Sitting and yelling and singing (great drums, by the way)myself hoarse with the Blue Intenisty in sections 126 and 127, One of the many things I really liked was the players acknowledging the fans. With only a couple of minutes left, Onstad was setting up a free kick in the left side of the box. He turned to our area and subtly gave us a clenched fist. After all the ceremonies, the Quakes came back to our area and jumped up and down for what seemed like forever. I couldn't see who, but some player jumped into the stands. I've never been around such an appreciative group of athletes. It felt like I was not only a fan watching this victory, but the Quakes, spontaneously, made me feel like a part of it. Glad they won. Couldn't happen to a nicer group.
On TV they showed Landon doing the Lambeau leap right into the stands...and he was hanging on my one arm. Then somebody grabbed him by the head to help lift him up. It was funny. But he wasn't dropped!
Hear, hear. It's been said before: Enjoy it while you can. One day, tickets will be expensive and hard to get, and there will be armed security surrounding all of the million-dollar contract mercenaries, who will no longer stop to shake hands, sign autographs and hug the fans. These are the good old days. Let's hope they last a few years.
Re: Re: Fan appreciative Quakes You're making me think. I wonder if I would still want to be a fan then. I hope I'm no longer around when that happens. Interestingly, one of the reactions that I've gotten when trying to get people to go to a Quakes game is that they don't want to have anything to do with pro sports. I've heard that there are some professional sports stars who have the image of millionaire rapists shooting substances up their noses and in their arms. The Quakes guys and almost everyone else in MLS are closer to the ideal of being role models.
Re: Re: Re: Fan appreciative Quakes If you love the game, you'll continue to love the game. But it will be hard to love the team and support it as much... Of course, you won't have to, because there will be so many more "fans", and the organization will be run by MBAs. I know that's a dark way of looking at it. It doesn't have to happen, either. This internet thing gives the fans a little more influence than in the old days, eh?
Re: Re: Re: Re: Fan appreciative Quakes You said it's dark. MBAs? Have you seen the recent FedEx commercial? My thoughts exactly. The kind of team you describe would be nothing like the one today, which is sort of like a big village. The Internet, it seems to me, is what drives soccer contact. Sure ain't the mainstream media.
Re: Re: Re: Re: Fan appreciative Quakes Sounds like Man Utd, unfortunately. But they still are entertaining to watch...
Yep. My sentiments exactly. This reminds me of a post from Tim Hanley himself on the "Pat Onstad" thread several weeks ago. We're very, very fortunate to be able to enjoy a great group of players and coaches, who are both talented and totally committed to the game, many of whom play for, by Bay Area standards, very little money. Add in the fact that the games are affordable and easily accessible, played in a funky little stadium where you can easily get close to the action. Add in the fact that the community of fans and supporters is small and close-knit and the players are accessible and friendly. In forums like this you can discuss the team's media coverage with the GM, or the volume of the music at games with the stadium PA guy, or even the team's goalkeeper situation with the goalkeeper's coach. Unbelievable stuff really.