How You Became A Fan

[sc49erfan15]

BTW, all of us are merely poseurs when it comes to being a true sports fans, especially compared to these fans...

http://www.fc-zenit.ru/eng/news.phtml?month=10.2006

Toyota Corolla goes to the Fans

Today before the beginning of the game with Spartak (Nalchik) FC Zenit and

Olymp Auto Group (Axel-Car Pulkovo dealership) presented a new Toyta Corolla

to the three Zenit fans. Evgeny Stepanov, Aleksandr Zaraysky and Veronika

Davidova made a 15 000 km long car trip to support Zenit in Vladivostok in

their recent away against FC Luch-Energia.

Psh...weak. Let's see them drive to Kamchatka.

[budbowl77]

New York Islanders. The New York Islanders are the greatest American sports dynasty in the history of sports. Bossy, Trottier, Gillies whenever they touched the ice. they were feared. I'm also a Huge Ed Westfall fan.

New York Yankees. Because The Bronx (my hometown) Is the Best Borough in NYC, plus my old man is a Yankees fan. I also grewup in the 1980s when everyone was a Mets fan.

Tottenham Hotspur. I hate Aresenal, I hate Manchester United. I hate Chelsea. Teddy Sheringham I thought was the greatest. Kasey Keller too. I have a new Tottenham kit every season. C'MON YOU SPURS!

[Guest]

Manhattan > The Bronx. N-word please.

[FiddySicks]

The reasons why so many are Angels fans are pretty simple. Anaheim serves all of Orange County (which IS considered "greater LA" by some. Go figure) and even Southern LA County, where LA does not. Now im not gonna argue the whole Anaheim is a suburb BS, but I will tell you this. No person in Orange County who has any sort of sense is gonna drive up to Los Angeles to catch a sporting event when there is a ballclub in their backyard. Its a bastard to get up to Los Angeles from here, not like your basic sunday afternoon drive through the countryside. Its crowded, dangerous, dirty, ugly, ect ect ect. Id rather drill screws into my toes than make the miserable commute from Orange to LA county. It Can literally take five to six hours to get from here to LAX in bad traffic and vice versa, and its just over 40 miles. And then when you get there it can take another two hours to park and get to your seat. Last time I went I was at the bottom of the revine an hour before the game started, and didnt get to my seat till the fifth inning. Indescribable horror unless youve accually done it. To go through that, and then to spend four inings dealing with some of the biggest scumbags youll ever meet, even if your on their side, is less than pleasing. then you gotta reverse it all.

But you can still watch the Dodgers on TV or listen on the radio. I'm a midwesterner, so I probably have a different perspective on sports than Californians do, but I would do everything in my power to get to Dodger Stadium at least once. Sure, maybe it'd be easier to get to Angel Stadium, but there's something so ersatz about the whole Angels thing. Only the Dodgers really matter.

Thats what turns a lot of people off to the Dodgers. They make that trek up to Dodgers Stadium and realize just how bad it is. I cant tell you how many people ive met that ditched the Dodgers after having a horrible experience at Chavez Revine. That and the Angels are really starting to work their way past the Dodgers on many levels. Their games are less expensive, the stadium is nicer, the food is better, the atmosphere is better, and the games are flat out more enjoyable. The only time I dont like going to Angels games is when they play the Dodgers and all of their fans show up. But then again, this IS coming from someone who hates the Dodgers with every ounce of passion that can be created, so my opinion may be a bit biased.

[Guest]

I don't really care one way or the other about either Los Angeles team, though I was rooting for Nomar and Maddux at the end of 2006, but I can understand there's a certain cachet that comes with being a fan of the Dodgers, like I've said all along.

In fact, everything you cite as a reason to like the Angels is a reason for me to hate the Angels. It's cheaper. It's easier. It's tastier. No fuss, no muss. I'm a Cubs fan! Since when is liking a team supposed to be easy? I'm in it for the long haul here. I can't conceptualize switching allegiances because of traffic. Traffic.

[Batfan1400]

This is how I became an OBSESSED "fanboy" of how i spend my

free time on the tube or my video game system.My sig below should give you a hint

1).MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

I became a fan of "America's National Pastime" bcuz the concept was simple,yet

complicated in many ways how the mindgames come into play and how are being layed out .

FYI,I'm glad to see Wash. DC have a team again.

2).NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

I became a fan of "America's Ca$h Cow" bcuz it's like a "thinking man's barbaric slugfest",

but now it's a glitzy-fied choreographed "testerone theatre" !!!!

Yet,I still watch the games,cuz you can't have 1 w/o the other.That's only IMO though.

(theory:If youre a fan of baseball,you'll like become a (nfl/ncaa)football fan.)

3).NCAA DIV. 1A COLLEGE FOOTBALL

The ONLY thing the "NO-FUN CORPORATE FOOTBALL LEAGUE" has on NCAA pigskin,is a

legitimate tournament-style playoff round.Otherwise,its great entertaiment though.

