Cheer for my Rivals?

Cheer For My Rivals?

If you're a fan of a sports team, you know that despising their rivals is as natural as craving pizza after a long day. It's just the way things are—maybe it's in our DNA or our love for over-the-top drama. Who knows?

But seriously, how did we reach a point where it's not enough to cheer for our team, but we feel this burning desire to unleash our fury on their rivals? As a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan, it's pretty obvious who I'm supposed to hate: the Evil Empire (aka the New York Yankees). Now, I've got buddies who are Yankees fans, and I'll admit they're good people. But how did they end up so twisted as to cheer for the Yankees? Perhaps it's the same reason they think I'm crazy for rooting for the Red Sox.

Let's take a trip to Oregon, where you've got the Beavers and the Ducks. In South Dakota (my old stomping ground), it's the Coyotes versus the Jackrabbits. Ah, the memories of those chants like "hate State" and "screw the U" still echo in my brain. Why do we feel compelled to cheer against someone instead of simply rallying behind our team? Does it make the game more enjoyable? Or is it the mob mentality that pushes us to these outrageous extremes? Honestly, I think there are as many reasons for this rivalry as there are fans. But hey, let's not waste any more time pondering why and try a different approach to viewing our rivals. Who knows? It might make our fandom experience even more enjoyable.

Now, hold on to your hats because I'm about to suggest something outrageous. Brace yourself. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I'm going to list some reasons why I should cheer for the Yankees. I know, I know, it sounds like I've gone off the deep end, but bare with me. The Yankees have the most World Series titles in MLB history—ouch, it hurts to say that. They were savvy enough to snatch Babe Ruth from the Red Sox in a trade. And let's admit it, they've produced some classy players like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Aaron Judge. Plus, their fan base is massive, and you can't deny spotting those iconic Yankee caps in every corner of America. They invest big bucks to improve their team, which means they genuinely care about winning. Okay, I said it. Please don't excommunicate me from Red Sox Nation!

Now, let's talk Beavers vs. Ducks! As transplant Oregonians, neither my friends nor I have a dog in this fight, so it's a bit of a unique perspective. The Ducks boast incredible facilities on their campus, those flashy football uniforms, an enthusiastic fan base, and neon yellow that could light up the darkest of rooms. On the other hand, the Beavers are often the lovable underdogs (everyone loves an underdog), they focus on hard work rather than glitz, and their colors happen to be orange and black bringing back fond memories of my high school days. Believe me, there are countless more reasons to cheer for each school, but we'd be here all day if I listed them all.

And, the last example mentioned above, SDSU v USD. My experience is unique since I started my collegiate endeavors as a Jackrabbit prior to seeing the light and joining the red and white of the Coyotes. This rivalry was so much fun! Believe it or not, dead Jackrabbits and even a dead Coyote

would be thrown onto a basketball arena when these two faced off. I am not condoning that behavior, but it gives you some insight into the insanity of the fans in this rivalry. My wife and I (also a Coyote) attended an SDSU women’s NCAA Tourney game at the Rose Garden in Portland a few years back. We cheered on the Jackrabbits while donning our Coyote t-shirts. I can’t put on the blue and gold of the Rabbits. I am open-minded but not crazy.

Sports have been a significant part of my life and will continue to be until the end. However, I've decided to make a change. Instead of constantly cheering against certain teams, I want to appreciate their positive qualities. Now, before you panic, let me clarify I am NOT jumping ship and becoming a Yankees fan. I care about my inheritance more than that! But I'm willing to put in the effort to be a little more neutral toward them. It's all about finding a healthier balance. Maybe as fans, we need to step back a little when our behavior resembles that of a teenager at games as opposed to the adults we are supposed to be. Impressionable kids might be watching how you act and how you talk at games.