Interest in Baseball Declines, March 2018

Marist National Poll

The proportion of Americans who say they are baseball fans matches its lowest in nearly ten years. 44% of Americans currently say they watch baseball a great deal (7%), good amount (8%), or a little (29%). A majority (56%) do not watch America’s so-called pastime at all. The proportion of baseball fans is down from 50% in April 2016. In 2009, 44% of U.S. residents were baseball fans.

Older Americans (51% of those age 45 or older) are more likely than younger Americans (37% of those under the age of 45) to say they are baseball fans. Racial differences are also present. 48% of white Americans and 43% of Latinos, compared with 35% of African Americans, say they are fans.

Americans who live in the Northeast (52%) and Midwest (51%) are more likely than those in the South (39%) and West (39%) to call themselves baseball fans.

More than two-thirds of baseball fans nationally (67%) think the proposed rule change by Major League Baseball to start extra innings with a runner on second base is a bad idea. 17% believe it is a good idea, and 16% are unsure.

Complete March 29, 2018 Marist Poll Release of the United States
Complete March 29, 2018 Marist Poll of the United States (Tables of Adults)
Marist Poll Methodology
Nature of the Sample