I am NOT a Bandwagon Fan
by Chone's Chonies on Sep 30, 2008 2:29 PM PDT
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PrintI am not a bandwagon fan. And I hate it when someone, joking or not, refers to me as such. I’ve been called much worse in life, but “bandwagon fan” hurts more than others for some reason. Probably because I take sports so serious. Say what you want about my mom or what have you, but I’ll be damned if you attack my devotion to my team.
I’m sure many of you have heard the same thing, “So, how long have you been an Angels fan, since '02?” Ha ha, haven’t heard that one before buddy... Eff You! And so it goes. For the last several years, this one especially, I’ve heard that comment or one like it. Just because our Angels are kicking ass this year doesn’t mean I wasn’t a fan when they weren’t.
I moved to California when I was 10 years old, back in 1985. I had lived most of my life in southern Ohio before that (father was Air Force, so there was a place or two in between). As a Little League-playing 4th grader, I was all into baseball. Except back in those days I didn’t get to watch baseball everyday. The only teams I ever got to see play live were the Cincinnati Reds. Couple that with my dad’s favorite team, the Phillies, and those were the only 2 teams I ever followed. From time to time I’d watch the Cubs or Braves play, thanks to WGN and TBS. Other than that, I never saw any teams play on t.v. or in person. So when my family moved to California I was finally introduced to the American League.
I knew very little about the American League, other than the teams I got to see in the playoffs. Sure, I was a Royal in Little League, but I couldn’t tell you one person on their team other than George Brett. So when I finally got to go see an American League game played out here, the California Angels were the coolest thing ever. DH’s were new and exciting to me. And I first got my taste of the Yankees that night. But even though the Angels lost that night (and were nearly no-hit), I was an instant fan.
I was Brian Downing, Doug DeCinces, Wally Joyner, or Mike Witt when I played with my buddies out in our own ‘sandlot’. I remember watching Devon White’s first game and seeing him slam face first into the outfield wall. I remember the canyon-of-a-stadium we used to play in (the one good result of the Northridge quake). I remember watching Nolan Ryan’s last game in Anaheim (as a member of the Rangers) and consequently seeing his last strikeout ever. I never saw him as an Angel, but I’m a student of the game and I embraced the team’s past.
I still remember where I was when Donnie Moore gave up the infamous homerun to Dave Henderson. My grandmother was out visiting and I was listening to the game on the radio in the back of an ’85 Honda Civic somewhere in Beverly Hills. The rest of the family was busy reading Maps to the Stars homes while I sat there cursing (not out loud of course, I was with grandma) the god-dang Red Sox (what kind of name is Oil Can anyway?).
I remember 1995 like it was yesterday. Screw Randy Johnson, Griffey, Edgar, and the rest. I remember cringing when we hit the 11-games-up mark this season.
I remember (vaguely) spending the first half of my bachelor party watching the Freeway Series in July of 1999. My apologies to Shigetoshi Hasegawa, and any other Japanese fans sitting in my section that day, that was the beer talking.
And with the bad comes the good. I remember where I was during Kennedy’s 3 homerun game. I remember taking out the Twins in 5. I also remember switching my seat repeatedly during game 6 of the World Series. It’s some crazy superstition my father and I have that when our team needs a ‘kick in the pants’ we have to change seats. Well, throughout game 6 I’d worn out every seat in the living room, kicking any guest we had had over that night out of their chairs left and right. That’s when I found ‘the spot’. Our fireplace has a large enough hearth on it to be sat upon. And that’s where I sat for the magical 7th inning. Needless to say, I watched all of Game 7 from the cold, hard bricks in front of the fireplace (yeah, I was the reason the Angels won, thank me later).
Yet, I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir here. That’s why I come to Halos Heaven. I want to hang out with the true fans. Yeah, some are older than others, some fans are newer than others, but the single fact that you’re here, and have read this long-ass post of mine (thanks, by the way) proves your devotion to our beloved Angels. We may not have the history of other teams in baseball, but that doesn’t make us bandwagon fans. Not us.
Yes, there are many of 'those' fans out there, and I welcome them because there’s nothing I like seeing more than a sea of red inside Angels Stadium. For every fair-weather fan, there are hundreds of true ones like us.
But you’ve gotta take the good with the bad. Trust me, I know… I’m also a Bengals fan.
This Fan-Post is authored by an independent fan. Tell us what you think and how you feel.
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Comments
Well said, brother.
