Another survey says: Angels clobber Dodgers
There was that interesting little annual survey that ESPN came out with a short time ago, and we blogged about, concerning the "Fan Satisfaction Ratings" -- what fans thought was best and worst about all the 122 professional sports teams. The residue left the Angels as the best-rated baseball team in all the land, and the Dodgers limping in at No. 20 among the 30 MLB teams.
Sports Illustrated has its own twist on it. But the net result isn't that much different. Here, in the MLB Ballpark Rankings, where 10 categories are used to break things down, the Angels finished No. 9 overall; the Dodgers were No. 22 of 30. The Cleveland Indians' Progressive Field progressed to the No. 1 spot.
Here's some of the breakdown of this little exercise in surveydom:
In affordability, which takes into account not just ticket prices but the whole money-exchancing-hands system, the Angels (9th) outdid the Dodgers (23rd). Kansas City was No. 1.
In food, the Angels (10th) outdid the Dodgers (13th). Milwaukee was No. 1. Brauts rule.
In team quality, the Angels (5th) outdid the Dodgers (13th). Detroit was No. 1. Among Angels fans, 82.6 percent thought Vlad Guerrero was worth paying to watch, and 61.2 percent voted "excellent" to the question: How would you rate the quality of the product currently being put on the field by the hometown team? On the Dodgers, 54 percent voted for Russell Martin, and 11 percent voted "excellent" to that question (with almost 60 percent saying "above average" and about 23 percent saying "average")
In ballpark atmosphere, the Angels (11th) outdid the Dodgers (15th). Seattle was No. 1.
In promotions, the Angels (6th) edged the Dodgers (9th) again. One comment about the Dodgers' giveaways: "The best promotion was in the old days: Dodger Helmet Weekend. The worst was the Dodger Rewards program that went out of business before we could get anything."
In history and tradition, the Dodgers (4th) finally have something on the Angels (18th). The Red Sox were No. 1.
In fan intelligence, the Dodgers (18th) aren't that much smater than the Angels (21st). St. Louis is No. 1, with 74 percent ranked "excellent." The Dodgers (18 percent) and Angels (12 percent) weren't so excellent. Florida Marlin fan got a 0 percent in "excellent" and 32 percent "poor." The next highest "poor" ranking was 14 percent by Washington. Do Marlin fans even know the team has won a couple of World Series titles?
In fan hospitality, the Angels (10th) really drop a haymaker on the Dodgers (26th). The only places worse: Boston, both New Yorks and, ranked last, Philadelphia. Dodger fans in particular cite the times when Giants fans are in the park.
In getting to the game, which includes public transporation questions and parking, the Angels (16th) may be average, but they're not the Dodgers, who rank last at No. 30. Let's examine this closer: The Dodger fans rate the traffic to and from the park as poor (45 percent) or below average (28 percent). With the Angels, it's average (38 percent) or above average (25 percent). In rating the parking availability and cost, the Dodgers fans are split on average (30 percent), poor (29 percent) and below average (28 percent); the Angels fans are set on average (38 percent) or above average (35 percent). On rating the public transportation options to and from the ballpark, the Dodgers score poor (51 percent). Only Florida (63 percent) and Texas (53 percent) had more "poor" scores. The Chicago White Sox, who ranked No. 1 in this category, had 1.3 percent "poor."
And finally, as for the neighborhood, which rates the dining and drinking options within walking distance of the ballpark, the Angels (15th) may be average, but they're better than the Dodgers (26th), who have seemed to address that with plans to add more restaurants and malls by 2012.
So, the final score per category: Angels 8, Dodgers 2.
Dodger fans may be slightly smarter and have more history, but the Angels appreciate the fact it's not as rude to go to a game, parking is much easier, and it's far more affordable as a family venture.
Take note, my friends. And don't move to Florida.
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