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[XiaNaphryz]

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/...-Sports-Cities-in-America.html?abt=0002&abg=0

We've come up with a few metrics to measure sports pain.

One is the combined number of seasons since a city's last championship, across the four major sports. Cleveland is now up to an incredible 147 title-less seasons since the Browns' 1964 N.F.L. championship.

Another measure is the percentage of seasons over the last 50 years that have ended with a title. For reference, 10 percent of Boston's team seasons since 1965 have ended with a title. Most of the 13 cities on this list here don't clear 2 percent.

We also tell you how many close calls — which we define as unsuccessful appearances in a sport's final four — a city has had. Sorry, Philadelphia.

Methodology

We counted every season since 1965 in the four major sports. We realize some fans would argue for including Major League Soccer, but it has attracted substantially less fan interest by most measures than baseball, basketball, football or hockey.

We focused on cities with at least two teams that have existed for many decades. Several cities with only one team, like Orlando and Sacramento, or two relatively new teams, like Charlotte and Nashville, have also failed to win a major title.

We included seasons from the three upstart leagues that merged into a major league: the American Basketball Association, the American Football League and the World Hockey Association. We did not count the 1994 baseball season, in which no team won a title because of a strike, or the 2004-5 season for the N.H.L., when a lockout prevented any games from being played.

We excluded teams with suburban identities — like the Anaheim Ducks, the Los Angeles Angels, the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders — from the nearby city's count of seasons and titles. But we counted the Green Bay Packers as part of Milwaukee and the Golden State Warriors as part of both Oakland and San Francisco; by any standard, the Packers are Milwaukee's football team, and the Warriors are the entire Bay Area's basketball team.

Much more detail into these selections at the link, here's an overview of the list:

1. Cleveland
Combined seasons since last title: 147
Championship seasons since 1965: 0%
Close calls: 10%
Toughest loss: 1997 World Series
Teams: Indians, Cavaliers, Browns. Former teams: Barons (N.H.L.), Crusaders (World Hockey Association).

2. Atlanta
Combined seasons since last title: 70
Championship seasons since 1965: 0.6%
Close calls: 9%
Toughest loss: 1981 N.F.C. divisional playoff, leading the Cowboys, 24-10, in the fourth quarter, at home.
Teams: Braves, Hawks, Falcons. Former teams: Thrashers (N.H.L.), Flames (N.H.L.).

3. Buffalo
Championship seasons since 1965: 1%
Combined seasons since last title: 101
Close calls: 12%
Toughest loss: 1991 Super Bowl, wide right.
Teams: Bills (N.F.L. and A.F.L.), Sabres. Former teams: Braves (N.B.A.)

4. San Diego
Championship seasons since 1965: 0%
Combined seasons since last title: not applicable
Close calls: 6%
Toughest loss: 2007 A.F.C. playoff game, at home to Patriots after 14-2 regular season.
Teams: Padres, Chargers (N.F.L. and A.F.L.). Former teams: Rockets and Clippers (N.B.A.); Conquistadors/Sails (A.B.A); Mariners (W.H.A.).

5. Washington
Championship seasons since 1965: 2.7%
Combined seasons since last title: 79
Close calls: 4%
Toughest loss: 2012 division series, when the Nats lost a 6-0 lead in the deciding game.
Teams: Senators, Nationals, Capitals, Redskins, Bullets/Wizards. Former team: Caps (A.B.A)

6. Minneapolis-St. Paul
Championship seasons since 1965: 1.2%
Combined seasons since last title: 87
Close calls: 12%
Toughest loss: 2010 N.F.C. title game, and Brett Favre’s late interception
Teams: Twins, Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves. Former teams: North Stars (N.H.L.); Fighting Saints (W.H.A), Muskies (A.B.A.), Pipers (A.B.A.)

7. Philadelphia
Championship seasons since 1965: 3%
Combined seasons since last title: 27
Close calls: 19%
Toughest loss: 2010 Stanley Cup finals (or name an Eagles loss — so many to choose)
Teams: Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, Flyers. Former team: Blazers (W.H.A.)

8. Phoenix
Championship seasons since 1965: 1.2%
Combined seasons since last title: 55
Close calls: 11%
Toughest loss: 1976 N.B.A. finals, Game 5
Teams: Suns, Cardinals, Coyotes, Diamondbacks. Former team: Roadrunners (W.H.A.)

9. Oakland
Championship seasons since 1965: 4.7%
Combined seasons since last title: 69
Close calls: 14%.
Toughest loss: 2001 A.L. division series, blowing a 2-0 lead in games, thanks in part to Derek Jeter’s flip
Teams: A's, Raiders, Warriors. Former teams: Seals/Golden Seals (N.H.L.); Oaks

10. Kansas City
Championship seasons since 1965: 1.7%
Combined seasons since last title: 57
Close calls: 11%
Toughest loss: 2014 World Series
Teams: Royals, Chiefs (A.F.L. and N.F.L.). Former teams: Kings (N.B.A.); Scouts (N.H.L.)