I swear the number of Red Sox/Patriot fans has grown exponentially since the turn of the century.
by Big Game Hunter on Sep 30, 2008 2:37 PM PDT reply actions
It's petty
to call into question the merits of other fans. “Band-wagon fans” purchase tickets and meals and have as much right as anyone else to enjoy the game. And it’s not like people always remain bandwagon fans. If a kid starts watching the Angels from the age of 14, is he somehow worse than one who started at 3? What if someone starts watching them at 40, but gets really into it, and becomes informed. Today’s ‘pink hat’ could be tomorrow’s Sabermetrician.
The more band-wagoners you have, the more revenue for the team, which can lead to better on-the-field performance. Now, when people behave like jerks to other fans, or are inconsiderate (ex. constantly running to get bear rather than watching the game), that’s frustrating, but that doesn’t mean you can condemn everyone who is new to the team.
Very well said
Everyone in So. Cal is very aware of the situation here and to bitch about new fans who bring revenue and a better on-field product is completely hypocritical for any “true” fan who’s goal is to WIN.
Same goes for any fan who continues to bitch about the name change and actually believes that Anaheim is the same as L.A., or had their feelings hurt cuz they have Orange County pride.
Whenever I hear bandwagon or name change bitching, I immediately assume those people would prefer to be back in fourth place, booing their “Anaheim” team on with the 14,000 other fans in attendance.
I remember those days and want no part of that again, I try and recruit as many news fans as I can. I was able to turn my entire office, some family members as well as most of my friends.
BANDWAGONAHEIM
None of them bitched when the name CALIFORNIA was stricken from the team and to me the WHINING is the hallmark of the bandwagoneer.
Nothing hurts like 1986 and 1995 and even 1985 and definitely 1982 and the people now who crab that the ALDS is not enough are just jocksniffing bandwagon retards.
Even if you followed this team for a week, if you root for them no matter the results you are NOT a bandwagoneer. End of rant.
Tough subject...
Speaking of the Angels back in the 1990’s…
Do you remember when the Rams were threatening to move? People jokingly said “GO RAMS…..and take the Angels with you.” It got pretty bad there during that time.
Note that during the “calling all Angels” song during the pre-game stuff at the stadium the past few years, between Witt/Langston’s combined no-no and the Angels beating the Yankees in 2002’s ALDS there was not a single highlight mentioned (although Salmon’s ROY campaign in 1993 should be included there).
Yeah, there was no griping when they changed the name. I was not really happy, but how could I rally against Disney by myself?
by Downing Rules on Sep 30, 2008 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I am a bandwagoner...
jumped on in 1979, I was a fan prior to that, but just didn’t realize it.
But in all honesty….everyone loves a winner.
Don’t feel like you are the only true fan out there and do not discount the revenue that newbies bring.
I wouldn’t go there with calling someone else out as a “bandwagoner” as it is their right to root for whomever they choose. When a team is winning, there are going to be people who claim they’ve been there all along. Who cares?
As long as you know where you stand, then don’t worry about everyone else.
Further, there is no way we can call anyone in Red Sox Nation bandwagoners when I used to be able to hold conversations across the stadium during a Friday night game in Anaheim, just 7 years ago (one person in V401 the other in V540). And we still have the “9:30 rule” (copyright Downing Rules, 1995) happening on a nearly nightly regularity, but with much less regularity than pre-2002 (9:30 rule: 9:30PM plus or minus 15 minutes and the end of an Angels at-bat CLEARS THE HOUSE).
The 9:30 rule
Is always taken advantage of by me & my guests in the View Level.
I’ve found myself in some nice seats during the 9th inning.
If GA wasn't so Lazy, I'd have something clever here.
by TheTypingFiend on Sep 30, 2008 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions
That's different...
that’s called a “poor-man’s box seats” when you move down to the lower levels. I used to do that at the Fabulous Forum back in the 80’s in a Lakers’ blowout loss or win…when all the elites would leave, my dad and I would creep down to the first few rows to catch the final minute and a half to get an up-close view of Chuck Nevitt or Mark Lansberger in garbage time.
by Downing Rules on Sep 30, 2008 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh I get it...
you are using the 9:30 rule to your advantage to get some poor man’s box seats. Brilliant.
But beware of the 26th-out’ers (copyrighted 1997, Downing Rules) as well (26th-out’ers = people who leave after the 2nd out in the 9th to “beat the traffic” and watch the final out from the tunnel and/or rely on crowd noise to determine the final result of the game while hitting the exits).
by Downing Rules on Sep 30, 2008 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
My fricking dad was a 21st-outer...
