[Mikey]

Need some help guys, and I figured this would be as good a place to both find help and stir up some interesting conversation.

I'm doing a paper in my Consumer Behavior class on how individuals "consume" sports. How they identify with a team, why, when, etc. You don't have to be a diehard to particiapte - in fact, I need some input from casual fans, as well. So, in what may take 5-10 minutes of your time, I present to you the:

HELP MIKEY GET HIS DEGREE SPORTS SURVEY OF AWESOMENESS!!

I need to know the following things:

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?


Other comments along the way are good, as well. I thank you in advance for giving me some material to work with.

[Fire-Babe]

Do you have to pick just the one sport/one team? I'm torn between answering for football or hockey.

[Jack Quinn]

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport)

Philadelphia Phillies

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

As long as I can remember

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

I try to watch the games when they are on tv, depends what is going on. Living so far away I can't go to the games, unless they are playing in Detroit, which has only happened once. I follow them on the computer and watch highlights on tv.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

Winning the World Series last year. I was too young to remember them winning in 1980, I remember watching in 1983, and 1993 tore my heart out. Watching them celebrate, then watching the parade a few days later, it was surreal. To be able to say your team is the best is something, for me to be able to say the Phillies are the best team, remarkable. Most of my life, the Phillies were doormats, so this was especially sweet.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

Nothing too negative, like I said, a lot of the years I was a fan there was a lot of losing and some really bad teams. That wears on you, especially when you are surrounded by stupid Braves fans! I think the worst experience I have had was getting made fun of by the Tigers mascot PAWS at the Tigers-Phillies game for wearing a Phillies shirt and hat. (course it was 100 degrees out and he was wearing a heavy wool suit, and he was making fun of ME?)

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

Yes. Until last year the Phillies were that team, but it never mattered because they were my team, and you just knew one day, dear sweet jesus one day, it would happen. And when it did, it was that much sweeter

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

Despite what people here seem to think, no. I have added teams that I like, but none of them are "my" team the way the Phillies are. I am not as much a fan of the 76ers anymore, but that is not a reflection on them, it is just my growing disinterest in basketball


Other comments along the way are good, as well. I thank you in advance for giving me some material to work with.

If you need anything else, just ask

[Mikey]

Aug 31, 2009 10:25:39 GMT -5 Fire-Babe said:

Do you have to pick just the one sport/one team? I'm torn between answering for football or hockey.

One team.

Though, if you cheer for multiple teams, I encourage you to do the survey for each team.

[Fire-Babe]

Aug 31, 2009 10:18:21 GMT -5 Mikey said:

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

I'll go with hockey first. Columbus Blue Jackets.

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

The second they announced Columbus had a team.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

I have season tickets with two friends from the PD, so I see about 20 games a season. I watch them on TV when I don't have tickets, or when they're away.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

There are two. The opening face off of the first game ever. We were nearly in the last row in the building, but the atmosphere was so electric it was amazing, and that moment of anticipation before the puck dropped is just impossible to describe. It affected me so much that a few years ago, I saw one of those panoramic photos of the opening face off at sports memorabilia store, and felt like I was right there again, and got a huge lump in my throat. (Yes, I cry about sports. Shut up.) I immediately had to have it

The second is obviously the first play off game ever at the arena. Again, it comes down to atmosphere and anticipation. Even though I knew we were doomed, I didn't care. I had always been jealous of folks who got to see Stanley Cup play offs when all I could do is watch them on TV.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

Having the record we have had is no fun. But that's the way sports goes, so I don't know that I'd classify that as a negative experience. I can't think of any.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

I guess it's the hope that someday they'll make it? It becomes more about the road to the big win, than the win itself, and then when that win comes, it'll be that much sweeter.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

I've become less of a Pittsburgh fan since the Blue Jackets came along, but that's largely because there can be only one ultimate team. I refuse to root for the Ravens because they used to be the Browns. We all know THAT story though.

Other comments along the way are good, as well. I thank you in advance for giving me some material to work with.

If you need me to elaborate on any of these, or anything else, let me know.

[DevSop]

Aug 31, 2009 10:18:21 GMT -5 Mikey said:

Need some help guys, and I figured this would be as good a place to both find help and stir up some interesting conversation.

I'm doing a paper in my Consumer Behavior class on how individuals "consume" sports. How they identify with a team, why, when, etc. You don't have to be a diehard to particiapte - in fact, I need some input from casual fans, as well. So, in what may take 5-10 minutes of your time, I present to you the:

HELP MIKEY GET HIS DEGREE SPORTS SURVEY OF AWESOMENESS!!

