How To: Be the Best Sports Fan

Hello everybody. I am going to start a new section in my blog that is titled: How to "fill in the blank." So, we will see where this takes us.

How to: Be the Best Sports Fan
If you have ever been to an athletic event, you know that there are obviously different levels of "fanship." There are the people who are simply there because it is something to do, the individuals who are there to socialize (and yes this is different from the first), the parents who come to support their children, the people who genuinely enjoy the sport and are supportive of the players/team, and finally there are the die-hard fans like Jimmy Fallon with his Red Sox's addiction in Fever Pitch (not saying I've seen it, I just know). Just about each and everyone can fit into one of these five categories in some fashion. But this blog isn't about the different levels of "fanship," it's about how to be the BEST sports fan.

What to do: First and foremost, you have to start with team colors. It may be cliché, but you aren't a true fan until you rep the team colors. Whether it's a jersey, t-shirt, or even body paint, showing off a little team pride is very important, and can go a long way in the eyes of your peers.

What not to do: Do not turn your entire life into one giant walking memorabilia. If you are so obsessed with a player/team that your car, house, office, etc. is a shrine, then you might need to contact a therapist because that is not healthy.

What to do: Go to games. The best fan would be the one with the season tickets, or for all of us at Purdue, the VIP card. The best fan doesn't go to games when he/she feels like it, but instead, it is a first priority to attend as many games as possible. True fans show their support at the game, not on their couch.

What not to do: First and foremost, just because the best fan wants to go to as many games as possible, do not miss important dates for games i.e. work conferences, weddings, babies being born. In most cases, there will always be another game, and therefore from time to time, the best fan will miss one for something that is REALLY important. Secondly, do not think that because you ordered the NFL or MLB package for your hi-def television that you are the best fan. The real best fan can show you the listing of tickets of the games he/she has been to, not the listing of games on TV.

What to do: Stay updated on how your player/team is doing. It is always important to know what place your team is in their league, conference, or division. It's also good to know the players, the history of the team, the schedule, and the rules of how the game is played (kind of obvious, but you would be surprised at how many people couldn't tell you what the referee at a football game is signaling when he moves both of his fists in a circular motion around each other.) cough*false start*cough. If you didn't know that, I'm afraid I'm going to have to give you the business! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eslz06J9hFw&feature=related). Just kidding, but seriously. The best fan knows his/her stuff and is happy to share it with anyone and everyone.

What not to do: Do not go home and memorize every statistic for every player on your favorite team. No one likes a bragger, and everyone especially doesn't like the middle-aged man who sits at baseball games and rattles off number after number of batting averages and on-base percentages like it's common knowledge. Know what your talking about, but don't come off in a "I am the master of all things sports" kind of way.

Finally, to be the best sports fan, you simply have to love the game. Go out and play that pick-up game with your friends. Start your own wiffle-ball game in your neighborhood, or jump in a soccer game every once in a while. The best sports fan not only is a master of the game, but he/she is also a student. Sports are always teaching us knew things, and when we realize that, we can call ourselves the best sports fans.

Thought for the day:
"In terms of popularity, what hobby compares to being a sports fan?"
~Christian End

Signing off,

JD