5 Most Popular Sports in Ohio

Ohio has many passionate sports fans, and several popular sports draw large crowds throughout the year. From college football to professional baseball, Ohioans love their teams and support them through thick and thin. Here’s a look at five of the most popular sports in Ohio.

Ohio Pro Sports Teams

NFL

NFL popularity has steadily increased over the last decade in Ohio. This may be thanks to the passionate fan base that comes out in droves for each game or tailgate party and the rising attention given to popular teams across the country.

The state of Ohio also has an expansive betting industry and plentiful sportsbooks, making wagering on the NFL accessible and enjoyable for those who indulge. For example, Ohio Sports Betting statistics show NFL as one of their leading participants in sports betting–illustrating just how much of an Ohio pastime football can be for some individuals.

NHL

The National Hockey League has experienced a surge in popularity and exposure in Ohio, particularly over the past few years. Much of the credit for this surge goes to the institutions and organizations that have become involved in growing the game across the state.

There are multiple avenues through which Ohioans gain access to hockey, from schools and colleges to sports teams and arenas. This exposure has led to increased viewership and enthusiasm for professional games and programs at all levels. As such, it is safe to say that in Ohio, NHL hockey is on the rise regarding presence and attendance.

NBA

The popularity of National Basketball Association (NBA) has become increasingly popular in Ohio over the past few years. With multiple successes of recent and former professional teams, basketball admiration has grown throughout the state. From merchandise to local events and ideals to conversations, it’s hard to find an Ohioan who doesn’t have a connection or includes some aspects of modern-day NBA culture in their lifestyle.

Plenty of aspiring athletes and fans continue to support their favorite teams every day across the state. No matter what time of year it is, basketball will forever remain at the top for sport in many small towns, cities, and states all across America.

MMA

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is becoming increasingly popular in Ohio. With its blend of striking and grappling techniques, MMA delivers an entertainment experience for viewers and an opportunity for enthusiasts to test their skills. As people become more familiar with the martial art and gain access to facilities dedicated to practicing it, the number of passionate practitioners grows every day.

Additionally, due to the state’s large population and diverse culture, many people throughout Ohio are drawn toward MMA for its physical and mental benefits. As a result, MMA is on the upswing in popularity in Ohio, making it an exciting time for aficionados and those interested in trying it out.

Cleveland Guardians

MLB

The state of Ohio has a strong affinity and pride for Major League Baseball. With the great American pastime deeply rooted in the heritage and culture of the Buckeye State, this remains true today. Fans flock to stadiums throughout Ohio during the regular season to cheer for their team and witness thrilling, heart-stopping games as players put their talents and skill on display as part of America’s favorite sport.

With a genuine passion for baseball shining through each home outing, these experiences will surely last in memory long after the final inning is complete. As such, MLB popularity continues to soar among residents of Ohio with no signs of fading any time soon.

Conclusion

From NFL to MMA, Ohio has a wide range of popular sports that bring fans together. The state houses many passionate fans, and its growing attention towards various sports teams across the country continues to attract more followers with each passing day. With this in mind, there is no doubt that Ohio will remain a prime destination for all kinds of sporting activities and entertainment.

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Go Astros

Still having a hard time getting over last night’s sweep. Not sure why but this season’s postseason slump hurts worse than previous years. Maybe it’s cause no one that has a job got to watch any of the games? Talk about a terrible schedule. Oh well… I’m an Astros fan the rest of the way. 

Here's To The Indians

Still love me some Tribe… and now it’s officially Browns and Cavs season in the CLE.

That’s Cleveland Baby

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Single Game Tribe Tix on Sale March 6th

Spring training is underway and before you know it our beloved Cleveland Indians will be back on the field! Today the Tribe announced that single game tickets will go on sale March 6th!

Tribe Tix
Photo Credit: The Cleveland Indians

I don’t know about you but I can’t wait for some baseball!

That’s Cleveland Baby

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Tribe Sweep ALDS!

The Indians completed a three-game sweep of Boston on Monday night in the American League Division Series to advance to the ALCS for the first time since  2007.

Tribe Sweep ALDS

The Indians will host the first game of the American League Championship Series on Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field.

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Big Night For Roberto Perez

Roberto Perez seemed to be everywhere last night as the Indians beat the Red Sox in game one of the ALDS. He hit home runs, he was involved in plays at the plate, he was tagging up when he shouldn’t have and brought back memories of Carlos Baerga with a slide into second base that hurt to watch.

Roberto Perez - Thomas Ondrey - The Plain Dealer
Photo Credit: Thomas Ondrey – The Plain Dealer

The series continues this afternoon at 4:30 at Progressive Field.

