Why then is there usually a 'home advantage' or 'the 12th man' as they say in soccer? Of course it's the team doing the physical work but they need support and encouragement. You can see when a home side turns on their team *cough France cough* and how it effects the players. They can't beat their supporters.. they need them on their side.
"When the players glanced up during a break in play and saw the pictures on the big screen, they could scarcely comprehend it.
The lock Donncha O'Callaghan admitted the images had "made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end". His coach Declan Kidney followed up with a heartfelt little speech which summed up the Munster phenomenon. "The players won it but it's not just about them. It's their partners, their families, their uncles, their next-door neighbours, everybody. The goodwill shown towards this team has just been extraordinary. They seem to see something in us they can relate to.""
"just as the Munster effort was running out of steam and the mistakes were coming thick and fast, the big screens behind the posts showed live footage of the scenes back home: thousands upon thousands of red-shirted partisans congregated in the middle of the aforementioned road, screaming like banshees in support of their local heroes. Somehow, this one clip of film changed everything. Those clips of the goings-on in Limerick appeared just as the Munster support inside the ground - 50,000-strong, at a conservative estimate - was bottoming out with the dawning realisation that Biarritz were in the ascendant and perfectly capable of overturning a 10-point interval deficit. The images from the far side of the Irish Sea proved a mighty stimulus: the noise levels were amplified in an instant, the passion intensified and Munster tapped into reserves of energy they did not know they possessed. "Since 1999, our people have put their hands in their pockets and spent their own hard-earned cash following us around Europe in pursuit of this title," said Munster's captain, Anthony Foley. "We feel as though we are one with them. That's the thing about this team. And the journey isn't over, either. This is just another station on the way." He is probably right. As it will take some of those gloriously intoxicated supporters 12 months to find their way back out of Cardiff, they might just well head straight for Twickenham for next year's final.
"
The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
When someone asks me how the last PJ show was, I don't say "It was great, WE rocked out". I would say "THEY rocked out, or Pearl Jam" rocked out. I have nothing to do with writing of the notes or lyrics, or performing the songs in front of the crowd. Therefore THEY, and not WE. I see no reason why a sports team you are not a member of can make you think WE won, when in fact THEY won.
Just by buying a ticket or a CD does not make me part of the organization.
But that is a band formed by the members the band is it members. A team has a legacy that lasted long before the players arrived and will last long after they leave. Being a fan of a particular team can be something you are born into ... fans usually devout a lot more of their live s(I'm meaning the years not the day to day) then most players who other than the time they spend playing for the team may have no connection with it.
A player can be raised a fan of one team but play for another ... are they necessarily going to have as much passion for that team as fans who will follow the team their whole lives?
So are we strangers now? Like rock and roll and the radio?
But that is a band formed by the members the band is it members. A team has a legacy that lasted long before the players arrived and will last long after they leave. Being a fan of a particular team can be something you are born into ... fans usually devout a lot more of their live s(I'm meaning the years not the day to day) then most players who other than the time they spend playing for the team may have no connection with it.
A player can be raised a fan of one team but play for another ... are they necessarily going to have as much passion for that team as fans who will follow the team their whole lives?
I guess I don't see it. Should I be getting excited about a bunch of millionaires who can run and catch and hit for a team that I live geographically close to?
But that is a band formed by the members the band is it members. A team has a legacy that lasted long before the players arrived and will last long after they leave. Being a fan of a particular team can be something you are born into ... fans usually devout a lot more of their live s(I'm meaning the years not the day to day) then most players who other than the time they spend playing for the team may have no connection with it.
A player can be raised a fan of one team but play for another ... are they necessarily going to have as much passion for that team as fans who will follow the team their whole lives?
Exactly. Just the people that love being the condescending person who gives the snide comment of "Umm, no, THEY did it" just don't get it and never will and I don't need to be told otherwise. The team, like the Phillies, have represented the CITY and not the players for 100+ years. So if you don't get it - fine. Move on and don't ruin my party.
I guess I don't see it. Should I be getting excited about a bunch of millionaires who can run and catch and hit for a team that I live geographically close to?
I guess I don't see it. Should I be getting excited about a bunch of millionaires who can run and catch and hit for a team that I live geographically close to?
see that's why I get more out of rugby, gaelic football and hurling than I do from soccer (for the above reason). There are very few rugby millionaires (other than endorsements) and the other sports are 'amateur'. I fell out with soccer since they in general became a bunch of whinging divas. I can still see why people stick by their team but I see your point on that one. However, not all sports are money money money... some are STILL for the love of the game.
The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
see that's why I get more out of rugby, gaelic football and hurling than I do from soccer (for the above reason). There are very few rugby millionaires (other than endorsements) and the other sports are 'amateur'. I fell out with soccer since they in general became a bunch of whinging divas. I can still see why people stick by their team but I see your point on that one. However, not all sports are money money money... some are STILL for the love of the game.
