For my entire life I have been exclusively a Cleveland sports fan. When I have told people this, often their response is along the lines of "Sorry!" or "Why would anyone do that?" and my only thought is, who wouldn't want to be part of the greatest fan base in the world? We, as fans, have endured a multitude of, what can only be described as, embarrassments in the sports community, yet we remain loyal. The Browns continue to sell out despite not posting a winning record since 2007, and before that 2002. The LeBronless Cavaliers still sit at the 7th spot in total attendance of fans for the 2018-2019 season while being at the bottom of the league. The answer to "Why?" is that Cleveland sports fandom is like having a second family.

On May 23, 2015 I was able to attend my first Indians home game, it was memorial day weekend and they were playing the in-state rivals the Cincinnati Reds. The temperature was in the mid 60s and there was not a cloud in the sky, as evidenced by the cover photo of this very article, which was taken that day. The attendance of Progressive Field was 30,000+ that day, it was the first time I had ever been surrounded by fans of my team, seeing as though I live in Delaware, I had never encountered so many fans of the Tribe. The ownership of the team gave away 1975 throwback jerseys to the first couple thousand fans that attended. That jersey has decorated the walls of every dorm room I have lived in since. The most memorable part of the experience, though, was that I felt as though I had walked into a stadium full of 30,000 friends, and not just people who liked the same team I do, but of course, this is just a personal account.

During the 2017-2018 season, the Cleveland Browns became the second team in the history of the NFL to have a winless season. Officially the laughing stock of the league, it seemed that all hope to become a competing team was lost. But, as Clevelanders do, the fans made the best of the situation. On January 6th, 2018 Browns fans held an 0-16 parade which was comprised of multiple floats, and took place at First Energy Stadium itself. When faced with embarrassment, the fans banded together to roll with the punches being thrown by the sports community, not to mention any extra money received was donated to local charities, and attendees were encouraged to bring canned goods to donate to the less fortunate. To summarize:Thousands of fans gathered in Cleveland, in January, in single digit temperatures, just to make fun of themselves and donate to charity. Who wouldn't want to be part of that group?

In an instance of what can only be described as divine intervention, LeBron decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015. After losing 42-2 in the finals that year, the Cavaliers bounced back and completed the first 3-1 comeback to win the 2016 NBA finals against the 73-9 record regular season win total Golden State Warriors. This sprung the city to life, and the ensuing celebratory parade had 1.3 million people in attendance which, at the time, was the largest peaceful gathering in world history. Again, who wouldn't want to be a part of this group?

While suffering our fair share of heartbreaks such as: The Drive, The Fumble, and The Decision, Cleveland fans remain one of the most resilient groups of people in the world. We know how to roll with the punches, we are hospitable, and most importantly, we know how to celebrate. With the recent news of Odell Beckham Jr. joining the Baker Mayfield led Browns, we welcome any and all who wish to become a part of the family.