Connecticut always has been a swing state when it comes to the Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees rivalry, but it appears the Evil Empire is pulling ahead.
Quinnipiac University recently released its 14th annual “Connecticut Baseball Poll,” which includes a simple question for the Nutmeg State’s residents: Who is your favorite Major League Baseball team? Red Sox fans won’t like the results, as 44 percent chose the Yankees, while just 36 percent went with the Red Sox.
According to the poll, that eight percent gap is New York’s biggest lead in popularity over Boston since 2005.
The Sox are the team of choice in some parts of the state — 50 percent of Hartford County residents support Boston compared to 34 percent for New York, while the Red Sox hold a 54 percent to 37 percent advantage in Tolland, Windham and New London Counties. But, as expected, the Yankees are far more popular in counties closer to the Connecticut-New York border, especially Fairfield County, where the Yankees hold a 55 to 13 percent edge over Boston.
Also affecting these numbers is the rise of the New York Mets, who have taken supporters away from both sides of the historic rivalry. Thanks to their magical run to the 2015 World Series, the Mets are the third-most popular MLB team in Connecticut at 13 percent, doubling last year’s total.
The Red Sox may trail the Yankees in Connecticut’s popularity contest, but they hold a firm lead between the foul lines, as Boston entered Monday tied for the American League East lead with a 36-26 record. New York sits 5 1/2 games back in fourth place at 31-32.
H/t to Boston.com
Thumbnail photo via Noah K. Murray/USA TODAY Sports Images
