There are two common types of sports supporters in this world – the well informed fan with a jersey or two from his favorite team and the fanatic who thinks NHL hockey jerseys should be accorded the same stature as the tuxedo.

Most supporters would fit in the first category. We would own a Boston Red Sox jersey or a Portland Trailblazers apparel, maybe attend a New England Patriots game or two, and we would keep abreast with the latest news and rumors of goings on in the leagues. Some of us could even be part of a fantasy mock draft group.

But this is adequate for some followers of the game. There are quite a few fans who are so engrossed in their hobby that they have to have every single logo memorabilia item from their favorite team.

There is nothing wrong with displaying support for a team. But there are quite a few who take it further than most. Donning MLB uniforms is standard wear for these fans.

A number of you who have attended games would have noticed the presence of at least one ultra supporter at the game who would don a team jersey which would be emblazoned with team logo pins, badges and other logo paraphernalia which could be stuck or attached to a team uniform. Relatively speaking, this fan would be the sports fan adaptation of a King Scout displaying his badges. Admirable indeed.

There was one instance where a Packers fan bought a merchandise which fans do not usually buy – a Green Bay Packers NFL #First-Up#10′x 10′ adjustable gazebo canopy. It was unusual but useful for barbecues in the backyard. Interestingly this loyal fan lived by himself in an apartment and had no intention of actually using the item. He only wanted to add to his Green Bay Packers logo collectibles collection.

Fanatic sports fans have lived with continuous teasing and judging looks for ages. But passion can make people do ridiculous things. Sports is a sort of escapism to quite a few of us. It permits us to escape the insanity of the hectic world for a few hours every week, and live vicariously through the star players we look up to and sometimes idolize. When we don that NFL jersey or put on those MLB uniforms, while watching the game at the stadium or live on TV, it is like we are part of the team.

Passion is something that cannot be quantified. Passion manifests itself in different ways in different individuals. As stated in the examples above, some individuals are passionate about collecting NHL Merchandise. It is just their way of displaying their support for their sports team. But there are others who express their passion in a less visually obvious way, by being very knowledgeable about the sport they follow or the team they support. Needless to say, the second group of fans are mocked less though they are no less passionate.


Filed under: Recreation and Sports

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