ESPN The Magazine's 2009 Ultimate Standings: Angels Baseball No 1. Franchise

Available in the current issue of ESPN The Magazine, on newsstands Friday, Ultimate Standings is the only comprehensive ranking of all 122 major North American professional sports franchises. It aims to quantify the unique relationship between fans and their favorite teams by determining which MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL franchises establish and maintain the most overall reward for their fans.

This year's winner and cover subject, the Angels understand the importance of value, performance and effort - and did so before the recession hit. Fans love the experience of going to Angels games, in particular, the promotions (75 promotions in 81 home dates this year) and the ticket prices, with an average cost of just $20.05. Since the 2007 season, the Angels have won 232 games (as of 6/26), more than any MLB team except the Red Sox. On the field, manager Mike Scioscia has instilled a hard charging, take-every-extra base style of play. They have a knack for identifying talent, keeping them in pennant contention virtually every year. The Angels have drawn at least 3.3 million fans every year since 2004, never finishing lower then second in AL attendance - in part to owner Arte Moreno and the staff's dedication to customer service. Add all of this together - and the result is - the No. 1 Franchise.

Arte Moreno: "This honor means a great deal to our organization because it was voted on by the fans. I am extremely proud of our staff for working day in and day out to provide what we call the "Baseball Experience". Their focus is always on our fans which would include providing courteous service, affordable pricing, and a clean environment. And, of course, the baseball people work hard to put a winning team on the field!"

THE 2009 ULTIMATE STANDINGS: THE TOP AND BOTTOM

Top 10 overall franchises:

122. Los Angeles Clippers