation for a very good future franchise.
Chicago
Teams: 1
Championships: 6
Best Player: Michael Jordan
Best Current Player: Ben Gordon (Debatable)
The Basketball list could not be complete without the team lead by the most prolific player in the NBA ever. Michael Jordan lead the Chicago Bulls to two “Three-peats” in between a retirement. Without argument, Jordan is the greatest player to ever grace the court and Chicago loved him for it. Now the team is prepared to make a second run at greatness, with a young talented group (And a few Knicks draft picks), they appear to be ready for the Chicago crowd once again.
Honorable Mentions
Philadelphia, New York, Houston
Best City
Los Angeles
Hockey Cities
Detroit
Teams: 1
Championships: 10
Best Player: Gordie Howe
Current Best Player: Steve Yzerman (Debatable)
Hockeytown U.S.A. graces the list first, as the Detroit RedWings were one of the first franchises to join the newly formed NHL. Whats most notable about the Redwings is their lack of extreme dominance for such an old franchise. They have won many championships, but never more than three for a specific era. This doesn’t mean that the team wasn’t great, but that they’ve been able to sustain a quality franchise for many, many years. Once again, another reflection of Detroit is the hard working quality of their hockey players. Guys, like their current captain, Stevie Y, who, despite injuries, gives his all when he can. Not to mention, Detroit was the home of one, if not the most prolific score this side of Wayne Gretzky.
Montreal
Teams: 1 (2 on occasion)
Championships: 24 (Canadiens) + 7 (Wanderers) + 2 (Maroons) = 33 Stanley Cups
Best Player: Maurice Richard
Current Best Player: Saku Koivu
Probably the mot storied franchise in hockey, the Montreal Canadiens have clearly been dominant throughout their very long time in the NHL. The Montreal Wanderers, Quebec Bulldogs and Quebec Nordiques are also part of the rich history of Montreal hockey, with all but the Nordiques contributing to the Stanley Cup list (The Nordiques first cup win came in Denver as the Colorado Avalanche. Unlike Detroit, Montreal has had significant periods of dominance, like the 50s, 60s and 70s. Their only remaining team faltered during the late 90s but are starting to return to form.
New York
Teams: 2
Championships: 8 (4 Rangers, 4 Islanders)
Best Player: Denis Potvin (Debatable)
Best Current Player: Jaromir Jagr
Two very famous franchises in the sport with two very different histories. The Rangers, one of the first NHL teams in the United States won championships sparingly throughout the early time in the league, but then appeared cursed for the next 50 some years until their gamous breakthrough in 1994. For the first time, America witnessed New York fans suffer, and we all felt bad and then glad for them, but just a little. While the Islanders had one period of dominance, in the early 80s, where they won 4 Stanley Cups and were considered one of the greatest dynasties in the sport.
Edmonton
Teams: 1
Championships: 5
Best Player: Wayne Gretzky
Best Current Player: Dwayne Roloson (Debatable)
While not the most historic of franchises, Edmonton captures a spot because of one man, Wayne Gretzky. Leading the Oilers to 4 of their 5 Cup wins while becoming the best player ever, Canadians all around witnessed and welcomed the pure talent that he was. On top of that, they also were lead by other greats such as Mark Messier and Paul Coffey. And perhaps most importantly, the first black goalie to lead his team to the cup, Grant Fuhr, broke down many barriers that players recognize everyday.
Boston
Teams: 1
Championships: 5
Best Player: Bobby Orr
Best Current Player: Patrice Bergeron (Debatable)
A very storied franchise, who fitted perfectly with the Boston Garden Theme, as they were hot when the Celtic were not. Perhaps this city might have seen the most greats in its time, of particular mention, Orr, Raymond Bourque, Phil Esposito, and Cam Neely. Their true dominant period was the 70s, where, lead by Orr, they captured two cups and the hearts of a city in tune with them, while they watch their other franchises flounder, whether at the top or bottom.
Honorable Mentions
Philadelphia, Toronto, Chicago, Calgary, Pittsburgh
Best City
Montreal
Baseball Cities
New York
Teams: 2
Championships: 26 (Yankees) 2 (Mets)
Best Player: George Herman “Babe” Ruth
Current Best Player: Alex Rodriguez (Debatable)
Almost without question, the most storied franchise in baseball, if not sports, history. The New York Yankees have taken part of or have been part of a very large portion of baseball’s most historic moments. Given the opportunity, if you ask any non-baseball fan to name a baseball player, odds are it will be a Yankee. The Yankees most district eras were the 20s, 30s, 50s, and 90s, however they did have numerous championships sprinkles throughout. Most notable, however, is that each era featured one of the games greats (Ruth, Joe Dimaggio, Lou Gehrig, etc). With respect to the New York Mets, more of a typical franchise, they have won two championships, and were known as one of the worst teams ever as well. Most importantly, they won the 1986 World Series on one of the most infamous plays ever.
Boston
Teams: 1
Championships: 6
Best Player: Ted Williams (Debatable)
Current Best Player: David Ortiz (Debatable)
While not the winningest team in the history of the game, the fans sure act like it. There may be no more passionate fans of their team in baseball, than those who root for the old town team, the Boston Red Sox. The real history of the Red Sox is not in winning, however, but in losing. All stemming from the trade of Babe Ruth to the Yankees for $250,000.00 to finance the Broadway Musical “No, No, Nanette,” the Red Sox entered one of the longest championship droughts in sports history. Perhaps this bettered the team, as the fans become so passionate about their losing. When the curse was broken, in 2004, it represented the renaissance of baseball in modern day.
