New Jersey is a sports state unlike any other. Wedged between two of America’s most passionate sports cities—New York and Philadelphia—the Garden State finds itself caught in a constant tug-of-war when it comes to team allegiance. Nowhere is that divide more visible than in Major League Baseball, where the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies rivalry runs straight through New Jersey’s heart.
For fans here, loyalties are shaped less by statistics and more by geography, family traditions, and even history. The debate over “Mets or Phillies?” has been going strong for decades, and in 2025, with both clubs battling for supremacy in the National League East, the stakes—and emotions—are as high as ever.
The Geography of New Jersey’s Baseball Loyalties
New Jersey’s unique shape creates natural fault lines for fandom:
- North Jersey – Most fans lean toward New York’s teams, especially the Mets and Yankees, as well as the Giants and Jets in football. The proximity to NYC keeps the northern counties tied closely to the Big Apple’s sports culture.
- South Jersey – Fans here bleed red for the Phillies and green for the Eagles. The closer you are to Philadelphia, the stronger the allegiance.
- Central Jersey – The state’s true “swing region.” Some towns root north, others south, and families often find themselves divided under one roof.
This cultural divide isn’t new. The so-called Keith Line, a colonial-era boundary, once split New Jersey in half. Today, it still loosely reflects where sports loyalties fall: Mets and Yankees above, Phillies below.
Mets vs. Phillies: A Rivalry With Fire
The rivalry between the Mets and Phillies is as much about pride as it is about wins and losses. Both play in the NL East, ensuring regular clashes that always carry extra intensity.
- 2025 Division Race: As of late August, the Phillies hold the lead in the NL East, but the Mets remain within striking distance.
- Head-to-Head Record: The Mets currently lead the season series 5–2, punctuated by a commanding 13–3 victory to open their most recent matchup.
- What’s Ahead: These two still face off multiple times before season’s end, including a pivotal four-game set at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia this September—a series that could shape the division race.
Every pitch feels heavier when the opponent is your neighbor, and for Mets and Phillies fans, these battles are about more than standings—they’re about bragging rights that extend across workplaces, classrooms, and family tables all over New Jersey.
Fan Allegiance Across the Garden State
The beauty of baseball in New Jersey is how hyperlocal loyalties can be.
- Ocean County – A fascinating mix. Yankees hold the largest fan base, but the Phillies edge out the Mets for second place.
- Hunterdon County – Closer to the Delaware River, Phillies pride runs strong, but further east, Mets fans are equally vocal.
- Mercer County – Home to a particularly sharp rivalry, where Mets and Phillies supporters are almost evenly split.
- Statewide Polling – A Monmouth University survey suggested the Mets might hold a slight edge across New Jersey as a whole, though regional divides remain deep.
It’s not uncommon to see tailgates and living rooms split in half—one side decked out in orange and blue, the other in Phillies red.
Last Night’s Game: Mets Make a Statement
In their latest clash, the Mets showed why this rivalry continues to grab headlines.
Luis Torrens delivered the game of his life, crushing a three-run homer and driving in five RBIs as New York stormed back from an early deficit to rout the Phillies 13–3 at Citi Field. Mark Vientos added two RBI doubles, Jeff McNeil chipped in with three RBIs of his own, and the Mets lineup went an incredible 11-for-19 with runners in scoring position.
For the Phillies, it was a frustrating night. Starter Cristopher Sánchez gave up season highs in runs and hits, while Alec Bohm’s early RBI only temporarily silenced the Mets’ surge. By the seventh inning, Citi Field was rocking, and Phillies fans in attendance were left shaking their heads.
The Mets’ win brought them within six games of the division-leading Phillies—a reminder that this race is far from over.
The Bigger Picture: What It Means for New Jersey
Baseball in New Jersey isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about identity. In the northern counties, kids grow up idolizing Mets legends, while in the south, Phillies heroes dominate little league jerseys. The middle of the state, from Mercer to Monmouth, becomes a constant battleground where loyalties are tested every season.
For fans across the Garden State, games between the Mets and Phillies mean more than box scores—they’re a reflection of New Jersey’s unique culture, caught perfectly “in between.”
And just like with hockey’s New Jersey Devils, who stand as the state’s one true home team, the passion on display proves that New Jersey doesn’t just watch sports—it lives them.
Up Next
The series continues Tuesday with Phillies left-hander Jesús Luzardo set to face Mets southpaw Sean Manaea. With playoff implications on the line and both fan bases eager for bragging rights, the drama is only building.
For New Jersey baseball fans, it’s another chapter in a rivalry that runs deeper than the Delaware River and the Hudson combined.
