2008 World Series: Who To Root For?
Generally speaking, Phillies fans tend to be obnoxious. If you were to ask their opinion on the four major Boston sports franchises, they would likely voice an expletive-laden disapproval. They booed Mike Schmidt, and they booed Santa Claus. When Tom Brady’s knee exploded last month, you could hear the raucous cheer all the way across the Delaware Water Gap. They hate me, and they hate you.
And yet, we should root for their team to win the 2008 World Series.
Why? Because those fans are just like us.
Well, let me clarify: those fans are lust like the 20th century versions of us. Loyal, yet filled with angst and bitterness. Long suffering, and desperately in need of a vacation from the endless misery and futility. A World Series Championship will make a large number of people very happy, and during this time of national despair, I think I can live with that.
Back in October 2004, immediately after the Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees in dramatic fashion to advance to the World Series, a couple of my close friends (die-hard Yankee fans) had an unexpected take on the matchup of Boston and St. Louis. They weren’t about to openly cheer for their arch rivals, but they gave us their passive endorsement. I found this sentiment unbelievable at the time, but now it’s a bit more understandable.
While the national media might be billing Tampa Bay as the Cinderella at this dance, remember that they are heavy favorites. Their road to success has been paved with constant high draft picks, acquired after years of last-place finishes as a result of passive ownership and low payrolls. World Series championships did not help maintain a fan base in Miami, and it will not do so in Tampa Bay. A week after the ring ceremony, there will once again be empty seats dotting the interior of that concrete monstrosity they call a ballpark, and players will once again be complaining about the lack of fan loyalty for their talented baseball team. Contrary to popular belief, a Tampa Bay victory will not “inspire a nation” (an actual headline from yesterday). It will mildly please about 8,000 people, who will then go back to their tarpon boats and their dialysis machines. They will go back to not giving a shit about baseball.
It’s time to spread the joy of victory to a large, like-minded fan base. An obnoxious Northeast fan base. People like us.
Go Phillies.
I agree completely. I have a brother in the Philly ‘burbs, so it’s an even easier call for me but you just gotta pull for the franchise that is 125 years old against the franchise with 125 season ticket holders.