[Snapolit1]

Chump teams? Definitely recently.

Chump fans? Hardly. New York fans can be obnoxious aholes, but each of the teams you've mention has a massive motivated fans base. Teams like the Yankees and Mets are among the most valuable sports franchises in the world? Why. Because of heir fanbases.

Many times watching the Mets this year it was clear there were more Mets fans at away games than local team fans. Lets go Mets chants everywhere. Believe me, we don't hear Let's Go Marlins or Let's Go Rockies chants in NY. I was in San Diego and there were 1000s of NYers in attendance who flew cross country (in a continuing pandemic) to cheer their team.

Most (not all players) consider playing in New York an immense career highlight. The fans are passionate beyond belief. Stupidly passionate at times. Tough when you lose but amazing when you win. Look at the 86 Mets documentary. Those guys are sports icons. As are people like Namath, Willis Reed, Jeter, Phil Sims, and many others. NY not for everyone or every player. Hardly chump fans. Like Chicago and Boston fans, highly engaged.