As a sports broadcasting major, I see the ups and downs every team takes throughout their season. Whether it be the team who wins all their regular season games and tanks in the playoffs, or the team that makes the Cinderella story run that captures the attention of fan bases around the world. Each of us holds a team near and dear to our hearts, and we live and die with them every game they play. I personally experienced this with the Chicago Cubs in this past baseball season. A team who was "too young" to make a run at the World Series. The doubters from every major sports network said they couldn't handle the NL Central's tough teams. Defying all odds, they made the wild card game after winning 97 games during the regular season, enough to have won any other division in the MLB. 97 games in the NL Central was only good enough for third place in the division, with the second wild card spot. Truly a testament to the strength those teams hold.
The Playoffs came and went seeing the Cubs bow out in the NLCS against the Mets. It wasn't as "Back to the Future" predicted, and that's okay. A phrase that seems to be repeated in Chicago every year is, "This is our year." Whether it is or not doesn't matter. What matters is that the loyalty to your team is unwavering even when the results are not what you wish. The loyal fans of the North side have waited over 100 years to see the Cubs win the World Series, and they are still waiting. The fans have to be some of the most loyal in Sports.
In my own opinion, a true sports fan is one who will stand with their team in both good times and bad. Being a fan is living through the roller coaster that is every season. Watching your team absolutely annihilate a rival, or get crushed by a team who has no place competing with them. Adorning the colors and logos of your franchise so everyone knows who you support. It's trashing the person sitting next to you when your team makes a big play, and taking the abuse when the opposite occurs. Screaming until your voice is hoarse and it feels as though your words are just air. That's what being a true fan is.
Now there are fans who are not as loyal as you may be. They may not care if the roster is flipped around, or if an integral piece of the team is missing. This is also fine. Let them stand with you as the force that makes opposing teams scared to come to your "house." Share in the hatred of opposing teams and the love of yours.
Being a true sport fan is not seen only during the season. Wear the logo and colors with pride every day. Watch ESPN and keep up to date with to the minute news on your team. Finally, stand by your team. A team is only as good as the fans make it, with wins or without. So the next time you find yourself watching a game remember, good or bad, that team is a part of you.