It wasn’t till i was nearly 18 years old that i realized they play 9 innings!
Hooters anyone?
by Chone's Chonies on Sep 30, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions
My dad left about the same time...
end of the 7th…used to piss me off.
However, I think my desire to stay until the bitter end is traumatizing my kids the other way.
by Downing Rules on Sep 30, 2008 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Have them go get the car out for you
& you can meet them on Orangewood/Katella.
If GA wasn't so Lazy, I'd have something clever here.
by TheTypingFiend on Sep 30, 2008 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd love to see a toddler drive a car...
let alone expect him/her to figure out where Orangewood/Katella are! ;)
by Downing Rules on Sep 30, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions
they are...
every time I conjugate “to be” with the pronoun “they.”
Although, I think you mean that these are two different areas. Yes, one is on the north boundary of the stadium, the other on the south boundary. Now that we have Anaheim geography covered, what’s next?
I would actually have them wait on Rampart Street as that is the key “free parking” zone at the stad.
by Downing Rules on Sep 30, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
That's funny.
..and so much like life in general. You can’t “win” one way or the other!
I did the same with my kid’s in various ways…tried to provide in their lives what I most wanted – but didn’t get – from my parents. It didn’t work!
Ahhhh…human nature.
I think my little rant has been miscontrued a little bit, maybe I wasn't clear enough.
I don’t dislike bandwagon fans, I just hate being called a bandwagon fan by others. The joke’s getting old. I heard it twice more this weekend. There are people out there, like many of us, that love the Angels no matter what kind of season they’re having, we’re fanatics.
Basically, I’m going through withdrawals of 2 days with no Angel baseball, and felt the need to vent. If you took offense to what I said, so be it. But I wasn’t questioning any fan’s committment, but rather reconfirming mine.
Hooters anyone?
by Chone's Chonies on Sep 30, 2008 4:26 PM PDT reply actions
I'm proud to be a bandwagoneer
Or is it “bandwagoner?” Once the Brewers moved to the NL, and I moved to SoCal (late 1990s) I needed an AL team. I like baseball, and I certainly wasn’t going to be a Doyers fan, not with my “other” team in the NL. So, no, I wasn’t an Angels fan in ‘79 or ’86 or ’95. (I was cheering for a team that never even came close those years. 82 is a different matter….) But I absolutely respect those of you who were. I’ve had my loyalty to other sports teams tested repeatedly. Fortunately for me, it took only a few lean years (and watching the Seamen dominate the West during that period) before my newly declared Angels fandom was rewarded. Fortuitous timing? Maybe. But in the past decade I’ve attended more Angels games than I ever did Brewers games — my son will grow up with fond memories of going to Angels Stadium with his Dad.
Though by the Rev’s definition given above, I’m not a bandwagoneer, since I’m rooting for them regardless. I remember 2003 and 2006, too.
I wanted to clobber Yount and Molitor...
back in the day…
I used to use my Intellivision baseball and envision I was the Angels beating up the Brewers in the American League Championship.
by Downing Rules on Sep 30, 2008 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I understand
I felt the same way about Darrell Porter and Ozzie Smith. But I’ve gotten over it. Intensive therapy helps.
2002 ended all my pain.
And I got paid to attend those games (1, 6, 7)!
by Downing Rules on Sep 30, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I did attend
Game 4 of the 1982 ALCS. It was rainy, and I very specifically remember the Angels grand slam — that cut the Brewers’ lead from 9-1 to 9-5. That series worked out well for my team at the time. I also got to attend Game 3 of the 82 WS; on an extremely cold night, with Pete Vuckovich on the mound, F-ing Willie McGee hit 2 HRs to beat the Crew. My memories are decidedly mixed.
BTW, Beer also helps if therapy (or victory) doesn’t. :)
Oh man..
Pete Vuckovich. I remember him. I’m not sure if he ever figured out how to tuck his shirt into his pants.
He won the Cy Young Award in ‘82. I don’t believe he fared that well after that year. He put it all on the line that year for the Brewers.
I was so pissed. I thought for certain we would make it to the World Series that year.
The guys I disliked the most on those teams were Gorman Thomas and Cecil Cooper.
Thomas was like Cust (strike out, walk, or home run) but a lot uglier, and Cecil Cooper always seemed to get a big hit when it counted most (1982 playoffs).
All ABOARD !!!
Welcome Bandwagoneer, New, Fair Weather, Post Season Only, Etc., Etc. Fans of all types are welcomed at anytime.
