20 Sports Teams You Have To Love

20 Sports Teams You Have To Love

By Stu Laperle

July 24, 2014

Sports Teams You Have To Love

Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant — From the NFL and MLB, to the NHL and NBA, everyone has their favorite teams. No matter where you are from, sports fans stay loyal to their teams, but there are a few teams that have built legacies so great that they are respected by nearly everyone. Here are 20 teams that you just have to love no matter who you are.

From the NFL and MLB, to the NHL and NBA, everyone has their favorite teams. No matter where you are from, sports fans stay loyal to their teams, but there are a few teams that have built legacies so great that they are respected by nearly everyone. Here are 20 teams that you just have to love no matter who you are.

20. Los Angeles Dodgers

Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers

20. Los Angeles Dodgers

Sandy Koufax Los Angeles Dodgers — Moving from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958, the Dodgers have had many up and down season. But lack of wins has never hampered the fans, as legends like Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax continually attract large crowds to Dodger Stadium.

Moving from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958, the Dodgers have had many up and down season. But lack of wins has never hampered the fans, as legends like Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax continually attract large crowds to Dodger Stadium.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Wallace Pittsburgh Steelers

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19. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Wallace Pittsburgh Steelers — You can't say you are a true sports fan until you have gone to Heinz Field and waved Myron Cope's terrible towel. No other NFL team has won more Super Bowl rings than the Steelers, and while the Penguins may have seen more success recently, Pittsburgh will always be a football city.

You can't say you are a true sports fan until you have gone to Heinz Field and waved Myron Cope's terrible towel. No other NFL team has won more Super Bowl rings than the Steelers, and while the Penguins may have seen more success recently, Pittsburgh will always be a football city.

18. Chelsea F.C.

Chelsea FC v FC Shakhtar Donetsk - UEFA Champions League

18. Chelsea F.C.

Chelsea FC v FC Shakhtar Donetsk - UEFA Champions League — There are many great teams that play in the English Premier League, but few are as notable as the Blues of Stamford Bridge. Chelsea seemingly always ends up at the top of the table by the end of the season, and they consistently contend for the Champions Cup. In a country that lives and breaths soccer, Chelsea is one of the favorites.

There are many great teams that play in the English Premier League, but few are as notable as the Blues of Stamford Bridge. Chelsea seemingly always ends up at the top of the table by the end of the season, and they consistently contend for the Champions Cup. In a country that lives and breaths soccer, Chelsea is one of the favorites.

17. Chicago Bears

Walter Payton Chicago Bears

17. Chicago Bears

Walter Payton Chicago Bears — When someone mentions the Chicago Bears, the first things that pops to mind is their bruising defense, but what about Walter Payton, Mike Ditka and George Halas? Okay, so maybe some of football's greatest of all time have played for the Bears, but even during a "bad season", people will rarely predict the Bears coming out on the losing end.

When someone mentions the Chicago Bears, the first things that pops to mind is their bruising defense, but what about Walter Payton, Mike Ditka and George Halas? Okay, so maybe some of football's greatest of all time have played for the Bears, but even during a "bad season", people will rarely predict the Bears coming out on the losing end.

16. Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Final

16. Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Final — No matter what team you root for, as a hockey fan, you have to respect the skill that Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews bring to the league. As one of the Original Six teams, the Blackhawks have been around for over 85 years, and have developed one of the largest followings in the NHL. The only time you are allowed to hate the 'Hawks is when your team is facing them in the playoffs.

No matter what team you root for, as a hockey fan, you have to respect the skill that Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews bring to the league. As one of the Original Six teams, the Blackhawks have been around for over 85 years, and have developed one of the largest followings in the NHL. The only time you are allowed to hate the 'Hawks is when your team is facing them in the playoffs.

15. Boston Red Sox

Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox

15. Boston Red Sox

Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox — Opened over 100 years ago, "The Cathedral of Boston" has been home to many baseball greats. Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski belted homers over the Green Monster at Fenway Park, and although it is one of the smallest ballparks in the MLB, fans still flock to the stadium for every home game. Out of all sports, Red Sox fans are some of the most loyal, even when they have to wait 86 years.

Opened over 100 years ago, "The Cathedral of Boston" has been home to many baseball greats. Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski belted homers over the Green Monster at Fenway Park, and although it is one of the smallest ballparks in the MLB, fans still flock to the stadium for every home game. Out of all sports, Red Sox fans are some of the most loyal, even when they have to wait 86 years.

14. San Francisco 49ers

Joe Montana San Francisco 49ers

14. San Francisco 49ers

Joe Montana San Francisco 49ers — Many studs have ran out onto Candlestick Park, but no one quite did it like Joe Montana. 'Joe Cool' was one of the most feared QBs in the game, and his five Super Bowl rings solidified his greatness. While 'Joe Cool' and 'Candlestick' may be a thing of the past, the 49ers' legacy as one of the most loved teams in the NFL still lives on.

