The Best Sports Cities in America

Written by Ben Pogany

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For all my fellow Beantowners feeling a little down with the latest Yankees Series win, let's step back for a second and remember who has OWNED this decade.  Yes, the Yankees have won a series or two (or 27...sigh) in their day, but New York also has the lowely Knicks and Jets representing them.  So to lay it all out, here are the top 30 professional sports cities in the country.  The criteria used was:
--Must have at least 2 professional teams of the big four sports.  
--Both past and present performance is considered, with greater weight given to the present.
--Though success is the greatest indicator used, fan dedication is also a factor.  For instance, though the Cubs never win squat, Chicago is a far greater baseball city than, say, Tampa Bay, which has had some recent success but still can't get fans in the stadium.
--For all intents and purposes, Toronto is being included as an "American" city.
--Boston still gets the Pats even though they're technically from New England.  Dido for the Indianapolis and the Pacers.  However, New York doesn't get the Bills.  7 freakin' teams is enough.
--Four teams is better than three, and five is better than four.  Still, having less teams isn't a dealbreaker.

Be sure to vote on what city you think is tops.  So far, it looks like there are a lotta haters out there...

1. Boston (Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bruins)
2. New York (Yanks, Mets, Giants, Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
3. Chicago (Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks)
4. Philadelphia (Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, Flyers)
5. Los Angeles (Lakers, Dodgers, Angels, Clippers, Kings)
6. Pittsburgh (Steelers, Pirates, Penguins)
7. Atlanta (Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers)
8. Minnesota (Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild)
9. Cleveland (Cavaliers, Indians, Browns)
10. Denver (Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, Avalanche)
11. St Louis (Cardinals, Rams, Blues)
12. Dallas (Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars)
13. San Francisco (49ers, Giants)
14. Detroit (Tigers, Pistons, Lions, Red Wings)
15. New Orleans (Saints, Hornets)
16. Miami (Heat, Dolphins, Marlins)
17. Indianapolis (Colts, Pacers)
18. Toronto (Raptors, Blue Jays, Maple Leafs)
19. Baltimore (Orioles, Ravens)
20. Houston (Texans, Rockets)
21. Washington (Redskins, Nationals, Wizards)
22. Milwaukee (Brewers, Bucks)
23. San Diego (Chargers, Padres)
24. Oakland (Raiders, A's)
25. Seattle (Seahawks, Mariners)
26. Cincinnati (Bengals, Reds)
27. Arizona (Diamondbacks, Cardinals)
28. Carolina (Panthers, Hurricanes)
29. Tampa Bay (Devil Rays, Lightning)
30. Pheonix (Suns, Coyotes)