No MLB team is universally liked by every fan (that's why there are rivalries), but some teams are hated less than others. So which teams are the most likable (or maybe least hateable) in MLB? USA Today has ranked every MLB team in terms of "likability" and the reasons for why one team is ranked higher are rather fickle. So send all the hate (and credit) over to them.
And if you're wondering about the bottom two teams, they are the Yankees and Cardinals. Which is exactly how it should be. With that in mind, here are the 10 most likable teams in Major League Baseball.
10. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners rank so high on USA Today's list because Ken Griffey Jr. and Ichiro once played for them. Even though they aren't even on the team anymore, they reach the Top 10. This is just the first of many random reasons for ranking a team highly.
9. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are really good this year, and maybe this is the season that the Cubbies finally break that curse. Given that the Cubs have long been the "lovable losers" it's actually surprising they aren't higher.
Here's your big surprise - the Phillies rank No. 8. Never mind that their fans are generally considered not nice to outsiders, the Phillies are in the Top 10. And it's all because of the mascot. I mean, he's awesome and all, but eight feels too high.
Like the next time on this list, the Orioles rank highly because of their stadium. The french fries and crab dip combo is a big boost, and that stuff is pretty delicious.
The Brewers are docked points because of Ryan Braun, but the stadium saves them. USA Today thinks their beer is good, so there's that.
The Twins get a high rating because they haven't been any good, so there's no reason to hate them. Talk about your backhanded compliments.
The Reds rank so high not because of their recent play (which has been awful), but because they are the oldest MLB franchise. Apparently you can't hurt that.
The recent run of success for the Pirates comes only after many rough seasons. So their apparent lack of arrogance helps them rank high.
Wondering why they're so high? USA Today credits the "Moneyball" movie as the only reason. Also, if we're including movies, where on earth are the Indians because of the "Major League" series?
The Royals are having a rough season (thanks injuries), at least compared to their previous few years. KC won the World Series last year, but USA Today still puts them No. 1. USA Today adds that the Kansas City is the best baseball town in America and their small-market status helps them.
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