I was under the impression that the Yankees were America's #1 team, but if you didn't like them, then the Red Sox were America's #2 team. (Similar to the Leafs / Habs dynamic in Canada)
Not nearly in the same way. The Leafs are much more popular in Canada than any sports team is in America. Furthermore, support for baseball teams in particular is heavily localized. Teams like the Yankees and Red Sox only show up in areas that lack a local team.
I don't know, the Leafs are hated much more than they are loved. They do have fans everywhere though.
Never met a Leafs fan in Quebec. I met Canadiens, Bruins, Pinguins, Senators, Blackhawks and Red Wings fans, through.