11. Houston
Championship seasons since 1965: 4.2%
Combined seasons since last title: 55
Close calls: 14%
Toughest loss: 1986 National League Championship Series, to the Mets
Teams: Astros, Texans, Rockets. Former teams: Oilers (N.F.L.), Aeros (W.H.A.), Mavericks (A.B.A.).

12. Cincinnati
Championship seasons since 1965: 2.8%
Combined seasons since last title: 48
Close calls: 6%
Toughest loss: 1989 Super Bowl, on a last-minute drive to Joe Montana's 49ers.
Teams: Reds, Bengals. Former teams: Royals (N.B.A.), Stingers (W.H.A.)

13. Seattle
Championship seasons since 1965: 1.7%
Combined seasons since last title: 2
Close calls: 9%
Toughest loss: Malcolm Butler and the 2015 Super Bowl
Teams: Mariners, Seahawks. Former teams: Pilots (M.L.B.), SuperSonics (N.B.A.)

 

[Kurdel]

Objectively cursed cities are the worst!

 

[Stet]

Should've included Canada so Toronto could top the list.

 

[BigAT]

So disrespectful...

 

[8 X 11 Printer Paper]

So disrespectful...

BG and RBH are lighting their crotches on fire as we speak.

 

[Delta Assault]

I'm surprised Chicago isn't up there at all.

But I suppose they figured the Bulls and the White Sox made up for the Cubs.

 

[terrisus]

Another measure is the percentage of seasons over the last 50 years that have ended with a title. For reference, 10 percent of Boston's team seasons since 1965 have ended with a title. Most of the 13 cities on this list here don't clear 2 percent.

imokaywiththis.jpg

 

[captmcblack]

New York City isn't up there with the worst? Aside from the Yankees and Giants, everyone here suuuuuuuuucks at winning titles. No NBA, no NHL, no MLS, no NCAA men's or women's titles, no WNBA, no nothing.

 

[FZZ]

King James will save Cleveland.

 

[NEOPARADIGM]

I'm surprised Chicago isn't up there at all.

But I suppose they figured the Bulls and the White Sox made up for the Cubs.

Never heard of the Blackhawks either I take it.

 

[Jarrod38]

I had a feeling Cleveland would be number one. I think that has to be a first for Cleveland in anything.

 

[Freedom = $1.05]

This seems like some sort of stealth troll of Cleveland since they're about to get wrecked in the NBA Finals.

 

[VeryGooster]

I'm surprised Chicago isn't up there at all.

But I suppose they figured the Bulls and the White Sox made up for the Cubs.

Blackhawks have also won two Stanley Cups in the last five years.

 

[FUBAR McDangles]

Yeah, I figured MSP would be up there.

I see they don't count the Lynx, the WNBA team that apparently just destroys everyone. Or did. I don't know because I don't follow it. Nobody does.

 

[Dion Blaster]

Damn you Marlon McCree!

 

[terrisus]

I'm surprised Chicago isn't up there at all.

But I suppose they figured the Bulls and the White Sox made up for the Cubs.

ftfy

The White Sox have won once in the past 80+ years
For that matter, they've only even been in 2 World Series during that 80+ years.

Sure, they've won more World Series over that timeframe than the Cubs (1 > 0), but they're not "making up" for very much.

 

[The Llama]

Philly at 19% close calls, kill me.

 

[thabiz]

Should've included Canada so Toronto could top the list.

Back to back world series

 

[Primus]

Came expecting Cleveland to be #1, left satisfied.

 

[Seraphis Cain]

Knew Cleveland would be number one as soon as I clicked. :lol

 

[tycoonheart]

DC area resident here.

I feel the pain. Sometimes I wish I didn't follow any sports team from this god damned city. Nothing but heartbreaks.

 

[terrisus]

New York City isn't up there with the worst?

Well, sure, New York is among the worst :þ

Aside from the Yankees and Giants, everyone here suuuuuuuuucks at winning titles.

One of those two doesn't even play in the state of New York anymore.

 

[entremet]

Bostonians are spoiled brats.

freaking bill burr.

 

[BigMastadon]

I'm surprised Chicago isn't up there at all.

But I suppose they figured the Bulls and the White Sox made up for the Cubs.

Since this is factoring in success for the whole city this isn't that surprising. Bulls/Hawks/Sox have like 7-8 combined championships in the past 25 years (give or take one or two). That's not bad.

 

[jwhit28]

I guess they are lumping the Hurricanes in with the Hornets and Panthers? The Charlotte teams are probably too young to stack up to the big cursed boys anyway.

 

[mreddie]

Did people forget the DBacks won a World Series and...oh not much else.

