Reality and sports don't mix...until they do

One thing I love about sports is that they don't matter.  Sure, we trick ourselves into thinking they matter.  We plan our day around a certain game...We plan our week around a Game day tailgating experience.  In extreme cases, we plan our wedding or the birth of our children to coincide with the offseason.  (I might be guilty of one of those...or both.  Have I mentioned how awesome my wife is?)  We let the outcome of a game determine our mood for the rest of the day or week.  Or in the case of certain losses, years.  (I don't know if I'll ever get over losing to Texas in '11)  But in the end, no one cares who had the highest batting average on the rangers in 1982.  (It's Buddy Bell in case you're wondering)

So wait, if sports don't matter, why do you love them so much????

There are a lot of reasons.  Sports are our escape from the real world.  They are a reason to get together with family.  They give you something to look forward to.  They give us wonderful shared experiences.  Just take a look...

Hate your job?   Just got to make it until the Cowboys play on Sunday...maybe they'll win (hope)
Had a bad week?  Its ok the Aggies are going to beat up on Rice this weekend...everything is as it should be. (smug satisfaction)
Feeling alone?  Go to the game, you're among friends.  80,000 of them.  (Acceptance)
Need something to cheer you up?  Think back fondly on a game day experience.  The tailgating, the pregame festivities, the amazing plays. (great memories)

Here's a great quote from Invincible that sums up why sports are great.

Frank Papale: You know how I used to tell you about Van Buren scoring that touchdown back in '48?

I know. That touchdown got me through 30 years at that factory.  Got me through all those times your mother being sick.

 

 

But this escape from reality is destroyed on occasion.  Reality has a way of rearing its ugly head and reminding you what matters.  Not that this is a good or bad thing. 

 

It can be a good thing.  It can happen in little ways.  It can be hearing the back story of a player and the personal challenges they've overcome.  It can inspire us and help us heal, like the Red, White, and Blue Out at Texas A&M after the 9/11 attacks.  It can be tragic and inspirational as in the case of Jackie Robinson.  Tragic that so many people in America reacted the way they did.  Inspirational that he persevered, and in how far America has come since then.

 

Sometimes it is a bad thing though.   It can be in tragic and senseless ways such as the Boston Marathon bombings.  It can be momentary like when a star for the opposing team gets hurt  Its a part of the game, but the injury will carry on after the game.  Don't think "YES! We might win!".  Instead remember a person just got injured...never a good thing.  When a player from the opposing team is in the outfield near your seats, who snubbed your team to go play for a rival (Josh Hamilton) don't go after their family.  If they just came out as homosexual (Jason Collins), don't yell at them for that.  Make fun of their game, absolutely.  Heckle them for dropping that fly ball, striking out, or airballing.  But keep reality outside of the game where it belongs.

 

 

Despite how much we love sports, remember its not the outcome that matters.   Its how you get there.  Its the experience of the game.  Its the memories you make and the hope you draw.  Take the good of sports back to reality.

 

 

 -A sports fanatic