I need to know the following things:

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

The New Jersey Devils

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

It had to be around 92 or 93. I had always been a baseball fan, first and foremost, but I went to my first live hockey game around this time. A Devils/Islanders game and the atmosphere was amazing. Sitting behind Ron Hextall as he gave up 6 goals, smashed and broke his stick, and just actually being able to follow the game put me on the path to being a huge hockey fan.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

If I hadn't moved from NJ recently, there was a good chance of a partial season-ticket plan this season. They've kinda lost my interest a little in recent seasons because I haven't liked some of the personnel moves, but I have a few jerseys. I buy some memorabilia when I can. And I try to watch as many games as I can.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

I've seen all 3 banners raised the season after the Devils have won the Cup. It's a surreal experience being able to see the final moment of a championship season. It's a good personal thing to see these guys experiencing one of their goals and seeing the rewards of such.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

Game 6. Mark Messier. Guarantee. Was at the game. I hate the Rangers.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

Because one day they will. It's all about that day; that moment. Even if your team is so far away from that ever happening, you know it will. You just know it.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

I've liked other teams, but I never followed another team. If I'm watching a game, even if MY team isn't involved, I like to have a rooting interest in one side or the other but that ebbs and flows. One year it might be Team A, the next Team B...but it's just for that game, that series, or that run. MY team is and will always be the Devils.

Other comments along the way are good, as well. I thank you in advance for giving me some material to work with.

If you need anything else, just ask.

[The Canadian Content]

Aug 31, 2009 10:18:21 GMT -5 Mikey said:

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

Cincinnati Bengals

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

1988. My dad called me "Boomer" when I was a kid, so the first time I saw Esiason, I was hooked.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

It varies from year to year. I've had years where I was sure they were going to suck, but I got the football package on TV so I could watch every snap anyway, and there've been years where I thought they'd be pretty good, but I just didn't care as much. And lots of in-between years.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

Opening day 1997. Me and a buddy hop in the car at midnight, make the trip to Cincy, crash at a hotel for a couple of hours, then head to Riverfront Stadium. Being surrounded by 60-some-odd thousand other Bengals fans was pretty amazing in and of itself, but this game was the return of Boomer Esiason to the Bengals, and the place went nuts, even though he was backing up Akili Smith. In the second half, the Bengals were down by 17, and the "Boomer" chant started. Within a minute or so, the whole stadium was going, and the concrete was literally shaking. By far the most amazing sports moment of my life. The Bengals didn't put Boomer in, but Smith somehow rallied the team, and they scored 24 second-half points to win it.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

2005 playoffs. Carson Palmer goes down early in the Wildcard game. Steelers win the game and go on to win the Super Bowl. Fuck the Steelers.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

Loyalty, I guess.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

Pre-Bengals, I was a Bears fan, but I've been a Bengals fan for 20 years, so I don't think the Bears even count anymore.

Other comments along the way are good, as well. I thank you in advance for giving me some material to work with.

No prob, Mikey.

[Habs]

as soon as I have 5 minutes, i'll do it. Just remind me Mickey if a forget (might have a crazy week at work)

[Mikey]

You guys are great. Keep em coming.

[Byrntrigan]

I guess I'll be your token casual fan...

Aug 31, 2009 10:18:21 GMT -5 Mikey said:

I'm doing a paper in my Consumer Behavior class on how individuals "consume" sports. How they identify with a team, why, when, etc. You don't have to be a diehard to particiapte - in fact, I need some input from casual fans, as well. So, in what may take 5-10 minutes of your time, I present to you the:

HELP MIKEY GET HIS DEGREE SPORTS SURVEY OF AWESOMENESS!!

I need to know the following things:

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

I would say the Chicago Blackhawks.

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

I watched off and on throughout High School, but started watching much more in my Senior year when I played hockey for the school (it being the year I was finally good enough to make the team). This was 1992.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

I go to the United Stadium to watch 2 - 3 games a year, and I watched the Winter Classic on TV with Draven this last year. I don't watch games regularly anymore.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

Playoffs in '92 the Hawks had tons of OT games, and just the excitement hooked me. Also, since I was playing I felt like I learned about different aspects then when I played. I've also allways been very superstitious so when they won the first OT game, I started wearing the same clothes I was wearing to watch the game, didn't wanna jinx them.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

When they lost in a shutout to the Penguins it hurt. I guess I invested so much in them that I felt like they let ME down (I know, stupid).