Many studs have ran out onto Candlestick Park, but no one quite did it like Joe Montana. 'Joe Cool' was one of the most feared QBs in the game, and his five Super Bowl rings solidified his greatness. While 'Joe Cool' and 'Candlestick' may be a thing of the past, the 49ers' legacy as one of the most loved teams in the NFL still lives on.

13. FC Bayern Munich

FC Bayern Munich UEFA Champions League Final

13. FC Bayern Munich

FC Bayern Munich UEFA Champions League Final — With Germany victorious at the World Cup, all eyes were on the national team, but once Bundesliga play resumes, all attention goes back to FC Bayern. One of the most dominate clubs in the world, Bayern Munich has built a reputation on winning. The team, which primarily consists of German players and a few standouts from other countries, is consistently a contender for the Champions League, probably because their fans do not take kindly to losing.

With Germany victorious at the World Cup, all eyes were on the national team, but once Bundesliga play resumes, all attention goes back to FC Bayern. One of the most dominate clubs in the world, Bayern Munich has built a reputation on winning. The team, which primarily consists of German players and a few standouts from other countries, is consistently a contender for the Champions League, probably because their fans do not take kindly to losing.

12. San Antonio Spurs

Oklahoma City Thunder v San Antonio Spurs

12. San Antonio Spurs

Oklahoma City Thunder v San Antonio Spurs - Game Five — I am not sure if the San Antonio Spurs knew what they were getting when they drafted Tim Duncan first overall back in 1997. Well, they got a dynasty that will go down in the books forever. The Spurs captured five NBA championships, riding the backs of Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Along with Gregg Popovich, the Spurs may well be the most respected NBA teams of all time.

I am not sure if the San Antonio Spurs knew what they were getting when they drafted Tim Duncan first overall back in 1997. Well, they got a dynasty that will go down in the books forever. The Spurs captured five NBA championships, riding the backs of Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Along with Gregg Popovich, the Spurs may well be the most respected NBA teams of all time.

11. Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings Joe Lewis Rafters

11. Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings Joe Lewis Rafters — You don't have to look much further than the rafters at Joe Louis Arena to realize that Detroit loves its hockey. Nicknamed "Hockeytown" for a reason, Detroit has been the home of Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay and Steve Yzerman. From their 11 Stanley Cups, to their ridiculous octopus rituals, there are not many reasons to dislike the Detroit Red Wings.

You don't have to look much further than the rafters at Joe Louis Arena to realize that Detroit loves its hockey. Nicknamed "Hockeytown" for a reason, Detroit has been the home of Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay and Steve Yzerman. From their 11 Stanley Cups, to their ridiculous octopus rituals, there are not many reasons to dislike the Detroit Red Wings.

10. St. Louis Cardinals

2011 World Series Texas Rangers v St Louis Cardinals

10. St. Louis Cardinals

2011 World Series Texas Rangers v St Louis Cardinals — The Cardinals may only have 11 World Series titles, but for the National League, that is pretty good. While players and managers come and go, the Card fanbase helps keep the team playing strong.

The Cardinals may only have 11 World Series titles, but for the National League, that is pretty good. While players and managers come and go, the Card fanbase helps keep the team playing strong.

9. FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

9. FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - La Liga — FC Barcelona is becoming known as the New York Yankees of the soccer world. If they want a player, they simply go buy him, no questions asked. Currently, Lionel Messi and Neymar call Barcelona home.

FC Barcelona is becoming known as the New York Yankees of the soccer world. If they want a player, they simply go buy him, no questions asked. Currently, Lionel Messi and Neymar call Barcelona home.

8. Boston Celtics

Larry Bird Robert Parish Kevin McHale Boston Celtics

8. Boston Celtics

Larry Bird Robert Parish Kevin McHale Boston Celtics — The Boston Celtics are well-known for their 10 MVP awards, but as a team the C's have won 17 championships and solidified their spot at the top of the NBA ranks. Recently, the squad has been struggling, but their fans still remain supportive. It seems as though Celtics fans are just as loyal as they were in 1959, just before they won eight straight titles.

The Boston Celtics are well-known for their 10 MVP awards, but as a team the C's have won 17 championships and solidified their spot at the top of the NBA ranks. Recently, the squad has been struggling, but their fans still remain supportive. It seems as though Celtics fans are just as loyal as they were in 1959, just before they won eight straight titles.

