You can tell allot about a team by their fans. There is a vibe, spirit, mojo, history...whatever you want to call it , that revolves around a team that is truly and I mean TRULY loved by their fans.
Based upon the blog below that was posted elsewhere, the link is also here, TB fans apparently need to jack themselves up for the ALCS.
"My idea goes along the lines of the White Sox 'black out', as well as several colleges' 'white outs', etc. I propose strongly encouraging fans to wear blue in an effort to "Paint Em Blue" (them, obviously being the Red Sox). Although the same idea as other teams before us, it would give our fans a sense of unity at the Trop, around the Tampa Bay area and across the country for that matter. I also believe our Rays blue would stand out well. "
- Paul Driscoll, Paint 'Em Blue brainchild.
Is it a lack of interest in their team? A lack of understanding for the moment in baseball history? A lack of passion for this sport we all love? Only a TB fan can answer those questions.
It would also appear that there may be a fear factor of their home field being overrun by REDSOX fans traveling to the Trop.
Are REDSOX fans ever prompted to wear their colors?
Living in California I cannot answer this question completely but I get a sense that the answer is a resounding NO.
Having gone to the SOX/TOR game 9/14/08 which was an awesome come from behind win (Section 15, seat 19, great seat even with obstructed view of 1st & 2nd) I think I can add a perspective.
A SOX game at Fenway is an event. If you're walking down Boylston and you don't have SOX colors on, you're in the minority.
Pride for the REDSOX in Boston is almost palpable. I felt it, and we were still in the hunt for first place in the division. I can only imagine what it is like right now.
I have only attended one game at Fenway in my life and I already miss its atmoshpere. I will spend the rest of my days trying to get back there I am sure.
A REDSOX fan, no matter where we hail from is welcomed at Fenway. This was the case for me, I met some great people at that game.
TB fans will have to learn these things on their own. Calling for the fans to "Paint Em Blue" doesn't show pride or unity, it shows exaclty the opposite. It shows a teams fan base struggling with identity. We on the other hand don't have to struggle with this identity crisis, we know who we are.
We are RED SOX fans!!
