Wearing Team Gear As a Form of Expression

[pcgd]

When I saw this thread I instantly thought of gangs wearing certain MLB hats for their gang affliation:

Oakland A's: Almighty Ambrose Nation, Orchestra Albany, Spanish Cobras

Twins: Maniac Latin Disciples

Detroit: Gangster Disciples

Astros: The Bloods, Folk Nation

Reds: The Bloods, 4 Corner Hustlers

Dodgers: Crips, Ganster Disciples, Latin Aspects

Nationals DC Hat: Bloods

Pirates: BLoods

Rockies: Crips

There are more I believe...

[Snazel]

I think the whole "repping your area" thing has blow out of proportion.

I totally disagree. I think "pride in community" is one of the key reasons you follow a sports team. I think we've lost some of that over the years as it became fashionable to follow teams based solely on the standings or how well the colors match your "style".

In fact, when I see people wearing sports gear and I ask them about their choice and I learn that:

1. They have no real affinity to the team

2. Sometimes they don't even have an affinity to the sport

...I kinda sigh. Sure you can wear this stuff just for fashion, but there's often far superior fashion out there to wear than a jersey and hat. Certain brands seem to attract the fasionistas too. Red Sox fans in Seattle, often are very clueless about the Sox and the statement they make while wearing it seems strangely tied to left-wing politics and misguided sense that the Sox are somehow an "underdog".

On the other hand, when I meet someone who is genuinely attached to the region or sport, it ignites a conversation and my respect immediately increases. Canucks fans in Safeco, are key example. It's great to talk to them. They not only know and love hockey, they know and love Vancouver (which is a great town).

On the other hand, some putz from White Rock, BC wearing a Lakers jersey, who can't even tell you what position Kurt Rambis played, is really weak sauce in my book. Sure the jersey is "pretty", but you know, that's all it is at that point, just a pretty little gown you wore to the ball park.

There is an authenticity factor to being a fan of a particular sport and fan. Draping yourself in pretty colors is nice, but making statements about who you are, where you are from and taking pride in those things is a far, far stronger statement in my book.

[Jungle Jim]

I am a Kentucky Wildcats fan, through and through, but have a weak spot for Tennessee orange. So I have owned and worn Tennessee stuff for years while shunning UK stuff because you literally see it EVERYWHERE in Kentucky, even on people who probably don't know a football from a lacrosse stick. I get questions from my frustrated fellow UK fans as to how I could live with myself wearing UT stuff, but I just tell them I have no love for Tennessee athletics whatsoever, but love the ORANGE.

[drdougfresh]

I live in Phoenix, but I grew up a Detroit fan. Moved here when I was young, but I have always owned and worn strictly Detroit gear. There's some kind of crazy attachment with a lot of MI sports fans that I've noticed-- it's pretty cool to see. All my hats (own about 15) are either MSU, Tigers, or Wings, and I own about a dozen jerseys (and countless shirts) that are mostly MI-based.

I think the only exception I have is the AFA jersey and hoodie I own-- brother in law is in the USAF, bought them when we visited.

To the OP: I personally enjoy wearing all my Detroit stuff, because it says something about the fan I am and always have been. The history involved with the teams I 'represent' is something I truly care about, and always love sharing. Part conversational, part pride. But I definitely think that it's a great way to express yourself.

[RedSox44]

I think the whole "repping your area" thing has blow out of proportion.

I totally disagree. I think "pride in community" is one of the key reasons you follow a sports team. I think we've lost some of that over the years as it became fashionable to follow teams based solely on the standings or how well the colors match your "style".

In fact, when I see people wearing sports gear and I ask them about their choice and I learn that:

1. They have no real affinity to the team

2. Sometimes they don't even have an affinity to the sport

...I kinda sigh. Sure you can wear this stuff just for fashion, but there's often far superior fashion out there to wear than a jersey and hat. Certain brands seem to attract the fasionistas too. Red Sox fans in Seattle, often are very clueless about the Sox and the statement they make while wearing it seems strangely tied to left-wing politics and misguided sense that the Sox are somehow an "underdog".

On the other hand, when I meet someone who is genuinely attached to the region or sport, it ignites a conversation and my respect immediately increases. Canucks fans in Safeco, are key example. It's great to talk to them. They not only know and love hockey, they know and love Vancouver (which is a great town).

On the other hand, some putz from White Rock, BC wearing a Lakers jersey, who can't even tell you what position Kurt Rambis played, is really weak sauce in my book. Sure the jersey is "pretty", but you know, that's all it is at that point, just a pretty little gown you wore to the ball park.

There is an authenticity factor to being a fan of a particular sport and fan. Draping yourself in pretty colors is nice, but making statements about who you are, where you are from and taking pride in those things is a far, far stronger statement in my book.

I can see that. Massachusetts (despite it's recent history) and New England in general is among the most left-wing areas on the eastern coast. The "Red Sox underdog" stuff is understandable as well. Until 2004, the Red Sox were the lovable losers, always (marginally) successful in the regular season, but failing in the playoffs or missing them altogether. The fact that the Red Sox are the archrival of the Yankees ties into that, too. Of course, now the Red Sox are perennial favorites and most "true" Red Sox fans have dropped all notions of their team being underdogs.

