In a captivating intersection of sports and politics, the upcoming World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees promises to be a microcosm of the nation's ideological landscape. As the two most iconic and valuable baseball franchises face off, their staunchly Democratic fan bases reflect the deep political divisions that have come to define modern American politics.

Uncovering the Political Allegiances of Baseball's Biggest Fanbases

The Partisan Divide in America's Pastime

Delving into the political leanings of MLB fan bases, a comprehensive analysis of 394,202 Nielsen-Scarborough interviews with American adults reveals a striking correlation between a team's geographic location and the partisan affiliations of its supporters. Franchises situated in blue cities and blue states, such as the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Giants, and Red Sox, tend to have strongly Democratic-leaning fan bases. Conversely, as one moves rightward on the political spectrum, the fan bases of teams like the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds become increasingly Republican-aligned.

The Dodgers and Yankees: Bastions of Blue in a Red Sea

The upcoming World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees is a testament to the deep-rooted political divide within the sport. Both teams boast fan bases that lean heavily Democratic, a reflection of the liberal leanings of their respective metropolitan areas. This stands in stark contrast to the more conservative-inclined fan bases of teams like the Braves and Reds, which draw support from across the South and Midwest.

The Political Calculus of World Series Advertising

The partisan nature of baseball's fan bases has not gone unnoticed by political strategists. Both the Trump and Biden campaigns recognized the value of reaching this highly engaged and politically active audience during the 2020 election cycle. The Trump campaign quietly purchased a package of national network ads during the 2016 World Series, while the Clinton campaign quickly followed suit, ensuring a presence on the airwaves during the historic seven-game battle between the Cubs and Indians.

The Shifting Tides of Political Allegiance

The political landscape surrounding the Dodgers and Yankees has undergone a significant transformation over the years. In 1981, when the two teams last met in the World Series, the political figure most closely associated with the Dodgers was Ronald Reagan, a long-time fan and former baseball radio announcer who won 53% of the Los Angeles County vote against Jimmy Carter. Fast forward to 2020, and the Biden-Harris ticket secured a resounding 71% of the Los Angeles County vote, with Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, proudly representing the Dodger faithful.

The Enduring Allure of the Yankee Brand

The Trump-Yankee connection, on the other hand, has remained a constant in the political landscape. Born and raised in Queens, Trump has long been a devoted Yankees fan, with his association with the team peaking during the George Steinbrenner era. Despite the team's largely Democratic fan base, Trump may still seek to capitalize on the Yankee brand, potentially making a high-profile appearance at Yankee Stadium to engage with supporters and generate valuable media coverage.

The Enduring Influence of Sports in American Politics

The intersection of politics and baseball is a testament to the enduring influence of sports in shaping the American political landscape. As one of the few remaining shared experiences in a deeply divided nation, the World Series offers a rare opportunity for campaigns to reach a captive and politically engaged audience in real-time. With the high-stakes battle between the Dodgers and Yankees set to unfold, the 2023 Fall Classic promises to be a microcosm of the broader political dynamics that continue to shape the nation.