No one wants to watch the “big game” with you. When you’re an out of state fan, your “big game” is just another sporting event for other fans. If you’re lucky enough to get a loyal friend to indulge you, they will most likely cheer really hard for the other team just to get under your skin.
Wearing your favorite fan gear warrants glares instead of high fives. When the home team is doing well, everyone wears his or her jerseys and hats in public. You might get a high five at the grocery store, a big smile and wave at the drive-thru or even a conversation with a pleasant stranger. An out of state fan does not enjoy these luxuries. It’s always a risk to sport your team’s attire, especially if they’re playing the home team any time soon.
If your team is struggling, everyone is happy to tell you about it. When your team is doing well, people forget that you were a fan in the first place. They might even dare to call you a “fair-weather fan.” But when your team is losing, your friends, family and even strangers are happy to point it out. Nothing makes a bad season worse than hearing about every blow out loss from all of your companions.
You meet the best of friends at sporting events. When you’re in the minority at a game or match, you tend to band together. Whether you’re winning or losing, you bond over your struggles and love for your team. You cheer amongst the jeers, and hide your faces when the home team scores. A fellow out of stater is always a great find at your local stadium.
You are truly the most loyal fan. While all those fans back in the home state may call themselves the “die hards,” you know you’re the true fan. You’ve watched every game you can get access to without local stations available. You’ve yelled and cried alone at your team’s highs and lows. And when they head to your town, you’re willing to pay any price to get a glimpse of your team (hopefully) putting the home team in their place. You’re proud of your loyalty and no matter how long it’s been since you left the state, they’ll always be your team.
A crazy Mets fan in a sea of red Braves country; I have seen every high and low. In past years, it’s been hard to head to Turner Field to watch my boys fall yet again to the Braves. But this year is different. With David Wright proudly on my wall since 2005, I’ve been waiting for a season like this one. I always find the coolest and most colorful Mets fans at the Atlanta games, but recently, they’re the loudest. My fellow out of state Mets fans and I are ready to hold a pennant high over the previously victorious Braves country. Honestly, the Atlanta baseball fanbase varies in size based on the Braves success, but I sure cannot imagine being a Saints fan here.
