Friend – “Oh, you like the Red Sox?”
Me – “Yes.”
Friend – “You from Boston?”
Me – “No.”
Friend – “Ahh. You’re a front runner.”
I am from New Jersey. Please, don’t judge me.
I was an avid sports fan stuck in a state without a professional sports team, aside from the New Jersey Devils. Since I wasn’t too into Hockey growing up, I was forced to follow teams in an unconventional fashion.
Most people, especially in Pennsylvania, are passionate about regional teams. I assume these folks become fans because of proximity.
I believe it is a great rationale to root for local teams. They are always on TV, in the paper, and around the town. However, so many people attack my “Fandom” when I try to explain why I follow the teams I do.
I love the Red Sox because some of my family lives in Boston, and whenever I would visit as a young, easily impressionable kid, I saw the passion that everyone had for the team, and it rubbed off.
In addition, every one of my friends in New Jersey was a Yankees fan, so rather than blend in, I chose the Sox.
However, I get called a front runner every time the favorite team discussion comes up.
I think my rationale is as good, if not better than just liking a team because you live there.
Everyone has to start following a team sometime. If the team you choose just won the World Series, then so be it. Just don’t call yourself an Angel’s fan this October because the Cardinals are below .500 without Albert Pujols.
What do you think, am I a front runner, or just a fan?
What’s your reason for following your teams?
Copy Editor Patrick Abdalla doesn't need performance-enhancing drugs to take a look at all things Major League Baseball. Whether it's arguing about the Hall of Fame, quizzing someone with a stat out of left field, discussing a good baseball book, or talking about "Field of Dreams," Pat always enjoys some infield chatter. 
That’s how I am…being Braves fan in Phillies territory has been rough lately but to say you have to like the team in your region is understandable but to say someone is a bandwagoner or front-runner is just talk used in an argument when the other has nothing left to go on. And the fact tht I support a team outside of the local market should show your alliance because it is harder to interact with your team. Bell ever since TBS stopped airing Braves games, I have followed them more by watching games online, following box scores, and planning days to go see thm whn they are in the area…anyone tht calls you a front runner either likes a bad team or just lacks enough sporting knowledge to debate their team.
I just followed who my dad followed. But it was weird growing up in Scranton, where it was an interesting split between the Mets, Yankees and Phillies. Although, you meet a fair chunk of Dodgers and Red Sox fans up there, too.
The Red Sox had a minor league team in the city for years, and the Dodgers are probably the closest thing to an “America’s Team” in the National Pastime.