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

Since I'm a casual fan, I don't really follow more then casually, but for my Cubs fandom (really all of my sports fandom), it all stems from the communal experience for me. It was FUN to watch the games with my family, and to learn about the sport, and to talk to them about it after the game.

When that communal experience stopped, my fandom stopped. I do actually like going to games (shh, don't tell anyone), and I bet when I start showing Draven different sports, my fandom will pick back up, because it'll be something to bond with him over (if he likes sports) like I did with my father before he split.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

See above. Due to my father, I first started learning / following about baseball thru the Red Sox as I have familiy in Rhode Island. Then the Cubs due to being the home team, and the Bears in 1985, and I started watching basketball when the Bulls were killing everyone for 6 years.


Other comments along the way are good, as well. I thank you in advance for giving me some material to work with.[/quote]

[Lucky]

[quote author=tarheelmike board=sports thread=4739 post=150346 time=1251731901
I need to know the following things:

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)[/quote]
New York Yankees

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

Round about '87 or '88, when I was just turning 8. I was the right age to be playing ball with my dad and friends, Yankees were starting to get exciting again with Matting, Winfield, and Henderson, and I was spending my summers working in Washington Heights and my dad and I would take a walk over the bridge to Yankee Stadium and buy tickets some days. I recall the year because the '88 team is the first one I recall having collected a complete Topps card set of.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

I watch or listen to probably 100 Gs a year, at least. Obviously opportunity and time play a factor and I watched less this season. But I follow in box scores, highlights, and messageboards all year round. I love watching with friends and do when convenient, usually more come Sept/Oct.

My stadium attendance has varied wildly the last few years. I owned season tickets and went to 30+ Gs a few seasons ago while I'm planning to make my first (and 2nd) 2009 Game in a week. Again, time as well as the Stadium pushing me out financially. On average I'd say I attend half a dozen games a year, some big and some just random games. I attend games for ambiance and seeing friends as well as watching the game.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

Probably a doubleheader I attended with my father as a kid. We worked the morning at his school in Washington Heights and then walked over. I was young so it was one of my first visits if not my first. No idea of the year or opponent, although I have the ticket stub somewhere. We moved from our cheap seats to better ones for the 2nd game, left early given my age. I distinctly remember that during the break between games to pass the time fans started throwing paper airplanes across the stadium and one plane managed to make it from one end of the stadium all the way to the other, resulting in a HUGE ovation from the crowd. I just remember that being a really cool moment for a kid who had never been in that environment. I'm pretty sure Pat Kelly hit a HR. Just basic kid taking his first trip to the ballpark and being overwhelmed, stuff.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

I've seen some bad games live including the 22-0 ass kicking the Indians handed them a few seasons ago, but none that really cut deep or anything. Most negative experience was probably sometime in '97 when I managed to score killer seats 5 rows behind home plate for the 2nd or 3rd game of Hideki Irabu's Yankee career. Bought an Irabu shirt and everything. He sucked, the shirt never fit right, and I suffered heat stroke during the came and had to go home early. All together a negative experience.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

I can certainly answer this with other sports but not the Yanks. Although it could be pointed out that they didn't win much of anything for the first 8 or 9 years I followed them and hadn't won in my lifetime. But I followed them because that's what you do. You ride the horse until it bucks you. Its the tough seasons and the chase that makes the win worthwhile.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

I've developed favorites and adopted teams as ones I wanted to win but never really became a fan. I briefly contemplated dropping the Yankees for the Cardinals when Mattingly was cut and was rumored to go there (I knew a Cardinal farm hand when I was younger so I had an affinity to them already) but never went further than that.



If I find the time I might do one for the Knicks or Jets as those are different sort of fandoms for me.

[Mikey]

Aug 31, 2009 14:35:48 GMT -5 Lucky said:

If I find the time I might do one for the Knicks or Jets as those are different sort of fandoms for me.

Would definitely be interesting, Clucky.

[Habs]

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

Montreal Canadiens

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

Since I've started watching hockey so 35 years ago (my dad put me in front of the TV while in diapers). Now once the N ordiques came along, my dadcheer for the Quebec boys, but me and my mom stuck with the Habs. But we never hated the Habs in our family. I also turn to the dark side for 10 years or so (Boston Bruins, not the fucking Leafs for sure) and will right that story up later. But even has a Bruins fan, I always liked the Habs.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

Pretty solid fan, and more so when I was away from Montreal (my 18 months in Calgary). I watched more Habs hockey in Calgary than when I'm in Quebec. I guess I missed home and seeing them and knowing friends were watching at the same timebrought me closer to home. Playoff I dont miss a game. Regular season I will watch in bars ocne or twice a week while drinking beer (my other fandom).

