Why is a kid born and raised in Baltimore a Philadelphia sports fanatic when there is the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Redskins, all teams that are considered to be local to those living in Maryland? Could I possibly be a front runner always rooting for a winning team? Perhaps I just enjoy the heartbreaks that come along with being a Philadelphia sports fan because of all the “so close” moments when it comes to winning a Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, or an NBA Championship. To answer the question, I simply say “I blame my dad”. Growing up under the daily influence of my father, picking up on every little action he made being the impressionable kid I was when I was young. When I became interested in sports around the age of 8, I naturally picked up on rooting for the same favorite teams my dad rooted for. Eventually, that interest became an obsession and I became like all the other crazy Philadelphia fans.
Sometimes I wish I wasn’t a Philadelphia fan and let me tell you why. Being a Philadelphia fan is like having a heartbreaker for a girlfriend. For example, in 2009, the Philadelphia Phillies went all the way to the World Series but only lose to the New York Yankees. To be fair, the Phillies won the World Series the year before in 2008 but it only takes one look before 2008 to realize why Philadelphia was such a championship craved city. The last championship that came to Philadelphia in any of the four major sports before 2008 came in the year 1983 thanks to the Seventy Sixers led by the infamous Julius “Dr. J” Erving. That statistic alone is only the dipstick to the tank full of troubles Philadelphia teams had bringing a championship to the city of brotherly love.
You may ask, why put yourself through all the broken spirits, why not just change your favorite team? First, let me express how much I hate front runners. Front runners have no place in sports, nor should they ever even consider themselves as fans. Let me give the dictionary definition for the word fan which is short for fanatic; a person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal, as in religion or politics. Sports to Philly fans are not just a hobby, and it is more than a religion, it is life. It is our bread and water. I will forever bleed Eagles Green, Flyers Orange, Sixers Blue, and naturally Phillies Red.
Word Count : 426
Good essay. Your story can relate to a lot of people in other aspects of life, not just sports.
ReplyDeleteAs a die-hard Eagles fan, I feel your pain! I loved reading this essay and especially as a fellow fan, I was able to relate to it. You did really good describing the story behind your belief, just make sure you include your belief at the bottom of the page when you hand in your hard copy :)
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to editted some, word limit was 250-300.
ReplyDeleteI understand completely. I've pretty much gone my whole life being a "traitor" because I lived 15 minutes out of D.C., yet I am a Dallas Cowboys fan. Even though I live about 15 minutes out of D.C., I live about 7 minutes from the actual stadium, giving me all the incentive I need to be Redskins fan. Yet, I stick true, to my silver, white, and blue. And this is all thanks to my father as well.
ReplyDeleteAs a Redskins fan I would like to thank you for giving us McNabb. I'm was thrusted into the 'skins nation by my father as well and have pretty much grown into supporting the team. Essay was good but could use some editing.
ReplyDelete