I agree, it should be for love of the game - therefore PLAY, don't watch someone else play. find a league, sign up and play.
I guess I don't see it. Should I be getting excited about a bunch of millionaires who can run and catch and hit for a team that I live geographically close to?
... and it's fine that you don't It's not the millionaires you get excited about ... it's the team. Your favourite player could be playing for your rivals next season ... it's always team first.
So are we strangers now? Like rock and roll and the radio?
... and it's fine that you don't It's not the millionaires you get excited about ... it's the team. Your favourite player could be playing for your rivals next season ... it's always team first.
And what is "the team"? A logo? A stadium? A story from your grandfather?
Some people just don't get it. Sports bring people together. And those teams represent your city and you take pride when seeing your team go all the way. Here in Philly it's been 26 years without ANYTHING - nothing but negativity by everyone involved. No other city knows what that feels like. I don't wanna hear from Cubs fans or Red Sox fans, before they won, about how they've waited forever. Oh yeah? Have ya? Other than the fact that the Celtics won like 17 championships, the Pats had 2 Super Bowls before the first WS, and the Bulls have 6 championships and the Bears got themselves a Bowl. But a championship would change all that here in Philly, and you would see a party/parade like none other.
And like the one guy earlier said - yeah, it's crazy to attach yourself to a team but it's not crazy to follow this band religiously. And I digress...anyway....
Let's go Fightins!!!
great post and my sentiments exactly. nothing besides tragedy brings more people together for a common goal than sports. this city will shut down on thursday and friday when the Phils play for those 3 hours. and if we ever do win a championship you will see more people together than ever before it will be insane - and ill be there on Broad Street, no matter how old i am.
and totally agree on your thoughts about other cities. screw the cubs fans - as i said in the cubs thread, so what they haven't won for 101 years, you had Michael Jordan in your city winning 7 in 9 years, not to mention the Bears. We haven't won shit in 25 fucking years with 4 teams! I am now considered middle aged and we haven't won a championship since i was in middle school - there are college graduates in this city who have NEVER seen a championship. the shared joy that can and will be released if and when we ever win one will be incredible - nothing else can bring millions of people together like sports can and the original poster is way off base.
And what is "the team"? A logo? A stadium? A story from your grandfather?
All of these things ... and more. If you've supported a team your whole life ... memories connected with the team are part of your history. It's time spent with family and friends enjoying each others company ... it's something that the generations have in common ... a shared passion
That shared passion could be a band, a hobby ... but it can also be following a team.
So are we strangers now? Like rock and roll and the radio?
I agree, it should be for love of the game - therefore PLAY, don't watch someone else play. find a league, sign up and play.
the difference is following a team i can share the sentiments with all walks of people from youngsters to old timers. I can't really play against 8 year olds - but to share the joy and moments watching a team and rooting for a team with family and friends of all ages, sexes, races and income levels is something that NOTHING else can reproduce.
I agree, it should be for love of the game - therefore PLAY, don't watch someone else play. find a league, sign up and play.
I love music... but I can't play a note does that mean I can't listen to others play? I get more enjoyment out of watching sports than playing... it's also more frustrating cos when your team's doing badly, there's nothing you can do about it. At least it's in your hands if you're on the team.
Just cos I'll never be good enough to play for Ireland in ANYTHING doesn't mean I won't support my fellow country men/women who have been chosen to represent my country ( / county/ club/etc.). I love the game, whether it's played by me or somebody else!
The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
All of these things ... and more. If you've supported a team your whole life ... memories connected with the team are part of your history. It's time spent with family and friends enjoying each others company ... it's something that the generations have in common ... a shared passion
That shared passion could be a band, a hobby ... but it can also be following a team.
absolutely... some of my greatest memories have been of sporting occasions. It can bring complete strangers together like nothing else.
The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
everyone has something that makes them feel alive for some of us here it's the band and all that comes with that, for others it could be a sports team/car racing team southerners cough cough ,others get off on hunting ,or porno i repeat everyone has something that makes you come alive ....
Hell no, music and sports are my PASSIONS. Nothing like them.
and don't even begin to say the fans have nothing to do with it. Ask any pro team, when the game is on the line, the affect the fans in the stands have and they'll tell you how much important it is to have the support of the fans.
again, ask any pro player if he cared whether or not the stands were empty or full, he'll tell you full every time.
IT BLOWS. And you DO take it to heart. It actually makes your heart ache.
It really does. The pain doesn't last as long but I'd actually compare it to a break up. Although at least you KNOW there'll be more games
The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
Comments
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/may/22/rugbyunion.heinekencup200506
"When the players glanced up during a break in play and saw the pictures on the big screen, they could scarcely comprehend it.