[conner62]

I love to wear sports gear whenever I can. I grew up about 30 mins outside of Knoxville and have always been a huge Tennessee fan (the real UT). When going on vacation I always where my Vols gear as much as possible. That has changed somewhat in the last 8 or so years since I went to a small college outside of Knoxville and played football there. I typically wear my Fighting Scots gear more now because I am proud of my alma mater. Going to college broadened my horizons away from wearing orange and white and now I wear "some" other college teams gear especially if I like the team or a certain player like North Carolina basketball for example. My best friend and I also have a tradition that when we visit a place we always buy gear from the local college as a way to remember the trip. He just got back from Tempe, AZ and picked me up some Arizona State shorts for example. Its a cool way to remember the trip and also get stuff that isnt locally available.

[gdu]

I am a Kentucky Wildcats fan, through and through, but have a weak spot for Tennessee orange. So I have owned and worn Tennessee stuff for years while shunning UK stuff because you literally see it EVERYWHERE in Kentucky, even on people who probably don't know a football from a lacrosse stick. I get questions from my frustrated fellow UK fans as to how I could live with myself wearing UT stuff, but I just tell them I have no love for Tennessee athletics whatsoever, but love the ORANGE.

Now that is weird.

[bosrs1]

Oakland A's caps. Specifically this one...

I see more people in various cities like San Diego, Boston, and even parts of Bay Area who are wearing these who are not fans of the A's but just wear them because they look "cool." It becomes very apparent when you say, "Go A's!" or "Let's Go Oakland!" to them and the response is usually, "Huh?" or "Oh I'm not a fan..."

[Jungle Jim]

I am a Kentucky Wildcats fan, through and through, but have a weak spot for Tennessee orange. So I have owned and worn Tennessee stuff for years while shunning UK stuff because you literally see it EVERYWHERE in Kentucky, even on people who probably don't know a football from a lacrosse stick. I get questions from my frustrated fellow UK fans as to how I could live with myself wearing UT stuff, but I just tell them I have no love for Tennessee athletics whatsoever, but love the ORANGE.

Now that is weird.

Guilty as charged. Don't get me wrong, I won't wear it to UK games and I don't wear it all the time, by any means. After re-reading what I wrote above, I realized that I may have given the impression that it's the majority of my wardrobe, and it's far from that. But I've always had one or two UT things in the rotation for the past several years.

[KJHillis]

I think people do support teams they can identify with, even if they have no affiliation with the team. I go to the University of South Carolina and in most cases I can tell a lot about a person by what team they are supporting. There is something different about Packers, Heat, Penguins, Capitals, and Red Sox fans. Not saying they are all bandwagoners, but how many people are actually from Wisconsin in South Carolina? The thing I hate is when people wear really abscure shirts for attention. If I see another Duke Lacrosse shirt I am going to go crazy.

With that said, being born in Chicago, I always like wearing my Chicago teams when I am down here. If I travel, I like to wear my Gamecock stuff.

[DL Watt]

While I was in the Army, I lived in Germany, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and California. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona I am a die hard anything Arizona sports (minus ASU). It wasnt uncommon at all no matter where I was stationed to see caps, jerseys, and t's of teams/ colleges all throughout the country, due to the obvious fact that we all were from different parts of the country.

Crazy thing is now I live in the metro Portland area. Duck and Beaver fans engulf this whole area! Rightfully so. However, I still have my use UofA Wildcat head logo on the back of my truck, and get the craziest looks you could imagine! From what Ive seen, pro sports dont even compare to the love of the college teams up here, so no one could care less if im wearing a Cardinals jersey on Sundays or my Dbacks gear, but I put on anything UofA and I am instantly the antichrist!

The great thing about growing up in Tucson, and being a huge baseball fan of course was the spring training games. I grew up an Indians fan, just beacuse my dad would take my to hi corbett field a few times a week during spring training, and this was long before the DBacks were even a thought. Thats why I can relate to alot of people in Arizona, Florida too Im sure having allegiance to teams from outside the general area.

[drdougfresh]

While I was in the Army, I lived in Germany, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and California. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona I am a die hard anything Arizona sports (minus ASU). It wasnt uncommon at all no matter where I was stationed to see caps, jerseys, and t's of teams/ colleges all throughout the country, due to the obvious fact that we all were from different parts of the country.

Crazy thing is now I live in the metro Portland area. Duck and Beaver fans engulf this whole area! Rightfully so. However, I still have my use UofA Wildcat head logo on the back of my truck, and get the craziest looks you could imagine! From what Ive seen, pro sports dont even compare to the love of the college teams up here, so no one could care less if im wearing a Cardinals jersey on Sundays or my Dbacks gear, but I put on anything UofA and I am instantly the antichrist!

The great thing about growing up in Tucson, and being a huge baseball fan of course was the spring training games. I grew up an Indians fan, just beacuse my dad would take my to hi corbett field a few times a week during spring training, and this was long before the DBacks were even a thought. Thats why I can relate to alot of people in Arizona, Florida too Im sure having allegiance to teams from outside the general area.