Leave your cash at the door, and enjoy the gifts you purchased for yourself, and many others.
Stay if you like, for as long as you want, or can, and participate in these festivities.
Have all the happy times you can remember, enjoy.
But … no complaining. That’s all we ask. Leave the booing to the stupid fan. Leave the cat calls to the unrespectful.
Listen, and Learn, from the long time fan, and help build a tradition of knowledge, history. Pay attention to what you see, and do. For it will only happen one time.
But most of all buy those gifts for everyone, and yourself. And maybe you will return again some Spring, Summer, or Fall, then stay. To help cheer, and support your team.
A shout-out to the crickets...
we die-hards will share your company when the din of this glorious run ends.
by Downing Rules on Sep 30, 2008 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Like the Colonel's Kidney stones
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Specializing in maniac-ball since 2000
by halofan4life on Sep 30, 2008 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I think I get what you're saying,
or at least what I think you’re trying to say.
For me, as a fan since 1971, I’ve suffered through all the bad times referenced above. I’ve been to games where there were so few fans it took at least a minute for a foul ball to get found. I lived through the false hope of each new season that ended with the same poor results. So what I think CC is saying is, the recent success is payback to all of die-hard fans who lived through the failures. And this success is being “hi-jacked” by new fans who don’t realize how much we’ve gone through and how long we’ve waited for these times.
I’m not whining about band-wagon fans, I realize any fan is a good fan. I appreciate anything a fan brings to the community. I’m just sorry they won’t be able to appreciate the recent success the way I do, how high this high is when compared to the lows we’ve lived through.
Is that what you meant?
I was uncool before uncool was cool.
by WiHaloFan on Sep 30, 2008 7:45 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Bingo
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Specializing in maniac-ball since 2000
by halofan4life on Sep 30, 2008 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions
What lows could that be...
Maybe trading away Carney Lansford for yuck or getting rid of Tom “Bruno” Brunansky because Bobby Clark was the guy, or was it Nolan Ryan being allowed to walk. Maybe it was all those free agent signings (Grich,Baylor, and Rudi) the team made in 1977 that had us all thinking they would win the whole thing only to end up firing the manager and finishing deep in the standings. The tragic death of Lyman Bostock might be the lowest. Could it be the Frank Tanana arm injury that hurt the most? Watching the Orioles celebrate on the field at the Big A in the 79 ALCS. Maybe it boils down to Brian Harper who made his debut as a 19 yr old only to be traded away. Hell he only went on to be a .290+ hitter and play another 900+ games in the bigs.
Wait is the lowest point Dickie Thon leaving or Rance Mulliniks. Cecil Cooper (minus beany-boy) drive in 2 in GM#5 of the 82 ALCS to give the Brewers the 4-3 lead and the win. Then there is 1985 when the team went 3-4 in the last 7 losing 3 out of 4 to KCin the second to last series of the season and ended up losing the AL West by 1 game as KC went 4-3 in the last 7 games.
It is endless to the heartache that I and many long time Angel fans have suffered. Having spent many days at the Big A as a kid (dad worked at the stadium 77-86). I won’t even go into the 86 season and the 90’s but I know that I have been a long time fan and will once again be pulling for the team I grew up loving even when they were not playing this sort of baseball.
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 3, 2008 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
We The People
“WE”
You know you say it – “WE” Have a deep bullpen. “WE” Have a strong lineup. You don’t actually play for the Halos, but that’s a small, irrelevant detail. You’re not like those bandwagon fans who also cheer for L.A. oh no, not you. There’s only one team on the 5 for you. They’ve been your team since you hid a transistor radio under the covers to hear the Ryan Express throw #383. And that season we gave hitters two days of cryin’. It’s “WE” and not “THEY” because after little league games, you rode your bike to the Big A and got in for free during the 7th inning. Because you and your brother got matching navy blue jackets (just like the bullpen had) for Christmas. And because you don’t have a spouse , a fiance or even a date for friday night, but you do have a junior angels application filled out for your future child. You say “WE” because you’ve reenacted “The Catch” 26 times. On a video game. And because you live to see that bright Halo light up after wins. “WE” will be alive in October because “WE” have the best leadoff hitter in the game and a golden Glove in center field. And all “WE” need to rally is a Monkey. Yep. A Monkey. And not just any Monkey, but a Monkey with rally rules that “WE” follow. Because “WE” won game 7 with a rookie. “WE” beat the best hitter in baseball. And sure, it took 42 years, but “WE” finally got our prayers answered. “WE” are the Angels – and this year “WE” Will do it again.