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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We’re Underway – It’s Tribe Time!!!

With their 7-4 victory over the Tigers on Monday night, the Indians clinched the 2016 AL Central title and they’re back in the playoffs! This is the first time since the 2013 season the Tribe has been to the post season and the first time since 2007 that they’ve won the division.

I ran across this on Facebook this morning when Carrie Nagy Swain added it as her cover photo.

We're Underway
Photo Credit: Carrie Nagy Swain on Facebook

Indians playoff tickets went on sale the other day and sold out within an hour. Progressive Field should be rocking!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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The One and Only Kenny Lofton

It’s been pretty Cavs-centric here on the site lately (for obvious reasons) so I figured I’d switch it up a bit. Here’s a pic of an awesome life sized Kenny Lofton “baseball card” that hang in Progressive Field. Too cool!

Kenny Lofton

The Indians won their 11th straight last night and are on their longest winning streak in 34 years. It’s a great time to be a Cleveland sports fan!

Got a Cleveland picture you’d like to see featured? Submit it here!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Congrats Cavs – I’m Next

We all know the Cavs brought home a title… but did you know that our very own Cleveland Indians are in first place! Who’s up for another parade in November?!?!?

I'm Next - James Stamper FB
Photo Credit: James Stamper on Facebook

Got a Cleveland photo to share? Upload it here!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Tom Hamilton Signs Contract Extension

If you’re a Cleveland baseball fan, you know Tom Hamilton. You may not know what he looks like, but you DEFINITELY know what he sounds like. Tom is the Voice of the Cleveland Indians and today the Tribe announced that he had signed a new multi-year contract extension. Summers at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario never sounded so good. A SWING AND A DRIVE!!!

Tom Hamilton
Photo Credit: Cleveland Indians

The Home Opener is only 12 days away – are you ready for some baseball?

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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We’re Under Way At The Corner…

With the Super Bowl out of the way it’s time to really start focusing on basketball as the Cavs make a run to the Finals. And don’t forget right around the corner is BASEBALL SEASON! I don’t know about you but I get goosebumps thinking about Tom Hamilton uttering those wonderful words: “We’re under way at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario!”

Progressive Field

Do you have a Cleveland pic you’d like to share? Share it here and we’ll give you full credit!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Indians Batter Up Game Program

As we head into the fall I figured I’d take a look back at the beginning of a summer past. This is my Opening Day program from the 2013 season opener against the New York Yankees.

Batter Up 2013

Do you have a Cleveland pic you’d like to share? Upload it here!

That’s Cleveland Baby!

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Goodbye Mark Shapiro – Thanks

On August 31, 2015, Mark Shapiro announced that he would take over as President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays at the end of the 2015 season.  Shapiro has been in the Cleveland Indians organization since 1991. He had worked his way up from player development director to assistant GM, and in 2001 became general manager. Shapiro was named Executive of the Year by the Sporting News in 2005 and 2007. At the end of the 2010 season, he became the Cleveland Indians team president.

Mark Shapiro Indians

Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to Cleveland for the last 24 years. Toronto is lucky to have you.

That’s Cleveland Baby

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100 Strikeouts Times Four = HISTORY

We’re nearly at the halfway point of the baseball season and I think it’s fair to say that the Indians haven’t quite lived up to expectations. That said there are definitely some bright spots. The Tribe is the first team in MLB history to have 4 pitchers with 100 strikeouts or more before the All-Star break! Congrats to Carlos Carrasco, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer & Daniel Salazar on a GREAT first half!

Indians Strikeouts
Photo Credit: Cleveland Indians via Facebook

How do you think the Indians will do in the 2nd half?

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Jason Kipnis – The Lone Tribe All-Star

Tribe second baseman Jason Kipnis was named the lone Indian to represent the American League in the All-Star game. The game will be played on July 14th in Cincinnati at Great American Ball Park.

Jason Kipnis
Photo Credit: Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer

The game will air at 7:00 PM on Fox.

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Tribe Turning It Around?

In case you haven’t noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven’t, the Indians have managed to win a few here and there, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar. (Yes, I know they’ve been the road, but any chance to quote Harry Doyle and I’ll take it…) The Indians beat the White Sox last night and finished their road trip winning the final 3 in a row.

Tribe Turning It Around
Credit: @officialclevelandsports on Instagram

The Indians are back in action tonight against the Cincinnati Reds for 3 games and follow that up with 3 against the Texas Rangers before going back on the road. Let’s Go Tribe!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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