Sometimes I cannot believe how unjustifiably hysterical and socially unaware certain sports fans can be.
And yes, I realize this is an extremely touchy subject right now—especially with the Cubs flying that “W” all over the city—but it needs to be addressed.
Why are you a rah-rah, die-hard, Facebook status-posting fan of a team without an actual deep-rooted tie? Where does this fiery passion come from? What are you holding onto?
For the past three college football seasons, I created sketch videos—via my “Social Media Pessimist” YouTube channel—telling people, “You aren’t allowed to be an overly devoted fan of a college football team if you didn’t go to school there.”
Roughly 80,000 views alongside hundreds of comments (from those on both sides of the argument) came through. And still come through every day. Keep in mind, this is just my stupid personal channel. I’m just some dude. But as we know, being Millennials, all it takes is one person’s opinions and a video camera to start a very heated debate.
Hence why YouTube commenting is still my favorite source of entertainment on the planet. The trolls are in full force 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
But I stand by that bold statement about cheering for a school you never attended, with a few exceptions of course. If you work there or paid your child’s tuition fees, sure. Then it makes sense that you have a very intimate connection with that university. And yeah, you can wear your significant other’s school colors on a game day because you want them to be happy. Go ahead. You’re not the problem.
It’s the loonies who you see screaming at the corner TV in a bar. Or those referring to the team as “we” in conversation. Or those who post “LET’S GO BLUE! BEAT MSU!” as an Instagram caption under a repurposed photo of the block “M.” Or the guys who paint their faces and buy third-row seats before starting chants in their section at the stadium.
I’m sorry, but, uh … I just don’t get it.
You didn’t study there. Or graduate from there. Or live in the dorms. Or ever have your name muttered by the university for any reason other than maybe when you streaked across the field four seasons ago.
Your internal monologue: “Everyone is loving this! I’m totally a part of this university!”
Our internal monologue: “You’re a fucking psychopath.”
I’m an MSU kid who grew up surrounded by “Wal-Mart Wolverines,” as they’re called. But outside of the University of Michigan-Michigan State University rivalry, I didn’t bother worrying much about this false loyalty thing.
That is, until this fall, as the Chicago Cubs made an unbelievable turnaround (from past years) and phenomenal push toward the postseason. And now, here the city sits, awaiting a potential freakin’ National League pennant, something the Cubbies haven’t achieved since 1945.
But holy freakin’ cow, guys. I have never seen so many “new” Cubs fanatics in my life. Gathering in the middle of the street after games. Taking off work for games. Getting Cubby bear tattoos. I’ve witnessed so much in the past few weeks that sometimes I can’t even believe. I actually know a guy who quit his job because his boss wouldn’t let him skip work for the game last week. He’s only lived in Chicago for 18 months.
Like I said: Psychopath.
Sure, bandwagon fans are everywhere. That’s nothing new; moreso attaching themselves to streaky professional teams than college ones. And, trust me, I’m not shocked by the fact that they’re appearing out of thin air.
What is my jaw on the floor about?
I’m shocked because I don’t get where the passion comes from. Or where it currently lives. Or how it ever formed. Or how it feels natural to care this much?
Are you someone who loves trends? Do you just love the Cubs’ colors? Are they a brand or clothing line rather than a baseball franchise to you? Does living in Lincoln Park for three years really give you a sense of burning loyalty for what real Cubs fans have gone through decade after decade?
Don’t get my words twisted, either. I am happy for the Cubs fans who have been waiting forever for this. Those from Chicago, or the surrounding suburbs? Those whose parents brought them to games as a kid and it means everything that you had that connection with a loved one? Even when they were miserable to mediocre at best? Hell yes. Because that cuts deep. And you hung on.
My heart truly goes out to you guys. You earned this. Trust me when I say: I can relate. I was born and raised in Detroit for 25 years; a fan of the 0-16 Lions in 2008 and the 119-loss Tigers in 2003. I never wavered. I never thought about buying a Cubs shirt in the years I’ve lived here. Real sports fans know that mentality. And they live it.
I’m calling out those Chicago transplants who are switching professional team loyalties from their hometown team to the Cubs. That’s not how it works. One hundred percent no, every time.
Re-evaluate your Amazon.com shopping cart that currently holds four Cubs shirts you’ll be purchasing once your next paycheck comes in.
And for the love of God, lower your voice and get out of the way so real Cubs fans have room to enjoy this.
