Transmogrified Tiger wrote:I think there's an area between cheering for the rival team and berating a fellow fan for not considering the rival the root of all evil while wearing a "Cursed" or "Take it in the Pujols" shirt.
Yes, but I can hate the Cubs without doing so -- that's just a matter of decorum. And I'd also hope that people don't define themselves by their sports loyalties one way or the other.
I've had plenty of good times in Lawrence and at Wrigley rooting for the away team, participating in the back-and-forth in the bleachers or the tailgate and hanging out with my KU or Cub-fan friends. To use examples we can both relate to.
All I'm saying is there's a healthy way to go about it before it becomes some sort of a character flaw, or before they start ruining the experience of other fans or whatever. I hate the sin not the sinner anyhow.
As far as teams with a realistic shot:Phillies, Brewers, Pads in for each of the three NL Divisions. Howard went to my highschool, and I hate the Mets and Braves. Brewers are a young team and there is something I love about a good young team pullin another Florida Marlins. And the Pads, cause I hate the rest of that division.
In the AL? Hmmm maybe Oakland, Anaheim, I'd like to say Detroit - but I hate Kenny Rogers, and I dunno - Boston? Tons better than NY, and I"d like to see the Boss lose another to the BoSox before he checks out.
Transmogrified Tiger wrote:I think it's funny(well, maybe sad) that for some people Cardinal fandom is defined by being anti-Cubs.
It goes both ways. I've never been to Wrigley without being offered some fine shirts outside the stadium such as "Cardinals take it in the Pujols."
Most definitely, it's not an exclusive phenomenon. I will say though, I've never seen those sort of shirts in the Chicago area outside Addison-Clark vendors(although a possible reason for this is that they also have a heavy rivalry with the ChiSox, and stores certainly can't get away with anti-Cub or anti-Sox merchandise), while "Cursed" shirts can be found at any St. Louis area mall. Disappointing all around, really.
The cursed shirts are great. So were the corked shirts that came out stemming from Sosa's bat. It's all in good fun. Lighten up. A lot of the things you're bringing up regarding the rivalry really don't apply to anyone here.
Transmogrified Tiger wrote:I will say though, I've never seen those sort of shirts in the Chicago area outside Addison-Clark vendors
Oh I have. All over the place.
Huh. Not too surprising I guess, admittedly I don't do a ton of shopping when I'm up there. Either way, it's stupid. Defining yourself by schadenfreude is weak.
That's the fun part about being a cards fan though. Having ten WS and watching the Cubs loose over and over.
It's definitely one of the fun parts...no doubt about it.
Perhaps equally as fun is when the Cubs are in first place on June 1st, then fall to last place, or close to it, by September 1st.
Meanwhile, the Cards play steady ball and get better as the season progresses. That's the best part. The Cubs tanking is just icing on the cake.
I'll always have a soft spot for the Brewers, especially now that they have Soup. I enjoy watching the Angels. And I like the Braves out of respect for the way they run their organization.
I live in Jacksonville and spend a lot of time at the Jacksonville Suns park. Ergo, I know a good deal about the Dodgers' farm system and I often pull for the Dodgers because they are a classy organization and because I enjoy seeing players I used to see for $5 a ticket on Thirsty Thursday (where beer is $1!)
Suicide_Squeeze wrote:I live in Jacksonville and spend a lot of time at the Jacksonville Suns park. Ergo, I know a good deal about the Dodgers' farm system and I often pull for the Dodgers because they are a classy organization and because I enjoy seeing players I used to see for $5 a ticket on Thirsty Thursday (where beer is $1!)
I've also always liked the Orioles.
My gosh. You've gotten the opportunity to see some pretty good players over the last couple of years alone. And a few more on the way, too.
I was going to go watch the Suns next weekend, but the kid I was going to see is back in A ball for now, so I probably won't go.
