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Staff Reports Updated 7:36 AM Thursday, July 2, 2009

In ESPN The Magazine’s seventh annual “Ultimate Standings,” the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are rated the best of all 122 major North American pro sports franchises when it comes to paying fans back for their investment of time, money and passion.

Winning is one component, so neither of Ohio’s NFL teams fares well in the rankings. The Cleveland Cavaliers are the highest-rated NBA franchise. The Cincinnati Reds are No. 36 overall, up 23 spots from last year.

Top 10 franchises

1. Los Angeles Angels

2. Carolina Hurricanes

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Detroit Red Wings

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

6. Washington Capitals

7. Milwaukee Brewers

8. Pittsburgh Penguins

9. San Antonio Spurs

10. St. Louis Blues

Bottom 10 franchises

113. Minnesota Timberwolves

114. Cleveland Browns

115. New York Islanders

116. Oakland Raiders

117. Sacramento Kings

118. Cincinnati Bengals

119. Detroit Lions

120. Toronto Maple Leafs

121. New York Knicks

122. Los Angeles Clippers

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How in the world are the Milwaukee Brewers ranked 7th in this list? Fans of the Brew Crew have only EVER had a World Series appearance over 25 years ago to look back on with pride (and they lost the series). Last year they barely made the playoffs and were quickly put away in the first round... and THAT accomplishment ranks them 7th when it comes to paying back the fans? WTF? A couple decades plus change of being consistent losers, and a single playoff appearance ranks them 7th best franchise?

fan_from_afar
8:41 AM, 7/6/2009

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Wow! all bengals fans are fair weathered? i've met some in my time but i bleed black and orange have since '92. Thats many horrible season i've endured. the drafts the 2-14 seasons everything! if anything give bengals fans credit for staying with a sad display of a team over the last several years

Keith
6:07 PM, 7/5/2009

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And just thin - I had a hand in both teams.

Paul Brown from the Grave
3:05 PM, 7/4/2009

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Our Ohio based pro teams are like our state government - pathetic.

Derrick
9:52 PM, 7/3/2009

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The Bengals fans are fair weathered? Puhlease!!! They have sold out every home game since Paul Brown Stadium opened and the franchise has given them one winning season in 20. If anything, Bengals fans support their team to a FAULT.

Jeff P
4:18 AM, 7/3/2009

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