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

Well I played at the Forum when I was 16 or so and meet Jean Beliveau in person, got on the score sheet and got my name sayed out loud on the speaker system (fro a roughing penlaty ) Playing on the ice of so many stanley Cups wins was something. I was also there when Patrick Roy came back from a appendicitis during a playoff game. When we sawthat he was starting in net, the place just erupted!

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

The years with Rejean Houle as GM and Mario Tremblay as coach. They decimated the team... we are barely coming out of that era.
Also the riot after the 93 Cup win (thank good we won) where a frind of mine almost lost an eye to a glass bottle thrown in the crowd. Since then I hate crowds.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

We know our hockey in Montreal and we pride ourselves on that. If they play good they get cheered. If they play bad they get booed. All we ask for is an honest effort.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

I'm also a huge Boston Bruins fan. They were my #1 for some 15 years or so (20 meaby). Why the Bruins in the begining, because of Ray Bourque and Cam Neely mostly. Also the team played the type of hockey I like: though, honest, work hard, finsih your checks. They played like I wanted to play. Also, they were the underdocgs to the Habs. Always fun to take for the underdogs. Why are the habs now my #1 and the Bruins back to #2, my move to Calgary. Being away from home, I wanted my home team to do well. + the Bruins have stupid Zedno Chara as captain.

Other comments along the way are good, as well. I thank you in advance for giving me some material to work with.

I'll try to have one for the Bruins up later this week (how long do we have to do this)

[salmonjunkie]

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

San Diego Chargers

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

I started rooting for them back in the early 80s during the Air Coryell days. Back then, though, I wasn't a diehard fan. I think I became a big-time fan in high school, like 91 or 92. But I followed them that entire time before that.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

I go out of my way to watch every game. If I don't catch a game, it means I had to be very busy. I've listened to games in the car on road trips, I've even followed it online in realtime when I couldn't get to a sports bar. I've never had season tickets, but I try to make at least one game a year.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.
Beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game in the 94-95 season. We were huge underdogs to the point the Steelers made a Super Bowl rap video. HAHAHA!

It was bitttersweet being in the Super Bowl, though, because we faced a ridiculously powerful San Francisco team.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

Losing the Super Bowl was bad, but it wasn't as bad as two other moments, since the Niners were widely expected to win, even by me.

The big bad ones: Losing to the Jets in the wild card game in OT. I was there in person. That felt awful. The following two years losing to the Patriots in the playoffs, especially the heartbreaker two seasons ago after going 14-2, and having that game won, but losing the ball... My jaw dropped and I was in shock. Those were two very emotional losses as a fan.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?
Because I love my team. I believe it can and will happen, and when it does, I'll be overwhelmingly elated.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

In the 80s when I didn't consider SD "my team", I switched around, had a "favorite" for a year or two, usually because of a particular player (Bears - Payton, Eagles - Cunningham, Falcons - Deion Sanders, Broncos - Elway) Since 1992 or so, though, I've been a Chargers fan thick and thin, through bad times and good. I can't think of much outside of pulling a Cleveland Browns that would make me abandon the Chargers.

Interstingly enough, as big of a fan I was of Deion Sanders, I hated him when he was on the 49ers team that beat my Chargers in the Super Bowl, and hated him more on the Cowboys (a team I've hated for a long time).

[Sportsguy]

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)
The Green Bay Packers

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?
Pretty much at birth, almost my entire family is from the state of Wisconsin.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)
I either watch, listen to or (Rarely) attend EVERY game, preseason, regular season and postseason.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.
Superbowl after the 96 season. We were SO close to beating Dallas the year before, wasn't sure if we'd get back to that level again.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.
Some of the negative experiences include: Superbowl loss to Denver, The loss to the 49ers the next year (Jerry Rice fucking fumbled, goddammit), The entire season Ray Dumbass Rhodes was head coach, 4th and 26, and of course the NFC Championship game 2 years ago.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?
Like I said, it's in my blood. Plus, a great, deep young team, with an emerging QB, we will get there in the next 3 years, I guarantee it.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?
Nope

[BTR]

I need to know the following things:

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

Detroit Tigers of the Central Division of the American League of Major League Baseball.