IMO,you can have a lget tourney-style playoff+still keep the bowl system intact in some form.

4).DC COMICS/JUSTICE LEAGUE/SUPERFRIENDS

The very 1st thing I remembered in my childhood was watching the SF/Super Powers Team

on TV one day+fell in love with the DCU ever since.I'm a fan-boy mark for Batman b/c he's

mortal,but I don't mind being cool with Supez,Wondy,Flash,GL etc.

5).POKER PLAYER

I became a fan of poker bcuz I had a strange fetish with playing cards.Also,I prefer

playing with the standard 52-NO Joker's allowed.IMO,I'm a fan of basic player-but

I'll take whatever I can get for now.

6).PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

I used to watch pro-wrasslin' when I was a youngster when I saw Hulk Hogan's

Rock+N=Wrestling cartoon show+real live matches,but now....I dunno

I know it's staged+predetermined,but it beats any bulls+?t "fake" reality-TV program

anyday.I'll see how it plays out whether I come back inot the fold or not.

That's all for today.I'm Out.THE END.

So... what teams do you actually like? I'm confused about that... among other things.

BTW, all of us are merely poseurs when it comes to being a true sports fans, especially compared to these fans...

http://www.fc-zenit.ru/eng/news.phtml?month=10.2006

Toyota Corolla goes to the Fans

Today before the beginning of the game with Spartak (Nalchik) FC Zenit and

Olymp Auto Group (Axel-Car Pulkovo dealership) presented a new Toyta Corolla

to the three Zenit fans. Evgeny Stepanov, Aleksandr Zaraysky and Veronika

Davidova made a 15 000 km long car trip to support Zenit in Vladivostok in

their recent away against FC Luch-Energia.

I don't have any favorite team in either sport.but if I was caught bet. a rock+a hard place.....

I'd go with BOTH N.Y. baseball/football teams bcuz they play in diff. leagues-not in the

same divison unlike the Rangers and Isles.The N.Y. market has the most options just in case

1 team melts in the bright lights of the big city.

FYI-I'm a Ranger rooter bcuz of the white sweaters+the logo.Also,I like how when they score a goal,

the MSG sound system plays a kick-azz song after the horn.

IMO,I'm not an NBA fan as much as I use to be....

[leopard88]

Since a few people have mentioned English Premier League teams, I decided to add to my earlier post (and add a new one since the first one is about 2 pages back) --

Manchester United -- I was fortunate enough to attend the Bobby Charlton Soccer School (yes, it was called "soccer" and I might still have the t-shirt to prove it) in 1986. As part of the camp, I was lucky enough to play in a scrimmage with Sir Bobby, since my friends and I were in the oldest age group, and attend a Man Utd. vs. Fluminense friendly at Old Trafford. Bottom line -- I am NOT a bandwagon jumper and come by allegiance honestly.

EDIT -- It still is the Bobby Charlton Soccer School and I don't need the t-shirt to prove it.

Bobby Charlton Soccer & Sports Academy

[Davey]

Ive just been a fan on the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Raptors. Just because they are the closet team of where i live. All though im really a Leafs Fan no matter how bad they are. I guess i was just born a fan of the Leafs.

[FiddySicks]

I don't really care one way or the other about either Los Angeles team, though I was rooting for Nomar and Maddux at the end of 2006, but I can understand there's a certain cachet that comes with being a fan of the Dodgers, like I've said all along.

In fact, everything you cite as a reason to like the Angels is a reason for me to hate the Angels. It's cheaper. It's easier. It's tastier. No fuss, no muss. I'm a Cubs fan! Since when is liking a team supposed to be easy? I'm in it for the long haul here. I can't conceptualize switching allegiances because of traffic. Traffic.

Point noted. But like I said, I dont exactly have a fair view towards the Dodgers......

[Sport]

Cincinnati Bengals: From the time I was born until I was three years old my dad was employed by the team's front office. In 1988 he went to every game which includes every road game, playoff game and even the super bowl. I was raised from birth to be a bengals fan.

Cincinnati Reds: I'm from Cincinnati, and they won the world series pretty early in my life. I had no choice but to be a reds fan.

Columbus Blue Jackets: I've lived in Columbus since 1994. I've seen this city as a small "minor league" town when the Columbus Chill played here. I've seen this city as grown up "major league" town and the Blue Jackets signify Columbus' growth. I went to the first game, actually I went to the first 24 home games. In total I've to been over 100 blue Jackets games.

Phoenix Suns: This is a little out there. When I was seven years old I was visiting my uncle in Phoenix. He took me to see Charles Barkley and the suns. Still the o nly NBA game I've ever been to. Barkley is still my favorite player, and the suns are still my favorite team.

[Coast2CoastAM2006]

Islanders- everybody in the family were islanders fans so i grew to like them. I started following majorly after fisherman which i fell in love with. i was deeply saddened when he was fired as logo of the isles. But i still follow them none the less.

