Redskins, Orioles Among ESPN’s “Most Miserable Fan Bases”
In September of 2018, ESPN released an index featuring the most miserable fan bases in professional sports. A few weeks ago on December 21st, ESPN reporter T.J Berka updated the list to reflect the NFL season and MLB Playoffs. Unfortunately, the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Orioles were among the teams featured in their Top 25 (or 25 Most Miserable Fan Bases). Locally, it’s not much of a surprise, but at least now some folks nationally know how bad it’s getting for the Redskins, O’s, and their fan bases.
The Redskins ranked No. 19 out of 123 professional sports franchises — the lower the rank, the more miserable they are. Here is what ESPN had to say about the ‘Skins.
Per ESPN’s Sports Misery Index:
It’s hard to believe that the Redskins were one of the NFL’s marquee franchises in the 1980s and early 1990s, as they won three Super Bowls between 1982 and 1991 and played in a fourth. If you’re a Redskins fan 30 or younger, all you know is pain and misery, and you probably hate Daniel Snyder with a passion. Since Joe Gibbs retired as coach after the 1992 season, the Redskins have made the playoffs only five times. They looked like they were primed for a sixth this season, but in typical Washington fashion, the top two quarterbacks suffered season-ending injuries.
It isn’t just a matter of rarely making the playoffs, though. The Redskins have won two playoff games since Gibbs left in 1992, with one of those coming when Gibbs briefly returned to coaching. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2005 and haven’t advanced past the divisional round since their 1991 title. Worse yet, they’ve had to watch the Eagles and Giants celebrate Super Bowl championships this decade.
With all the craziness lately — ie: mass firing and Swearinger release — it’s hard to believe things will get any better in the short term. For now, they need to focus on rebuilding their relationship with the fan base. It sounds easy but fans are really upset with them right now. The team has zero direction, flat out.
As for the Orioles, they were right inside the 25 Most Miserable Fan Bases at No. 23; here’s what ESPN said about Birdland.
Per ESPN’s Sports Misery Index:
The Orioles maintain their position just inside the top 25 despite their disastrous 115-loss season and resulting fire sale. They stayed steady (for now) because they have a bit more recent playoff success than the Rays, as Baltimore last made the postseason in 2016 and last won a playoff series in 2014. But like the aforementioned Rays, they have the Boston/New York firewall ahead of them, not to mention a complete rebuild from square one.
The Orioles used to be one of the top franchises in baseball (a common theme among teams in this portion of the rankings) but haven’t been back to the World Series since Cal Ripken & Co. ousted the Phillies in 1983. It has been pretty miserable for most of the 35 years since, as the Orioles’ fleeting success hasn’t been nearly enough in comparison to that of the hated Red Sox and Yankees. Needless to say, this fan base is justifiably sullen.
Unlike the Redskins, the Orioles at least have a change in place — they’re rebuilding as we speak. The fans, however, need to show up for the team. After all, Camden Yards is still one of the best ballpark experiences out there.
Below, we’ll list where the other DMV franchises ranked.
P.S: I’m surprised that the Wizards weren’t more miserable!
No. 57: Washington Nationals
No. 66: Washington Wizards
No. 88: Baltimore Ravens
No. 107: Washington Capitals
Complete index can be found here.
Featured Images: Keith Allison