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

As early as I can remember; 1985 or so

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

When I lived in MI I went to a lot of games and watched them on TV quite regularly. I actually had a 20 game ticket package in '04, the year after they lost 119 games. But after five years out of state, now I just read the results online, watching the occasional game shown on ESPN or FOX. I actually have the radio package for this year but only fired it up a few times; baseball radio is boring.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

Making the playoffs in '06 and beating the Yankees in the Wildcard round. It was the first time the team really mattered--first above .500 series in a looong time. It was also nice after they backed their way into the last playoff spot.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

2003, losing 119 games. The team looked like it would never get any better and its best player was BOBBY HIGGINSON. But the negative made things look brighter, too; it couldn't get worse.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

Because you want to see them win the big one. They've come close twice in the last 20 years; my way of thinking is that every team is owed a World Series every 30 years or so (mathematically), so you can't be frustrated year to year. Of course, they have until 2020 before I get really mad.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

I stopped following college football a few years ago once I started hating the business aspect of it all, as well as the constant turnover. So bye bye Wolverines. My fandom for my Pistons and Lions has dropped from lack of seeing games, although the Lions are easier to keep up with since I can remember details from all the games.



I guess I should add that my sports fandom has declined a lot in the past five years. I get oddly repulsed by people who live and die by sports and for me, other pursuits are more interesting, and football has been buoyed by fantasy. So living away from local teams and just general annoyance has made sports a much smaller part of my life than ever.

[BC]

Aug 31, 2009 10:18:21 GMT -5 Mikey said:

Need some help guys, and I figured this would be as good a place to both find help and stir up some interesting conversation.

I'm doing a paper in my Consumer Behavior class on how individuals "consume" sports. How they identify with a team, why, when, etc. You don't have to be a diehard to particiapte - in fact, I need some input from casual fans, as well. So, in what may take 5-10 minutes of your time, I present to you the:

HELP MIKEY GET HIS DEGREE SPORTS SURVEY OF AWESOMENESS!!

I need to know the following things:

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

University of Hawaii (mainly football)

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

Not sure exactly, but it was the late 90's

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

I'm not much of a game watcher in general, and they're only on TV once or twice a year at the end of the season (ESPN shows one of their last games usualy, then the Hawaii Bowl which they're usually in). I try to watch them, but don't change my schedule to watch them.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

I forget the year (bad with dates) but it was by far the victory over BYU in the final game of the year. Hawaii had been bypassed for a bowl game despite being #1 in offense and 7-4 because their fans don;t travel as much. They treated the game like a bowl game, BYU was undefeated & at the time the first real threat to the BCS boys and traditional rivals from their WAC days.

Hawaii obliterated them. it was like 73-30something. Hawaii would score in a matter of minutes (occasionally seconds) while BYU struggled and the atmosphere with the fans was insane. I was a Hawaii fan to begin with but this game sold me. Still to this day the most fun college football game I've ever seen.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

Hawaii being denied a shot at the national title despite being the only undefeated team in the country going into the bowls. Whether or not you felt they were good enough, they deserved the shot more than anyone else.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

You don;t expect them to, and their fun regardless.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

I guess I'd have to say the Toronto Blue Jays in baseball. Not so much due to them, but any interest I ever had in baseball has died. I absolutely HATE baseball now.

Other comments along the way are good, as well. I thank you in advance for giving me some material to work with.

A lot of interest in a team, or lack thereof, comes from their personel/decisions they make. Even if I support a team, if they do something I don;t agree with/controversial/negative, it does affect my passion for them. Like if I were an Eagles fan, I'd have serious problems supporting them right now.

[Ultimatejobber]

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

The St. Louis Cardinals

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

I have been a Cardinal fan for as long as I can remember. My dad was a huge Cards fan. I was a little kid in the 80's and I remember my dad and I watching Ozzie Smith on TV. I can remember trying to make wide turns around the bases just like Ozzie, and pretending to make diving stops in the infield. As I got older I learned as much as I could about the Cardinals and their history. My complete commitment came in 1987 when the Cards went to the World Series and I was old enough to really understand what it meant.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

I follow the Cardinals religiously. Living on the East Coast makes it hard to catch games on TV,so I never miss a nationally televised game. When I lived in central Illinois, I never missed a game on TV. I follow most games via the internet. Every morning I go online to read the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and read about what is going on with the team.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

1985 NLCS, Game 5. Ozzie Smith's famous walk off homer against the Dodgers. I was seven, but I temember the house going crazy, just like Jack Buck told us to on the radio. As a kid seeing your parents losing their mind with joy has an impact. I wasn't sure why or how, but I knew that Ozzie Smith and the Cardnials had made my family very happy and that made me happy.

