If you are a baseball fan, you know how popular the sport is across the country. You may also know of New York City’s two famous teams, the Yankees and the Mets.
But whether you know much about baseball, it is natural to wonder why New York has two different baseball teams when most cities only have one. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Does New York Have Two Baseball Teams?
1. The Mets Are Older
The New York Mets were first made in 1880. They were the oldest team in the city, and were then followed by several other teams.
The New York Yankees were not even founded until the early 1900’s. At this time, they were called the New York Highlanders.
Because of the difference in age, it is possible that the Mets’ seniority allowed them to stay around longer and avoid the eventual retirement that many of the other teams faced.
2. The City Has A Big Population
Everyone knows that New York is a huge city. Its population is upwards of 8 million people, and it has been a big city even before its baseball teams were founded.
Many times, when baseball teams are shut down it is because they no longer have the fan base to support the franchise.
With the large population of New York, both teams can have enough fans to stay financially secure.
3. The Neighborhoods Used To Be Distinct
Historically, New York was not the giant, unified city that people consider it to be today. Instead, it consisted of several different neighborhoods that functioned almost like independent cities.
These different areas are now the boroughs of New York City, but back when baseball started, they were distinctive areas that had their own teams.
Some of the teams were as follows:
- The Brooklyn Dodgers
- The New York Yankees/Highlanders
- The New York Gothams
These teams eventually had name changes or were eliminated, leaving only the Mets, the Yankees, and the Brooklyn Dodgers.
However, the Dodgers are not technically considered a New York City team as they have since been moved to Los Angeles.
4. Other Sports Have Two Teams There
Another reason the two teams may both still operate is because the football teams set the precedent that baseball can continue to follow.
New York also has two football teams, the Giants and the Jets, and these teams are very popular in the National Football League (NFL).
Although baseball is an older sport in the city, the sheer popularity of both sports holds true. Since everyone knows New York City as a place with two teams for each sport, it can continue happening.
5. Both Teams Are Very Popular
The Yankees are the most popular baseball team in the world, but the Mets are also very well-known. Both boast millions of fans across the country and globe.
Because the teams are so culturally prominent, they can both stay in business as people continue to watch their games and attend them in person, contributing to profitability.
6. They Represent The State
There are certainly other baseball teams across the state of New York, but the truth is that everyone thinks of the Yankees and Mets when they think of New York state baseball.
These two teams have taken on cultural relevancy not only for the city, but for the entire population of New York state.
New York is one of the most populous states in the USA, and for this reason, the sheer number of people statewide supporting the baseball teams allows their existence to continue.
7. The Mets Are Famous Underdogs
The Yankees are the most successful baseball team throughout history, with 27 World Series wins and 40 appearances.
On the other hand, the Mets have had less of an amazing track record, but their team has gained notoriety for being the treasured underdogs.
Their fans continue to support and love the Mets despite their track record, and some even argue that this makes their wins that much sweeter.
Profitability aside, the cultural weight that the Mets carry is enough to convince some people that they deserve to stay around.
Their long history also means that there are many generations of Mets fans across the world and in New York City.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why New York has two football teams, why LA has two NBA teams, and why most quarterbacks are white.
Conclusion
New York City’s two baseball teams, the Mets and the Yankees, are household names across the country. Their long traditions and wide fan base contribute to their continued existence.
While some people may think it is unfair for New York City to have two baseball teams, they both continue to be legendary and draw large crowds to their games.