Chicago
Teams: 2
Championships: 11
Best Player: Hack Wilson (Debatable)
Best Current Player: Derrek Lee (Debatable)
Both team experienced extreme droughts in championships, which seems to make the fans even more frenzied. The South Side Chicago White Sox recently ended their losing streak by capturing their first title since 1917, the longest wait in MLB history, that is until the Cubs win. While White Sox fans haven’t been as nearly frenzied as Cubs fans, bragging rights seem to rain supreme. The “Lovable Losers” are continuing their trend as they seem set on another losing season, while the White Sox seem destined for at least a divisional race.
Los Angeles
Teams: 2
Championships: 7
Best Player: Sandy Koufax (Debatable)
Best Current Player: Vladimir Guerrero
Perhaps what we could consider the Yankees of the West, the Los Angeles Dodgers are one of baseballs more historic franchises and they were conceived in New York, winning 4 of their 6 titles in Los Angeles. Home to three of the greatest pitchers ever, Koufax, Don Drysdale and Don Sutton, the Dodgers represent to west coasters what the Yankees represent to east coaster. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim quietly became champions in 2003 and actively pursue the title each year for the past couple of years. While not nearly as historic, this New York of the west dynamic continues as the younger, lesser franchise has a story (and movie!) of its own.
San Francisco
Teams: 1
Championships: 5
Best Player: Willie Mays
Best Current Player: Barry Bonds (Debatable)
Another New York transplant, the San Francisco Giants are responsible for two of the four most incredible power hitters of all time. Quietly, however, this town has not seen a championship for over 50 years. With rivalries abound (Dodgers, Oakland Athletics), the Giants always manage to draw large crowds and while the show as of late has been of the freakish sort, the Giants are one of the more storied franchises, sending 51 former players to the Hall of Fame, the most of any franchise, however only 5 were elected based on their merits as a Giant.
Honorable Mentions
Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis
Best City
New York
Football Cities
Dallas
Teams: 1
Championships: 5 (All Super Bowls)
Best Player: Emmitt Smith (Debatable)
Current Best Player: Terrell Owens (Debatable)
The city of Dallas, home of “America’s Team” the Dallas Cowboys are considered one of the NFL’s dynasty franchises, winning two Super Bowls in the 70’s during their 5 Super Bowl trips and more impressively winning three out of three in the early 90s to be considered one of the dynasties of that decade. Dallas was home of the “Doomsday Defense” and the infamous “Triplets” both giving them victories in the big game. Dallas’s dynamic isn’t seen so much in their team as in their owner, who constantly demands a winner, much like the fans.
Green Bay
Teams: 1
Championships: 12 (3 Super Bowls)
Best Player: Bart Starr
Current Best Player: Brett Farve
The most historic franchise in the NFL is also located in a little-known town in the middle of Wisconsin. The Packers were distinctly dominant during both the 60s, when they were lead by Vince Lombardi and the aforementioned Starr and the 90s when they were lead by Mike Holmgren and Brett Farve. What truly makes this club and its fans special is the connection between the town and the franchise. Fans see players riding to practice on bikes, they come to training camp and games almost regardless of how the team is doing and the fans even own the team.
Philadelphia
Teams: 1
Championships: 3 (No Super Bowls)
Best Player: Reggie White
Best Current Player: Donovan McNabb
If ever there was a suffering fanbase, it is in Philadelphia, home of some of the most intelligent, yet diabolical fans. Well known for, among other things, booing Santa Claus, throwing snowball at Jimmy Johnson and cheering the career ending injury of Michael Irvin, these fans are as miserable as they are passionate. Until the mid 1980's, they Eagles had been the doormat of the NFL, however during the Buddy Ryan Era, they had, what many consider, the greatest defense in NFL history, of course, they were also the offense for that team, which was lead by Randall Cunningham. Perhaps what is most surprising is that not only are Philadelphia Eagles fans tortured by Philadelphia fans as a whole are facing the longest 4 major sport drought among all cities.
Kansas City
Teams: 1
Championships: 4 (1 Super Bowl)
Best Player: Marcus Allen
Best Current Player: Tony Gonzalez (Debatable)
Nothing says football like the wonderful odor wafting outside Arrowhead Stadium. Inside the stadium, Kansas City Chiefs fans bring the noise unlike many other places in the NFL or sports in general. While fans have not seen a championship in over 35 years, they still pack the stands to see the current power house offense and greats at the running back position, of late Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. This team is not only rich in history, particularly with the great Hank Stram but rich in tragedy, most recently with Derrick Thomas.
Oakland
Teams: 1
Championships: 4 (3 Super Bowls)
Best Player: Howie Long (Debatable)
Best Current Player: Randy Moss
When asked to name some of the most gruesome, diabolical and rude fans in the league, everyone at least considers the Oakland Raiders fans and they are typically at the top of the list. While taking a short stint in Los Angeles, Raiders fans still welcomed back their beloved team 1995 and no one skipped a beat. Enigmatic owner, Al Davis describes the mantra that most sports fans live by best, with his quote “Just Win Baby.”
Honorable Mentions
Boston/New England, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Pittsburgh
Best City
Philadelphia
That’s my list. I’m sure I short-changed a few people’s cities and I’m sorry. This I just my take and my experience on what cities and I welcome any other points you guys have. Enjoy!
Date
Wed 06/14/06, 9:54 am EST