As much as it is a tarnished moment now, when McGwire broke Maris' single season home run record in '98. I remember at the time being so proud that someone on my team made history. I was in my dorm room watching the game as it happened and I remember the entire place blowing up with cheers when the homer was hit. I can't help but smile even today when I think back on that game.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

The 1987 World Series against the Twins. I remember being so frustrated that we couldn't figure out how to win a game in the Metrodome. As I mentioned before the 87 team was the first team I was truly invested in. I thought they were unstopable and had even memorized the usual starting lineup (I can still recite it to this day). When they lost game 7, I was confused and crushed because my heroes failed. To this day I wonder what could have been if Jack Clark had not been injured.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

I used to be a fan of the Chicago Bulls because like many other kids my age I loved Michael Jordan. I stopped following the Bulls though as professional basketball become less and less about team sports and more about individual players. Today its no longer the Cavs vs. The Lakers. It is Kobe vs. LeBron.

[The Jewish Cunthead]

Remind me tomorrow - I'll do this for the Mets.

[BC]

Since you requested multiples for multiple teams...

Aug 31, 2009 10:18:21 GMT -5 Mikey said:

Need some help guys, and I figured this would be as good a place to both find help and stir up some interesting conversation.

I'm doing a paper in my Consumer Behavior class on how individuals "consume" sports. How they identify with a team, why, when, etc. You don't have to be a diehard to particiapte - in fact, I need some input from casual fans, as well. So, in what may take 5-10 minutes of your time, I present to you the:

HELP MIKEY GET HIS DEGREE SPORTS SURVEY OF AWESOMENESS!!

I need to know the following things:

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

As I was growing up and my knowledge/interest in football grew, I went through a few teams. Redskins (local team), then Dolphins (fave team of my cousin that got me into football, plus it was Marino's heyday, the year they were the only team to beat the Bears). Basically what happened was I ended up always rooting for the underdogs that no one liked, just to be different. They made me normally pull for the Buccanners, Chargers, Falcons, and Cardinals back then. The Buccaneers were always the most interesting to me though, so they became my #1

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

Not as much as I used to. When I was in college, my time was limited and my interest wained. I also don't like how they've dicarded so many of the people that finally made them great lately. I'm shocked Rhonde Barber is still there.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

Obviously, the Super Bowl win over the Raiders is up there, but my favorite moment was that entire season (once again I can't remember the year) where they finally got good. It was the season they changed unis and was Tony Dungy's second or third season. I remember the playoff win over Detroit (pretty sure it was them) and I thought "finally, they're for real". They lost the next game to I think Green Bay, but that season was fun. The defense was sick.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

As I mentioned earlier, the disgarding of what made them champions. The John Gruden years (after the Super Bowl obviously) were complete failures, which is a shame because I like Gruden.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

There's something about lovable losers...just ask Cubs fans.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

I'll address the Redskins here. What truly soured me on the Redskins was the coverage/attention they get in the DC area, plus other Redskins fans. They could field a pee-wee team and all you'd hear is "Super Bowl Baby!" Every sportscats in this area during the Cowboys Super Bowl wins ended with "Shame they didn't play the Redskins in the Super Bowl, 'cuz they would have lost." It's just all very sickening to a non fan. The other DC teams barely get covered. You wouldn't know the Capitals existed if you didn't already know it.

Other comments along the way are good, as well. I thank you in advance for giving me some material to work with.

I'll follow up on anything you need.

[creepy]

Glad to assist, Mike.



1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

I've had a hard-on for the Rockets the last few years, but I guess my favorite team of all time has got to be the Dallas Cowboys. Sue me.



2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

I think it was in their 1-15 season. My father was never interested in watching sports, so I didn't get into them until I was 10 or whenever. People from my church were all crazy for the Cowboys, and me being from the Dallas area (I was actually born in Irving), it made sense. When Jerry Jones purchased the team, you could feel Dallas was torn. Loyalty for a regime that was no longer working or something new, fresh and exciting was a big argument back then. And not being familiar with the team, I jumped on the New Bandwagon. It paid off in the short term, but it's been hard as of late. But we're past that late 90's stretch of shit and every year is a new year.....with what should always be a contending team.


In short, 1989 because of friends.