Angels Magazine
"i got 5ive on it"
by Funke5ive on Sep 30, 2008 7:51 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
A lot of feelings coming out on the posts these last few days
And understandably so.
I, for one, have always appreciated your posts. I would never consider you a band wagoner.
When I was a weee child (ok, here I go), people called me a loser for being an Angel fan. At 9/10/11/12 years old in the sixties, I played little league in the LA area. My favorite team was the Angels (because my Father’s favorite team was the Angels maybe), and everyone else was Dodger fans.
Unbeknownst to my Father and everyone else, I would stay up at night listening to the mid to late sixties angels on my 9v transistor radio after bed time.
I fell in love.
My father (a fine man), who I thought was a diehard Angel fan, transferred his allegiance to the Mets in 1969 (or so), because they traded Fregosi.
Fregosi was also my favorite player (along with Schaal, Knoop etc). However, this is when I became a man (hyperbole): I never even considered trading allegiance. Couldn’t even contemplate it. My dad and I parted ways (well, maybe not hyperbole).
My point is this: It doesn’t matter when you become an Angel fan. It is: Do you take the Angels to be your favorite team, through thick or thin, through this point forward? No matter what?
That is a true Angel fan. See you in 20 years.
Angel Pitching, Angel Defense - get past that.
OK, too melodramatic, but what the hell
Now, Let’s Rock!
Angel Pitching, Angel Defense - get past that.
by vladtheimpaler on Oct 1, 2008 1:51 AM PDT up reply actions
I Am A "Band-Wagon" Fan Too!!
My Band Wagon started in 1956. We all start someplace. You GO my friend and welcome to “The Family.”
"......and you can kiss it GOODBYE"
I am a fair weather fan and proud of it.
Why should I put my time and emotion into a sports team that isn’t worht watching. I am a fan of the Angels because 1) I like the players, 2) I like the manager, 3) I like the owner and 4) I like the style of baseball played at the Big A. If I stop liking them because of how they preform their jobs that’s just common sense. I grew up in the San Francisco East Bay in the early 70’s. Chuck Finley’s A’s were the best thing going. Should I still be rooting for the most boring team in baseball because I was an A’s fan as a kid?
I am a fair weather fan so the Angels better win!
"Fairweather fan" is a contradiction in terms.
People like you will never understand that the good times are best enjoyed by those who have experienced the bad times.
by Higz on Oct 1, 2008 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
I don't mind...
… people bouncing their team if they live in places like, oh, Pittsburgh or Oakland or Monreal? Who should be your team if your from there? If teams can switch on you, you can switch on teams. Who are Seattle basketball fans supposed to root for now? The next-closest Portland Blazers?
My apologies to Detroit fans… even when they try (Miguel Cabrera), they are NOT trying (Dontrelle Willis).
And people, marry a Kansas City or Baltimore fan. That’s loyalty that stick even when you take a dump regularly on its face.
by and1mcgee on Oct 2, 2008 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
I tried to give the Angels a chance in 1989
when we first moved to So Cal. Nothing about the team appealed to me. Sorry. They have won me over as a fan by he way they play the game. If they stop doing what they are doing they will loose me. I didn’t stop being an Angels fan in 2003, even though they had an off year because they were still doing the things I liked and I was confident that they would be back. If I didn’t belive that I would be gone. Personally I think those who don’t feel this way are a bit insane.
I am a fair weather fan so the Angels better win!
switching teams...
what’s wrong with it? if a Doyer fan gets upset that Paul DePodesta smokes crack daily, why can’t he fall in love with the Angels brand of baseball? Just because he was born in LA instead of off Katella? This is like saying you can’t own land on Easter Island if you aren’t of Rapa Nui descent. Oh yeah, you can’t…
by and1mcgee on Oct 2, 2008 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
i think the anger is associated is merely following the winning teams
and switching constantly. like im sure many red sox fans were yankee fans before 2000-2004 range. thats what angers me at least.
but the true joy is seeing a team youve stuck by through thick and thin rise to the top again.
you dont get that switching around.
by linkbruin on Oct 3, 2008 1:41 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
There's always room on the wagon -
I don’t have a problem with bandwagon fans – They’re going to help extend Vlad and keep Tex in Halo Red.
I converted a buddy of mine from the evil or Red Sox fan-dom into a Halo fan.
So to the “new” fans, I say welcome aboard
"And the Anaheim Angels are the Champions of Baseball!"