Basically this list is every city but Pittsburgh, NY, LA, San Francisco, Boston and Dallas.

 

[Bacon]

New York City isn't up there with the worst? Aside from the Yankees and Giants, everyone here suuuuuuuuucks at winning titles. No NBA, no NHL, no MLS, no NCAA men's or women's titles, no WNBA, no nothing.

It's cumulative so the Yankees and Giants more than make up for the rest of them

 

[Patryn]

Where's Boston on the list? We've had to endure 123 days without a championship. That's hard times, man! /s

New York City isn't up there with the worst? Aside from the Yankees and Giants, everyone here suuuuuuuuucks at winning titles. No NBA, no NHL, no MLS, no NCAA men's or women's titles, no WNBA, no nothing.

New York is #7.... on the most succesful list.

 

[Matty77]

imokaywiththis.jpg

Yeah, but that includes all of the teams. I am more impressed with going from thinking I would never see the sox win the series to watching it three times.

 

[Randolph Freelander]

Back to back world series

23 years ago. That's yesterday to me, but a lifetime to some of the kids around here.

Meanwhile, what have the Maple Leafs and Raptors been doing?

 

[terrisus]

Basically this list is every city but Pittsburgh, NY, LA, San Francisco, Boston and Dallas.

There are only 19 cities?

 

[Clearos]

Hartford: Any professional sports team we had we lost.

Forever to be stuck with New England(Boston) teams.

 

[Randolph Freelander]

I guess they are lumping the Hurricanes in with the Hornets and Panthers? The Charlotte teams are probably too young to stack up to the big cursed boys anyway.

The latter, not the former.

It's cumulative so the Yankees and Giants more than make up for the rest of them

New York should get a boost because of the Knicks' 5x futility multiplier.

 

[crimzonflame]

Should've included Canada so Toronto could top the list.

2 championships vs The cities with 0 or only 1? Why would they top the list?

 

[terrisus]

Yeah, but that includes all of the teams. I am more impressed with going from thinking I would never see the sox win the series to watching it three times.

Agreed. I don't care in the least about the Patriots. The Celtics and Bruins are alright I suppose. But, I would trade them all away for the championships for the Red Sox. Those are all that matter to me <3

Where's Boston on the list? We've had to endure 123 days without a championship. That's hard times, man!

The struggle is real :þ

 

[NEOPARADIGM]

New York City isn't up there with the worst? Aside from the Yankees and Giants, everyone here suuuuuuuuucks at winning titles. No NBA, no NHL, no MLS, no NCAA men's or women's titles, no WNBA, no nothing.

Eh? I count five Stanley Cups for NYC since 1980.

 

[SliceSabre]

<-----Cleveland sports fan


The Browns are winning the Super Bowl this season! YOU'LL SEE! I'm betting on it!

 

[Vanillalite]

There is a reason Luda is from the Atl!

We coming for that #1 spot!

 

[Bacon]

The latter, not the former.



New York should get a boost because of the Knicks' 5x futility multiplier.

You make a good point.

 

[Jag]

New York City isn't up there with the worst? Aside from the Yankees and Giants, everyone here suuuuuuuuucks at winning titles. No NBA, no NHL, no MLS, no NCAA men's or women's titles, no WNBA, no nothing.

But the sports area really should be the NY Metro and include the Mets and the Islanders dynasty years (of which I heartily celebrated). Hell, even the Rangers won a cup in 94..

 

[terrisus]

New York is #7.... on the most succesful list.

Oh, hey, I like that list much better.
Did we get a topic on that which I missed?

 

[Stet]

Back to back world series

2 championships vs The cities with 0 or only 1? Why would they top the list?

That's part of the curse. They draw us in every 50 or 60 years and make every second generation cry a lifetime of tears.

 

[Draxal]

Eh? I count five Stanley Cups for NYC since 1980.

Islanders/Devils don't count for this exercise (the suburban team rule).

 

[tmdorsey]

List was going to be invalid if Atlanta wasn't at or near the top.

 

[NEOPARADIGM]

Islanders/Devils don't count for this exercise (the suburban team rule).

I knew the Devils didn't, but NYC doesn't claim the Islanders? Never knew that. Still, NYR won one in the 90s so he's still wrong.

 

[terrisus]

But the sports area really should be the NY Metro and include the Mets and the Islanders dynasty years.

I mean, he's including New Jersey in the "NYC" list, so...
Selective choosing.

 

[Randolph Freelander]

List was going to be invalid if Atlanta wasn't at or near the top.

Counterpoint: How can a city be cursed if nobody there cares?

 

[Tawpgun]

Boston da goat

 

[Trigonx]

Surprised to not see Milwaukee on that list(since he is using after 1965 the Braves left after the 1965 season). Bucks have one championship, and Brewers have only been to the World Series once.

 

[DrFunk]

Atlanta a strong #2