Being a New York sports fan has its ups and downs. The atmosphere in New York is amazing when your team is good and can be painful when your team is struggling. Here are 5 reasons why being a fan of New York sports team can be rough.
1. If you're a Jets or Giants fan, you have to drive to New Jersey to watch them play.
I grew up a die hard Jets fan. I've only been to a few games in my life and the main reason for that is that they play in New Jersey.
I always wondered why are they called the New York Jets if they play in New Jersey? Then I realized that there isn't room to put a giant football stadium anywhere in New York. Still, Jets and Giants fans get ridiculed for playing in New Jersey. "GO BACK TO JERSEY!" is what was shouted at me numerous times when I went to the Jets game against the Bills game this season in Buffalo. It's just another reason to be made fun of about being a Jets fan. We never win anything and play in a different state than our team name says.
2. Nobody cares about Hockey
In New York hockey is a love/hate sport. There is no in between. I have friends that couldn't live without watching the Rangers or Islanders. Then there are friends that couldn't name three players. That's just how it is.
I for one, love hockey. There are few things better than walking into Madison Square Garden for a Rangers game. The atmosphere is insane. Most of my friends are not into hockey, so every time I get excited or into a hockey game, I seem to be the only one. Everyone should give hockey a chance, it's a face paced, high intensity game that I surely couldn't live without.
3. The Knicks are a disgrace.
It becomes more embarrassing to be a New York Knicks fan every season. Ever since Patrick Ewing in 2000, the Knicks have been a laughing stock. They would have high payrolls and no results. It gets harder and harder to watch them. You get your hopes up every year thinking that maybe this year will be different, but it never is.
4. Does it get any worse than being a Mets fan?
If you thought being a Knicks fan was bad, try being a Mets fan. Yes, they are coming off of a World Series appearance but every year before this year they've been the joke of the MLB.
A team from New York that spends money like a team from North Dakota. It's rough being a Mets fan. Not only do you have to deal with the Mets being awful, but you have every Yankee fan to deal with. "27 RINGS! 27 RINGS! 27 RINGS!!!" Thats all I hear when I mention anything about the Mets doing anything above average. The Yankees have won the most championships in sports history and then there's the Mets.
5. The expectations that will never be fulfilled.
The bright lights of New York City are where the expectations are higher than the skyscrapers. If you're a player for any New York team, you're being watched every second of the day. Some players love it some can't stand it. Deron Williams almost retired from the NBA because the bright lights of New York city was too much for him. Us New York fans put constant pressure on our teams to win a championship every season. The New York media can be rough at times and it could ultimately lead to a player or teams downfall.
I am a Mets, Jets, Knicks and Rangers fan. I have never seen a championship from any of them. All I ask if that before I die that each team wins one championship. Thats all I ask. Until then i'll just be here waiting and feeling the pain each year it doesn't happen. Yes it can be tough at times, but I wouldn't want it any other way.