3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

I try to watch all of their games on TV. I even ordered the NFL Network, which I only watch when it's to catch the Cowboy game on repeat. Never been to a Cowboys game, but I went to a preseason Texan game a few years ago, and I think I prefer watching it on TV. Basketball is fun either way, Baseball is watchable at the Ballpark as is Hockey at a Rink, but Football, to me, is just a couch/TV thing.


4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

The game they won a few years ago against the Bills in dramatic fashion. I fucking leapt from the couch when they won it so loudly that I woke up my wife from the other room. I rarely crack a smile or show much emotion when I'm watching sports. The Giants SB win (Actually, it was the Patriots loss) and the Colts AFC Championship win (Again, it was the Patriots loss) were the other two times I went berzerker at the end of a game that I can remember.


5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

I forgot to ask off for the Sunday they won their second Super Bowl in '94 (I think). Had to actually work at the grocery store that night. Was bummed for that.

Also, the end of every season since their last Super Bowl win.


6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

Not typing all of that again.*

Basically, life is full of dissappointments and your team is like your brother. If he fails, you still stand by him, even if he consistently fails. And when he suceeds, it makes it all right. Or something. I don't know what the fuck I was talking about.

The Cowboys almost always dissappointment me, usually to the point of mild anger. I've just accepted the futility of the team and accepted how they will almost always dissappoint me. And that is pretty much exactly like life. Futile.


7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

I gotta say, it's easier being a fan and watching when your team is a contender, but no, I've not not liked the Cowboys because they sucked for years.


*Feel happy, Lucky. I wrote a long Answer for Question #6 and before I saved the already modified post, I just put in an Answer of "No. I'm not a Jets fan" for Question #7 and my computer just closed the screen before I saved it. It's like you've gone Viral or something.

[Spirit of 76]

I need to know the following things:

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever) St. Louis Blues

2. When/why did you start cheering for them? When: Late 60's (IIRC) Why: Dan Kelly ('nuff said).

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.) I bought the NHL Center Ice so I could watch their games, since I knew that I'd NEVER, EEEEEVER get to see them on Versus or NBC. I usually go to watch them play in Buffalo or Pittsburgh. I've only been able to go to St. Louis once to see a Blues game (Kinda tough to tell the missus that I want to travel halfway across the country to see a hockey game. That being said, what does she do for my 40th birthday? Makes arrangements for me and my dad to go to St. Louis for a Blues game. Yep, I think I'll keep her ;D).

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.
Last part of Question 3 explains it all, no?

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.
Game 7, Steve Yzerman (freaking 65 footer in double OT).
Also, Semi-final game of the 2002 Memorial Cup: Erie Otters (of which I'm an off-ice official for) of the OHL lead the Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) 4-2 with 5 minutes left in the 3rd period. Tigres tie it up, go to OT, Erie d-man takes a slapshot with a forward right in front of him, bounces off the shin pads, breakway the other way, shoot score game over. That broke my heart since I'd gotten to know some of the kids on that team and to see all that hard work go for naught.
6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless? I guess I'm just an optomist

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is? MLB, circa 1994. Freaking millionaires (both owners and players) ruined what had developed into a hell of a season. Don't get me wrong I still love the sport of baseball, just that now I could give 2 shits about who wins the pennant.

Other comments along the way are good, as well. I thank you in advance for giving me some material to work with.[/quote][/b]
Excellent topic, Mikey. Any thing else, give me a holler.

[Outback Frito Pendejo]

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever) Red Sox

2. When/why did you start cheering for them? 1967 - pennant race, Yaz, Lonborg, Tony C - I barely understood the sport but got caught up that summer. I learned to enjoy the game on radio, listening to the great Ned Martin, a lot. Used to fall asleep listening to night games on a transistor radio.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

I live near NYC, so occasionally go to Yankee Stadium to see them. I watch them on TV whenever they are on a national network. I can just barely tune in a radio affiliate in my car some places near work or home but not actually in my house. I do sometimes follow games online on ESPN. I read the Boston Globe online several times a week.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

As a single moment, Pudge Fisk waving his home run fair, to win one of the greatest games I ever saw, still thrills me the most. The 75 team was also largely home-grown talent, so I was growing up watching them come together, not rooting for laundry.