Sabres - i only follow them because of Ryan Miller. Hes a favorite player of mine since his days in Michigan and i basically follow teams that he is on. If he was on the Rangers, i'd drop the Sabres and follow the Rangers or where ever he goes.

Cowboys - i basically follow teams that Bill Parcells coach. Which means i was a giants fan up until he 'retired', then was a patriots fan until he 'retired', a jets fan until he 'retired and now a Cowboys fan until he 'retires'.

[Moser316]

Damn, I almost forgot about the Premier League. I haven't been following it as closely as I have in the past, but I always used to follow Arsenal and Everton (because of former Milwaukee Rampager Brian McBride, who's now with Fulham).

[lopernv]

Canadiens: I loved the style of play they had back then, and I hate bandwagons.

???

As in, I won't cheer for the Sabres all of a sudden because they are arguably the best team in the NHL.

And by back then, I mean when I started liking the Canadiens, which was about 2-3 years ago.

[DG_ThenNowForever]

IMO,I'm not an NBA fan as much as I use to be....

Out of curiosity, if not in your own, then in whose opinion would you be as much an NBA fan as you used to be?

[-Helix-]

Marshall: Born and raised a couple blocks from campus. Dad went to school there.

Lightning: Moved to Florida - into Bolts territory. Was always a casual fan but when I started watching all of their games on local TV and following them I guess is when I truly became a fan.

Cincy Reds: Family Tradition. I'm not really a baseball guy, but I do have a respect for my dad's teams and the tradition and history of the sport.

Cincy Bengals: Family Tradition.

Jacksonville Jaguars/New York Jets: Former Marshall QBs under center. I'm just a casual fan of these teams.

Pittsburgh Penguins: First hockey team I followed. Closest team to where I grew up. Fell in love with guys like Super Mario, Jagr, etc.

Phoenix Coyotes: Casual fan of them - loved them back in the day of Khabby, Roenick, Thachuk and the white out. (i.e. back when they were good. I guess you could call me a Coyotes bandwagoner.)

Chelsea: I'm just a casual soccer fan, but my sister's name is Chelsea and her boyfriend's family are Chelsea fans so it just seemed natural. I also became interested in them because of their owner when he was thinking about buying an NHL team.

[Roger Clemente]

I don't really care one way or the other about either Los Angeles team, though I was rooting for Nomar and Maddux at the end of 2006, but I can understand there's a certain cachet that comes with being a fan of the Dodgers, like I've said all along.

In fact, everything you cite as a reason to like the Angels is a reason for me to hate the Angels. It's cheaper. It's easier. It's tastier. No fuss, no muss. I'm a Cubs fan! Since when is liking a team supposed to be easy? I'm in it for the long haul here. I can't conceptualize switching allegiances because of traffic. Traffic.

Whoever said anything about switching allegiances? The Dodgers were in LA for a whopping THREE years before the Angels came along, so it's not as if the LA Dodgers history is significantly lengthier than the Angels, even if they won a World Series in the 2nd of those 3 years. Anyone under the age of 45 had a choice and likely picked the Angels or Dodgers since day one and stuck with them regardless. Anyone who's older maybe didn't follow baseball till both teams came to town and chose the Angels over the Dodgers for whatever reason. And anyone from LA who chose to become an Angels fan because the name is much for fitting for the city of Los Angeles as Los Angeles is Spanish for "The Angels". (And as far a loyalty and heartbreak goes, you can't get any more heartbreaking than "one strike away" in 1986.)

Maybe people like to root for the Angels because....they WANT to root for the Angels instead of the Dodgers. There's thousands of reasons anyone would want to root for one team over another, even if the neighborhood cousin has a longer history. No reason is any less legitimate than another.

Here are my teams and reasons:

Mighty Ducks/Anaheim Ducks: Been a fan since day one. Never cared for the movies at all. HATED the uniforms they wore in the first movie, but when the team was created in 1993, I fell in love with the uniforms and found it to be a refreshing choice for a team to root for amongst all the Leafs/Habs/Bruins fans around here.

Toronto Blue Jays: I'm Canadian. I didn't really start following baseball till spring 1992, conveniently enough. Figure it out yourself.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Father rooted for them, so I decided to root for them too. I started following them around the time of that 1995 AFC Championship game they lost to San Diego, but never became a full out passionate fan till the 2002 AFC Championship game they lost to the Patriots.

Toronto Raptors: Can't throughly say I follow the NBA, though I do watch playoff basketball often. If I had to pick a team, might as well pick the Canadian one. (That and I used to own a really nice Raptors hat back in elementary school that, if I still owned, I'd probably have continued to wear until this season since they ditched the purple.)

--Roger "Time?" Clemente.

[infrared41]

Ohio State; Grew up in Ohio. Went to College at Ohio State. I bleed Scarlet and Gray. GO BUCKS!!!

The rest is just details.