Connecticut is a state divided about major league baseball and the divide is growing in favor of the New York Yankees over the Red Sox.
Quinnipiac University's 14th Annual Connecticut Baseball Poll was released today and what pollsters found most surprising is the surge in the popularity of the Mets.
The poll found that, despite a rough start to the season, the Yankees remain number one in the hearts of Connecticut baseball fans, topping the Boston Red Sox 44 to 36 percent.
This is the Yankees' biggest lead over the Red Sox in 11 years, the poll found.
Last year, the Bronx Bombers’ fans outnumbered Red Sox nation in Connecticut, 43 to 33 percent, with 9 percent calling the Mets their top team.
The Mets are surging this year, capturing the hearts of 13 percent of fans.
The Baseball Poll measures the loyalty of the 50 percent of Connecticut adults who said they are "very interested" or "somewhat interested" in Major League Baseball.
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There is little difference among men and women or among younger and older fans.
As always, geography plays a role in whether your baseball loyalties are to the team to our north or south.
The Yankees are up, 55 to 13 percent in Fairfield County, and 48 to 29 percent in New Haven and Middlesex counties.
The Red Sox rule, 50 to 34 percent, in Hartford County and 54 to 37 percent in Tolland, Windham and New London counties.
"The surprise in this year's Baseball Poll is the Mets, who may be getting a boost from their World Series appearance last year," Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz said. "The Yankees certainly aren't making it easy, but Connecticut baseball fans are proving they are loyal through thick and thin."