This post has been cathartic for me.
I laughed. I cried. I stopped. As far as I’m concerned band wagoners don’t bother me at all. I figure when this current run of good fortune, great managing, and the ability to sign prominent FA’s, goes bye-bye, so will they. Not a knock on anyone, just my opinion. Besides, I love the Halos, doesn’t matter if its a sold out stadium, or if it reverts to the attendance of yesteryear.
YOU DON'T KNOW THE POWER OF THE DARKSIDE.....
Nice post brother
Let’s give the chowds and their bandwagon fans an asskicking they’ll never forget
Don't call me Desmond
uhh
if you really aren’t a bandwagoner, why a.) post this wordy post, b.) does it bother you?
P.S. The Angels are in the playoffs, as is more than one team, and until they figure out how to beat Boston in the playoffs, there is no bandwagon. If there is, the band is pretty pathetic. It’s like calling Angels/Red Sox a rivalry. How is it a rivalry if it’s one-sided?
Call me bandwagon, I don’t care. That won’t take away from my 25 year-old self memories or orange Anaheim Stadium, players like Luis Sojo, Lee Stevens, Luis Polonia, Ron Tingley. Tingley lived on my street for crying out loud. Anyone remember him? Didn’t think so. So, why rant and rave about how you aren’t a bandwagoner? That’s like complaining that you never complain.
I NEVER BRAG!!, I’M AWESOME, huh!
by and1mcgee on Oct 2, 2008 10:50 AM PDT reply actions
Isnt Ron Tingley Jeff Mathis?
By the way not like Tingley was that long ago or John Orton. Then again your 25 so not a lot to remember when your going through those little league years. That was the same with me after all I had to endure Andy Etchebarren
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
Ron Tingley
was basically a bullpen catcher. He got in enough to one year, I recall, lead the league in….. drumroll please
most at-bats without a hit that season. Ouch.
by and1mcgee on Oct 3, 2008 3:11 PM PDT reply actions
Oh good...
Because after last night, I’m completely convinced that 2002 was a cruel joke, and kept the hope till last night.
Now I’ve gone back to expecting them to break my heart, just like they did for all those prior years.
Angels fan since '67
I love all Angels fans, including bandwagon fans.
I’m 54 years old. I’ve been a fan since the beginning, 1961, when my dad took me to a game at Wrigley Field in Watts when I was 7 years old. I almost caught a HR ball hit by Albie Pearson into the right field pavilion. My dad carried me home at the end of the game.
I remember going to play-off games in 79, 82 and 86 where there were more fans from the other team than Angels fans.
So I was shocked in 02 where I’d show up for games and we had something we never had before – a home field advantage. 42000 screaming Angels fans wearing red and refusing to lose. I don’t know who they were. I don’t know how long they were fans and if they are fans today. All I know is that was the most exciting season of my life and Games 6 and 7 were the greatest games I’ve ever been too.
So, thank you every fan who went to those games. And refused to stop believing, even when it was 0-5, down 3 to 2 in the 7th. I don’t know if we’ll ever win again, but I do remember Scott Spiezio coming up with two guys on, fouling off a bunch of pitches and then lofting one toward right field…
yeah that attendance didnt jump until late september
02 was the last season my family had season seats.
money
i feel like i am a part of the team and I can say “WE” won when “WE” do because I help pay for the salaries of the players who I go out and suppor…………..
oh yeah, their entire salaries come from TV revenue. nevermind…….
by and1mcgee on Oct 5, 2008 9:54 AM PDT reply actions
I jumped on the Bandwagon in 1997
Had I realised that within a few years I would be able to watch games live on my PC, maybe I might not have chosen a team to follow whose home games start at 3am here.
Just think what I would have missed, makes me shudder.
# F-Bomb, F-Bomb, you're my F-Bomb #
I've been an Angels fan my whole life...
and I get pretty pissed when someone calls me a bandwagon fan after the 2002 World Series win, I especially get called a bandwagon fan when I meet people from the bay area who are Giants fans, the first thing they ask me after they find out that I’m a Halos fan is if I’ve only been a fan since 2002, and I have to inform them I’ve been a fan since the days of Wally Joyner, Brian Downing, et. al. (I was born in ‘82)… I’m not old enough to remember the 1986 ALCS (which I’ve read enough about that it does hurt to think about), but I do remember the epic 1995 collapse, which still hurts to this day, so anyone that wants to call me a bandwagon fan, eff off…
/rant
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