How to Spot A Bandwagon Fan at Game 1 of the World Series

Despite the G’s losing Game 3 last night (anyone who thought they would sweep is delusional), I am still on a high from Game 1. It was hands-down my most memorable baseball experience. Ever. And this is coming from a girl who’s been to Cooperstown.

But I’m holding off on my full recap of Game 1. I’m still gathering my thoughts about it, plus I need to get the photos from my cousin Shari.

Instead, this post is about “How to Spot a Bandwagon Fan at a World Series Game.”

I have been vocal about my disdain for bandwagon fans. Sure, everyone needs to start being a fan somewhere. I myself started by taking annual Spring Training trips, beginning in 1994, then became a full-fledge fan when I actually moved to the Bay Area in September 1998 (Note: a NON-playoff year). So how about starting to support the team around Opening Day? Or around the buzz at the trade-deadline? Or when they sweep LA? Not when they clinch the division and go to the playoffs.

How about not sending me text messages about “our” team. Or telling me, “Oh I’m not a bandwagon fan, I’ve been following them since August.” I’m sorry to tell you that, unless you know who Dan Orteimeier and Brian Bocock are, or heck, even Todd Wellemeyer or Fred Lewis, you are indeed a bandwagon fan.

So, how to spot bandwagon fans at Game 1 of the World Series?

1. You show up wearing the other team’s colors and don’t even realize it.

2. No one in your entourage are wearing any Giants gear, except for the one World Series hat you just purchased on your way to your seats that still have the tags on them.

3. When the Hall of Famers are throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, you ask “Who’s Willie McCovey?”

4. You ask people to sit down when the count is 3-2 with 2 outs and Tim Lincecum is on the mound.

5. You have to lean over and explain to your wife the basic fundamentals of baseball with every single play. This is when she actually feigns interest.

6. Your kids break out their math homework in the 4th inning. Yes, MATH HOMEWORK AT THE WORLD SERIES. Here’s a photo of proof that this actually happened.

7. Your entourage is the only ones sitting while the entire ballpark is standing, watching the team score.

8. You’ve never heard the “He’s a bum” chants before.

9. You wonder out loud why people are booing every time #5 comes up to bat.

10. You leave in the 7th inning…. of the WORLD SERIES!

Yes, we welcome any and all fans, but be respectful of the rest of us who have been there all year. And for heavens sakes… don’t take our playoff tickets. There are other more-deserving, knowledgeable fans that would have appreciated the experience well more than you did (see #10).

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3. No Matter Where I Go In this World….
4. The Giants Win the Pennant!
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