7. Montreal Canadiens

Bell Centre Montreal Canadiens

7. Montreal Canadiens

Bell Centre Montreal Canadiens — No one has captured more Stanley Cup's then the Habs. Another Original Six team, the Montreal Canadiens have been around longer than any other team in the NHL, and they have one of the biggest following in the league. With legends like Maurice Richard, Guy Lafleur, Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy, how can you not be a fan of the Canadiens?

No one has captured more Stanley Cup's then the Habs. Another Original Six team, the Montreal Canadiens have been around longer than any other team in the NHL, and they have one of the biggest following in the league. With legends like Maurice Richard, Guy Lafleur, Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy, how can you not be a fan of the Canadiens?

6. Chicago Bulls

Jordan Slam Chicago Bulls Dunk Competition

6. Chicago Bulls

Jordan Slam Chicago Bulls Dunk Competition — It is hard to argue against the fact that the Chicago Bulls are one of the most loved sports teams. While people may not list the Bulls as their favorite team, it is hard to find someone who does not like them. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are two obvious reasons to like the Bulls, but the addition of players like Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol have brought the fanbase back to its usual size.

It is hard to argue against the fact that the Chicago Bulls are one of the most loved sports teams. While people may not list the Bulls as their favorite team, it is hard to find someone who does not like them. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are two obvious reasons to like the Bulls, but the addition of players like Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol have brought the fanbase back to its usual size.

5. Green Bay Packers

Greg Jennings Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field

5. Green Bay Packers

Greg Jennings Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field — The 13 league championships are an obvious reason to love Green Bay, but their long and historic legacy as a team is what draws in new fans. Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers are among the top sold jerseys in the NFL, and the team's recent success has gotten fans back on the 'Packs' bandwagon.

The 13 league championships are an obvious reason to love Green Bay, but their long and historic legacy as a team is what draws in new fans. Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers are among the top sold jerseys in the NFL, and the team's recent success has gotten fans back on the 'Packs' bandwagon.

4. Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Final

4. Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Final — Whether it is Bobby Orr flying through the air after lifting the Bruins to a Stanley Cup victory, or Terry O'Reilly leading a stampede over the glass just to fight an opposing fan, Boston bleeds Black and Gold. The Bruins may not have as many banners as the Montreal Canadiens, but their fans never lose hope.

Whether it is Bobby Orr flying through the air after lifting the Bruins to a Stanley Cup victory, or Terry O'Reilly leading a stampede over the glass just to fight an opposing fan, Boston bleeds Black and Gold. The Bruins may not have as many banners as the Montreal Canadiens, but their fans never lose hope.

3. New York Yankees

Derek Jeter Mariano Rivera Andy Pettite Jorge Posada New York Yankees

3. New York Yankees

Derek Jeter Mariano Rivera Andy Pettite Jorge Posada New York Yankees — When owner George Steinbrenner was at the helm, New York Yankee fans expected to win every year. With his seemingly endless wallet, Steinbrenner helped secure some of the best players in baseball, and contributed to the Yankees record 27 World Series Titles. No other team in sports has a reputation like the Pinstripes. No one.

When owner George Steinbrenner was at the helm, New York Yankee fans expected to win every year. With his seemingly endless wallet, Steinbrenner helped secure some of the best players in baseball, and contributed to the Yankees record 27 World Series Titles. No other team in sports has a reputation like the Pinstripes. No one.

2. Manchester United

Manchester United FA Community Shield

2. Manchester United

Manchester United FA Community Shield — Manchester United has captured a record 19 league titles, four League Cups and 19 FA Community Shields since they were founded 136 years ago. Man United may have one of the largest followings in the world, just ask Forbes Magazine, who valued the club at .86 billion. It is safe to say they are a popular club.

Manchester United has captured a record 19 league titles, four League Cups and 19 FA Community Shields since they were founded 136 years ago. Man United may have one of the largest followings in the world, just ask Forbes Magazine, who valued the club at .86 billion. It is safe to say they are a popular club.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Kareem Abdul- Jabbar Magic Johnson Los Angeles Lakers

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Magic Johnson Los Angeles Lakers — There is one team that stands above the rest when it comes to fans demanding success, and that is the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers fans can't stand to lose. Especially when it comes at the hands of the Celtics. Kareem, Magic and Kobe all come to mind when you think about the Lakers, but the 16 NBA championships are what make them so impressive. No matter who you are or where you live, you have to respect the Lakers for what they have accomplished.

There is one team that stands above the rest when it comes to fans demanding success, and that is the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers fans can't stand to lose. Especially when it comes at the hands of the Celtics. Kareem, Magic and Kobe all come to mind when you think about the Lakers, but the 16 NBA championships are what make them so impressive. No matter who you are or where you live, you have to respect the Lakers for what they have accomplished.

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