We are all fans. We all have our allegiances. We show our colors not just on game day, but at every chance we get. Even in the off season. In fact, there is no off season. How we came to the decision to dawn our colors may be very different. But at the “end” of the season, only one team stands. That is one team out of 30 or 32, depending on which (pro)league you want to talk about. We spend months rooting for our teams, hoping that ours will be that one. The reality is that every season the odds are against us and our team(s). So how do some of us get to be so lucky?
For me, every season is a “there’s always next year” season. Aside from rooting for the Detroit Red Wings (who I barely follow until the playoffs), my teams seem to consistently flop. Football is king, and my team is the Cleveland Browns. They have been a mess for years. The Detroit Tigers missed the playoffs this year by choking at the end and losing the division to the Twins. I side with the Pistons in basketball, but they are the team I am least attached to. I grew up a Laker’s/Magic Johnson fan, but I really don’t care who wins in basketball.
My colleague Mike, however, has been living the life recently. It really is sick. I don’t know many people more passionate about who they root for, and I certainly don’t know ANYONE as lucky as he is when it comes to team success. He’s a baseball and football guy, and his teams are the Philadelphia Phillies and the Indianapolis Colts. Can you really ask for two more legit franchises? You can read all about his Phillies HERE. They have already landed a spot in this years World Series and won the damn thing last year. With their young talent, they will be a threat for years to come. Man, that must be rough. The Colts are headed towards their 8th straight playoff appearance, which will be their 10th in 11 years. Peyton Manning, arguably the best quarterback of all time, has shown no signs of slowing down and is looking for his all time NFL best 4th MVP. It must be nice to have a consistent starting quarterback. The Browns have had 21 changes in quarterback since 1999. Oh, did I mention that we didn’t even have a team in Cleveland for a couple years?
I’m only really skimming the surface here, but it’s just not fair. I suppose every fan has to pay their dues, stick it out with their teams through the down times, and hope for better days. Perhaps it is because I spend my sports days around a dude whose teams actually win games that it seems like it has been forever that I have had something to cheer for? Whatever. It’s not like I’m going to stop supporting my teams. I’m glad that he gets to see his teams do so well. The dude is real contagious too. Try not rooting for his teams after watching a Phils or Colts game with him. It’s damn near impossible, unless perhaps your team is going against his.
Do you believe in curses? Like Boston with the curse of the Bambino, and the Cubs with the curse of the billygoat? If so, your curse may carry the name of Mr. Arthur B. Modell, just sayin. I feel your pain though, it was just two years ago I had to endure a Dolphins 1-15 season.
I couldn’ve named you Sally. That would have made you a tough kid and hardened you for life as all the kids would have beaten you up. Instead, I raised you a Browns fan…you should be able to handle anything that life throws you.