The comeback in 04 against the Yanks (especially after the 03 disappointment) was actually more enjoyable than the WS wins, given the rivalry issues. I still don't believe it happened.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

The Buckner play hurt the most, because it wasn't attributable to an opponent stepping up to the moment (like Bucky Dent) and it victimized a popular player, and made a nice gesture by a manager look dumb.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

I did that until 04. It was part of the culture in which I grew up. You could bash the Sox all day long, but you never stopped rooting for them.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

I was a big Bruins fan in the days of Orr and Esposito, but over the years lost much of my interest. The lack of an active rivalry in NY didn't help, but I never lost interest in the Celtics during a time when they and the Knicks rarely have been good at the same time. The lack of national TV coverage hasn't helped, but the Boston newspapers also seem to have lost interest in the B's. Unpopular ownership, playoff futility, and no real "face of the franchise" since trading Thornton (and he was more prominent as a prospect than a realized success) all play into this as well.

[The Jewish Cunthead]

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)

Mets

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?

My mom took my brother and I to our first game in 1984. Gooden was pitching against the Phillies and the crowd was really into it. We were hooked from that day on.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)

Die-hard fan to the point where as soon as I moved to California in 1991, I almost went broke calling those 1-800 sports hotlines to get Mets updates even though they were closer to last place than first. I make it a point to watch every game I can and to see them when they are in town.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.

The Mets winning the 1986 World Series was just pure joy, especially with my brother and I being so young. We were spoiled and assumed they would win it every year.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.

The Mets choking down the stretch in 2007. It was like being punched in the stomach on a daily basis with the TKO coming on the last day of the season. Anyone who says sports don’t matter obviously didn’t notice my blood pressure was higher than Jorge Sosa’s ERA.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?

In a word – loyalty. Sticking through the bad times makes the good times that much more enjoyable. One of my favorite terms is “you don’t choose the team, the team chooses you.” I can bash every part of this organization but the fact is they are now literally in my blood.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?

Never thought about changing teams but there are times I will have a rooting interest if/when my team isn’t playing.

[Army Dice Clay]

1. Who is your favorite team? (Can be any sport - pro, college, minor league, whatever)
Minnesota Twins

2. When/why did you start cheering for them?
I've been a Twins fan since I can remember. I went to my first Twins game at the Dome in 1984 when I was 3 years old. The first player I remember distinctly was of course Kirby Puckett and my most vivid early memories was the 1987 World Series winning season.

3. How would you rate your level of investment? (Do you go out of your way to watch every game? Do you watch when convenient? Do you only watch big games? Do you only watch with friends? Do you only go to the stadium to see games? etc.)
I watch or listen to probably 100+ games a year. I own a partial season ticket package this year as I have a few other times and I plan own owning a partial package next year at the new Target Field. I end up going to about 20 games a year and I make one or two roads trips a year. Last year it was Milwaukee and Kansas City, this year it was just St. Louis. I've previously followed the Twins to Cleveland and Chicago.

4. Tell me a story of the best positive experience you can recall as a fan and why it affected you as such.
In 1991 I was 10 years old and really started to understand the game quite well and Game 6 of that series and the series as a whole is by far my most positive experience. My favorite player's (Puckett) performance for my favorite team was as good as it can get. For a 10 year old kid to be able to stay up until midnight night after night watching his favorite team play in the World Series was amazing.

5. Maybe you have a negative experience, as well. Tell me about that, too, and why it was so bad personally.
From 1993-2000 the Twins were complete garbage. 2001 was the start of our rebirth as we lead the division most of the year only to be overtaken late by the Indians. At the end of the year the low point hit when we were almost contracted but barely survived. We ended up surviving obviously and winning the division in 2002 which was that much sweeter but 2001 was a major low point. My favorite team in my favorite sport possibly getting erased? Awful.

6. If you cheer for a team who just can't win the big one, what makes you root for them nevertheless?
Lately, the Twins haven't been able to get over the hump but winning in 1987 and 1991 makes a tad bit more tolerable. We have an awesome group of guys right now that helps ease the sting of not getting past the Division series. Mauer, Morneau, Kubel, Cuddyer, Nathan, Span, Gomez, Baker and everyone else are just fun to watch and I have unconditional love for this team.

7. Ever changed teams or stopped following a team altogether? Has your fandom for another team dropped over the years? If so, why do you think that is?
The Twins have always been my #1 team by far. However, when I lived in St. Louis for a few years I became a Cardinals fan. It's hard not to in that market. Baseball is huge in St. Louis. The fans are great, the team is usually good, and atmosphere at the park is awesome. It was impossible to not end up liking them. Since moving back to the Twin Cities I've still maintained a strong interest in the Cardinals, but the Twins are still by far my favorite team.