As I previously mentioned, I was born into a family of Red Sox fans. I am not exaggerating in the least, every single member of my immediate family is a Red Sox fan. My brother was the first and only individual to commit the unspeakable sin and marry outside of the Nation and into the Empire (it was practically a real life Romeo & Juliet tale). Yet, he is still one of the biggest Sox fans I know. Unfortunately, unlike most of my family, I was born in New York. It goes without question that life as it pertained to sports (and lets face it when it comes to Boston, there is not much else) was often difficult. Many of my school yard pals used to tease me for my loyalty to Boston. They were often relentless. Their strongest argument and most asked question was always “Why don’t you root for the Yankees, after all, you live in New York.”
Over time I have come to reflect on that question. I guess that is what baseball is to some us, an extension of our geographical location. Fandom is based on the closest city to where we live. While that may be how it started, it is not necessarily the way it is anymore. The world has changed, people move all the time and as such so have the fans of various sports branched outside of the original hometown. It is not odd to find a Boston fan in Texas or a Yankees fan in LA. There are even a few Mets fans in Upstate New York. Ok so that last one really does not strengthen the argument per say. However, as we as a society changed so too have the fans of sports. Our loyalties are not necessarily to a town anymore, rather, they are to our family. Although, sometimes we as youngsters chose a rival team of our fathers as our way of rebelling. As for my case. I threw my stock in with Boston. Perhaps, it was my way of rebelling against my peers. Whatever the reason, I see being a fan as holding onto something greater than just a team. It is a bond with family, friends, and yes, even rivals. We tied to something greater than ourselves, not a location. Maybe my friends don’t see it that way. But who am I kidding? They are Yankee fans after all.
Wally's Wall 