Sharp End- Fan Bases
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Christopher Sharp, Sports Editor
January 15, 2012
Filed under Sports, Top Stories
In every sport there is one factor that determines whether a team is successful or terrible: fan bases. Fan bases are huge factor in the success of a team. They buy team merchandise, fill the stands on game day, watch their favorite team on TV, and so much more. Most fan bases come alive when their team is winning. The most dedicated fan bases come alive even if their team is terrible. One example of a dedicated fan base are the Cleveland Brown’s fans. Their team has been so bad since they lost their original franchise to Baltimore. Even though their team has been terrible, the Browns’ fans have been dedicated throughout the years.
Here in Atlanta, there are three main sports franchises. The Falcons, the Braves, and the Hawks. There was a fourth franchise (Thrashers), but due to lack of fan support and team success, the franchise moved to Winnipeg. The Thrashers were up and down franchise with a weak fan base. Granted there were a few dedicated fans but they were not enough to save the franchise. Some fans blame the ownership for the incident, and they did have an impact on the move but if the Thrashers’ fan base was more attentive and dedicated then they may have been able to stop the move.
Ever since the Braves dominated in the 1990s and won the World Series in 1995, Braves’ fans have been dedicated to the franchise through thick and thin. In the 1990s the Braves under manager Bobby Cox dominated and probably should have won more titles than they did. Lately the Braves haven’t had the same success that former Braves teams had. The Braves made the playoffs last year, but failed to make it this year after a monstrous end of the year collapse. Braves fans across the globe were sickened by such a disappointing collapse and many are still bitter about the collapse today. If the Braves are too get out of the funk they are in right now, they need their fans to stick by them through this rough time. Braves fans can not give up now and must continue to support the team that once was the top team in baseball
The Hawks are in a similar situation that the Braves are in. The Hawks have made the playoffs the past few years and have improved greatly. But last season the Hawks did not win as many games as they did in the previous years. The Hawks did however beat the Orlando Magic in the first round and advance on. Due to miscues and lack of execution at key times, the Hawks lost in the second round playoff series to Bulls. The Hawks are a solid team; they just need to take the next step. The fans need to help the Hawks do that by not letting Phillips Arena echo with the chants of opposing fans. The empty seats in Phillips Arena must be filled and the chants of “Lets go Boston!” or “Go Knicks!” Must end now. The Hawks need to look at themselves to improve but also need fan support to become a dominant team in the NBA.
Right now the Falcons are a mystery team. They won 13 games last season but had a pitiful 3-8 stretch that went from the past 11 games including the preseason and the playoff loss to the Packers. Luckily, the Falcons have won several games in a row and are back on track. The Falcons have a key game against the Saints on Sunday. If the Falcons win, they will gain the lead in the division. Falcons’ fans are “Rising Up” and have been very supportive of their team. Right now Falcons’ fans need their team to continue to play well. The 3-8 stretch that the Falcons went on can not happen again, especially with all of the talent this team has.
Fan bases are also important in High School. At GAC we have enjoyed constant success in almost every sport and activity. I have been at GAC for 5 years and I have seen fan support grow each year. We need to continue this growth and not get complacent. Without fan support, teams and players are not as motivated as they would be with fan support. Fans are important to the continued success and progress of teams and are definitely need, especially in high school. On Friday, the Spartans Varsity Football team takes on the Buford Wolves and the game is at Buford. Some people believe that the Spartans can not win, but as a fan base we Spartans must go out and support our team. No matter how bad things can get, as fans we have a duty to support our team and believe in our team. This message doesn’t just apply to one sport either. Every team needs fans. It is impossible to have a successful team without great fans. Teams need to give us fans something to cheer for, but teams also need fans to be something they can play for.
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