The lock Donncha O'Callaghan admitted the images had "made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end". His coach Declan Kidney followed up with a heartfelt little speech which summed up the Munster phenomenon. "The players won it but it's not just about them. It's their partners, their families, their uncles, their next-door neighbours, everybody. The goodwill shown towards this team has just been extraordinary. They seem to see something in us they can relate to.""
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/biarritz-19-munster-23-red-hordes-roar-power-overwhelms-biarritz-to-reach-promised-land-479245.html
"just as the Munster effort was running out of steam and the mistakes were coming thick and fast, the big screens behind the posts showed live footage of the scenes back home: thousands upon thousands of red-shirted partisans congregated in the middle of the aforementioned road, screaming like banshees in support of their local heroes. Somehow, this one clip of film changed everything. Those clips of the goings-on in Limerick appeared just as the Munster support inside the ground - 50,000-strong, at a conservative estimate - was bottoming out with the dawning realisation that Biarritz were in the ascendant and perfectly capable of overturning a 10-point interval deficit. The images from the far side of the Irish Sea proved a mighty stimulus: the noise levels were amplified in an instant, the passion intensified and Munster tapped into reserves of energy they did not know they possessed. "Since 1999, our people have put their hands in their pockets and spent their own hard-earned cash following us around Europe in pursuit of this title," said Munster's captain, Anthony Foley. "We feel as though we are one with them. That's the thing about this team. And the journey isn't over, either. This is just another station on the way." He is probably right. As it will take some of those gloriously intoxicated supporters 12 months to find their way back out of Cardiff, they might just well head straight for Twickenham for next year's final.
"
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
But that is a band formed by the members the band is it members. A team has a legacy that lasted long before the players arrived and will last long after they leave. Being a fan of a particular team can be something you are born into ... fans usually devout a lot more of their live s(I'm meaning the years not the day to day) then most players who other than the time they spend playing for the team may have no connection with it.
A player can be raised a fan of one team but play for another ... are they necessarily going to have as much passion for that team as fans who will follow the team their whole lives?
I guess I don't see it. Should I be getting excited about a bunch of millionaires who can run and catch and hit for a team that I live geographically close to?
Exactly. Just the people that love being the condescending person who gives the snide comment of "Umm, no, THEY did it" just don't get it and never will and I don't need to be told otherwise. The team, like the Phillies, have represented the CITY and not the players for 100+ years. So if you don't get it - fine. Move on and don't ruin my party.
Yeah, you don't see it. And that is all.
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
I agree, it should be for love of the game - therefore PLAY, don't watch someone else play. find a league, sign up and play.
... and it's fine that you don't
No, what's your feelings about Pearl Jam?
And what is "the team"? A logo? A stadium? A story from your grandfather?
great post and my sentiments exactly. nothing besides tragedy brings more people together for a common goal than sports. this city will shut down on thursday and friday when the Phils play for those 3 hours. and if we ever do win a championship you will see more people together than ever before it will be insane - and ill be there on Broad Street, no matter how old i am.
and totally agree on your thoughts about other cities. screw the cubs fans - as i said in the cubs thread, so what they haven't won for 101 years, you had Michael Jordan in your city winning 7 in 9 years, not to mention the Bears. We haven't won shit in 25 fucking years with 4 teams! I am now considered middle aged and we haven't won a championship since i was in middle school - there are college graduates in this city who have NEVER seen a championship. the shared joy that can and will be released if and when we ever win one will be incredible - nothing else can bring millions of people together like sports can and the original poster is way off base.
All of these things ... and more. If you've supported a team your whole life ... memories connected with the team are part of your history. It's time spent with family and friends enjoying each others company ... it's something that the generations have in common ... a shared passion
That shared passion could be a band, a hobby ... but it can also be following a team.
the difference is following a team i can share the sentiments with all walks of people from youngsters to old timers. I can't really play against 8 year olds - but to share the joy and moments watching a team and rooting for a team with family and friends of all ages, sexes, races and income levels is something that NOTHING else can reproduce.
Just cos I'll never be good enough to play for Ireland in ANYTHING doesn't mean I won't support my fellow country men/women who have been chosen to represent my country ( / county/ club/etc.). I love the game, whether it's played by me or somebody else!
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you
and don't even begin to say the fans have nothing to do with it. Ask any pro team, when the game is on the line, the affect the fans in the stands have and they'll tell you how much important it is to have the support of the fans.
again, ask any pro player if he cared whether or not the stands were empty or full, he'll tell you full every time.
IT BLOWS. And you DO take it to heart. It actually makes your heart ache.
I'm not saying this for all, but I think as long as some of them are getting their overly priced paychecks, they could give a shit either way.
Verona??? it's all surmountable
Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
Wembley? We all believe!
Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
Chicago 07? And love
What a different life
Had I not found this love with you