You should see what it's like wearing a Wings jersey to a Coyotes game. I've had people try to fight me before.

[Gothamite]

Yeah, but Wings fans outnumber Coyotes fans in Glendale, so you should be okay.

[tBBP]

You better watch it...before they freeze your blood and skate on it.

[evanmaldonado]

Oakland A's caps. Specifically this one...

I see more people in various cities like San Diego, Boston, and even parts of Bay Area who are wearing these who are not fans of the A's but just wear them because they look "cool." It becomes very apparent when you say, "Go A's!" or "Let's Go Oakland!" to them and the response is usually, "Huh?" or "Oh I'm not a fan..."

Guilty on that one. I have a lot of hats and gotta wear them all at some point

[bosrs1]

Oakland A's caps. Specifically this one...

I see more people in various cities like San Diego, Boston, and even parts of Bay Area who are wearing these who are not fans of the A's but just wear them because they look "cool." It becomes very apparent when you say, "Go A's!" or "Let's Go Oakland!" to them and the response is usually, "Huh?" or "Oh I'm not a fan..."

Guilty on that one. I have a lot of hats and gotta wear them all at some point

Guess A's fans should be flattered since we obviously have one of the most unique and good looking caps in the game. That said I wish the A's had as many fans as they have people wearing their crap. If they did they'd sell out every night and have as much money as any big market team save maybe the Yankees and Sox.

Makes me wonder if they keep the cap or if they dump it when they get to San Jose.

[DL Watt]

Yeah, but Wings fans outnumber Coyotes fans in Glendale, so you should be okay.

Sad but true!!! I used to hate going to Cardinal/ Cowboys game back when they played in Sun Devil Stadium. For every 2 Cards fans, there would be 10 Cowboys fans!!

[pokecat12]

I am a Kentucky Wildcats fan, through and through, but have a weak spot for Tennessee orange. So I have owned and worn Tennessee stuff for years while shunning UK stuff because you literally see it EVERYWHERE in Kentucky, even on people who probably don't know a football from a lacrosse stick. I get questions from my frustrated fellow UK fans as to how I could live with myself wearing UT stuff, but I just tell them I have no love for Tennessee athletics whatsoever, but love the ORANGE.

Now that is weird.

Guilty as charged. Don't get me wrong, I won't wear it to UK games and I don't wear it all the time, by any means. After re-reading what I wrote above, I realized that I may have given the impression that it's the majority of my wardrobe, and it's far from that. But I've always had one or two UT things in the rotation for the past several years.

Totally agree with you on this. I am a UK and Oklahoma State fan for almost 30 years and I NEVER ask anyone wearing OU or OSU garb anything anymore. I wait until they ask me and when people have asked me I can talk for hours with them. I have noticed around Louisville anyone wearing a Sooners jersey or anything OSU has no clue what I am talking about so I smack them and dive into a waiting car.....just kidding.... not as frequently as in the past

[FiddySicks]

Oakland A's caps. Specifically this one...

I see more people in various cities like San Diego, Boston, and even parts of Bay Area who are wearing these who are not fans of the A's but just wear them because they look "cool." It becomes very apparent when you say, "Go A's!" or "Let's Go Oakland!" to them and the response is usually, "Huh?" or "Oh I'm not a fan..."

Guilty on that one. I have a lot of hats and gotta wear them all at some point

Guess A's fans should be flattered since we obviously have one of the most unique and good looking caps in the game. That said I wish the A's had as many fans as they have people wearing their crap. If they did they'd sell out every night and have as much money as any big market team save maybe the Yankees and Sox.

Makes me wonder if they keep the cap or if they dump it when they get to San Jose.

IO, the A's would be absolutely stupid to change anything about their set other than switching the road script from Oakland to San Jose. Unfortunately, I expect them to switch the road script to Athletics, like the Marlins and Angels did, a year or two before they do actually move.

[bosrs1]

Oakland A's caps. Specifically this one...

I see more people in various cities like San Diego, Boston, and even parts of Bay Area who are wearing these who are not fans of the A's but just wear them because they look "cool." It becomes very apparent when you say, "Go A's!" or "Let's Go Oakland!" to them and the response is usually, "Huh?" or "Oh I'm not a fan..."

Guilty on that one. I have a lot of hats and gotta wear them all at some point

Guess A's fans should be flattered since we obviously have one of the most unique and good looking caps in the game. That said I wish the A's had as many fans as they have people wearing their crap. If they did they'd sell out every night and have as much money as any big market team save maybe the Yankees and Sox.

Makes me wonder if they keep the cap or if they dump it when they get to San Jose.

IO, the A's would be absolutely stupid to change anything about their set other than switching the road script from Oakland to San Jose. Unfortunately, I expect them to switch the road script to Athletics, like the Marlins and Angels did, a year or two before they do actually move.

Yeah switching to Athletics is a given soon after they announce the move to San Jose officially. But otherwise yeah it would be crazy to make any major changes to their set. All 4 jerseys they have today just look right. And have aged VERY well. You'd be hard pressed to figure out they've been wearing largely the same thing since the mid 80's with of course the early 90's addition of the green.