Ok, so it's a fabulous time to be a bay area sports fan. I mean, the San Jose Sharks have made history by finally showing up at the biggest hockey party (Stanley Cup,) Johnny Cueto is pitching the Giants on fire(sorry not sorry, Padres!,) and the Warriors are about to become the sixth team to overcome a 3-1 playoff deficit since the 1981 Celtics! Speaking of which, we won't ever discuss what just happened in games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference finals against OKC. Ever.
Ok, so my family has been crazy about all sorts of sports since I was barely able to walk, mainly basketball, soccer, and baseball. I still remember my first Warriors game, when ticket prices were insanely cheap and no one on this planet knew who Baron Davis or Monta Ellis were (though Ellis is still a solid beast.) My brother is the main reason for why I came to love these games so dearly. We talk more about Suarez, Carmelo Anthony, Buster Posey, etc. than is probably healthy, so we thought, "Hey! Let's extend our discussions to online, so that we're not the only two who may classify as crazy." And Voila! This blog was born.
But, enough about my crazy excitement when it comes to talking sports. This blog will serve one main purpose, and that will be to display our thoughts and opinions on all major leagues, including the NBA, MLB, Premier League, and NHL.(This year is especially awesome because RIO 2016!!!!) More explicitly, we will be viewing sports from the psychological viewpoints of fans (both authentic and otherwise) as well as the athletes. How does one begin to "like" a sport or athlete? What makes a sport fun? How do major athletes manage to appear so perfect? What's going on when hardcore teams or players have off days? These are all a few types of questions that we will be exploring, and as always, all input and comments would be VERY appreciated! :D
To begin, I wanted to explore where the idea of being a "bandwagon" fan came from. I mean, why can't I all of sudden support the SJ Sharks and be considered a "fan." (although I never really watched Ice hockey before, haha.) Here is little bit about why. By definition, the term "Jumping on the bandwagon" refers to supporting a sports team, idea, person, etc. after it has become popular or successful. Note the word "after." This implies that you are a "true fan" if and only if you have been supporting your team when they sucked so badly, no one wanted to watch them, except you of course. Interestingly, the phrase "getting aboard the bandwagon" was first used in it's modern meaning by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1899 when referring to the majority political party! (Crazy, right!) But, what do people care if I or someone else suddenly starts supporting a team that you've been watching grow up? Here is where sociology and psychology make an appearance. Most negative viewpoints towards "bandwagon fans" revolve around one major point: If you weren't there during all the low times, you don't deserve to be there during the high times. You almost feel defensive towards your team and fellow Raiders fans when someone comes into a heated conversation at a party "faking" to say things like "Yeah, I just hate the Patriots." Do you now? Do you feel the pain? So, as you can see being a bandwagon fan is something that just seems to occur based on media and society related pressures. It can't be helped.
So here is what a bandwagon fan is. Now the question that remains is determining why individuals become such fans? What do they gain out of it? Check out the next blog to learn more! :) And last, but not least, GO WARRIORS!! You better win tonight (and the next two games as well.)
