The Fan List
WOW ... what a weekend! Wisconsin hasn't seen that level of sports success (or media attention) in a long, long time. Congrats to the Badgers and Packers, but no offense -- this is a Brewers blog and we are here to talk about the Crew!
The Brewers did their part, maintaining their home-field advantage by defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first two games of the National League Division Series. I was at Sunday's game and was one of the 45,000 or so that cheered their team on to victory. It was as loud and as electric an atmosphere as I have ever seen at Miller Park.
The Crew now heads to Phoenix needing just one more win to advance to the NLCS. Game 3 begins at 8:37 p.m. Tuesday ... it's a great time to be a Brewers fan!
Speaking of fans, last week someone I know -- someone whom I thought was a Brewers fan -- predicted a first-round playoff loss for the Crew. It got me thinking: What kind of fan flatly predicts a first-round loss for their team?? The term "doom-and-gloom fan" popped into my head.
I then thought about some other types of fans I have come across and decided to make a list. Some are Brewers-specific, some pertain the NL Central, but all are baseball related. Thanks to some input from the Bullpen we came up with the following….
Die-hard Brewers fan: This fan BELIEVES, without a doubt, that the Crew has a chance every season until the moment they are mathematically eliminated -- and even then, this fan hopes for a statistical error. This fan can also tell you all of the characters names on "Mr. Belvedere," and not because it was a good show. (Notes from The Bullpen: This fan also gets choked up when walking into Miller Park for his first postseason game and doesn't mind standing in one spot for four hours, cheering on his team.)
Doom-and-gloom fan: Always predicts the demise of his team, regardless of the opponent or his team's on-the-field performance. This is the worst kind of fans to sit next to at a game.
Packers/Brewers fan: This fan loves the Brewers until football season starts, and recalls the Geoff Jenkins era fondly because he looked like Brett Favre. This fan has recovered nicely since they took his reason for living away -- two Packers games at County Stadium every season.
Fair-weather fan: Fairly common to find, this fan only boasts of being a fan and only pays attention when his team is doing well. This fan is quite easy to ignore and can be easily identified when asking if anyone knows the score of the previous night's game.
Bandwagon fan: Often confused with the fair-weather fan; the difference being that the fair-weather fan will make an appearance or two every year, whereas the bandwagon fan only crops up during good seasons and major events. This fan is tolerable in the sense that they ensure tickets are readily available during tough times, and their interest drives up the market value on tickets during the good times.
Fake Brewers fan: A close relative of the fair-weather/bandwagon fan. This fan's loyalty doesn’t change with the flow of the team, but the flow of whom he happens to be with. This fan finds it amazing when, at 35 years old, he learns that the old ball-and-glove logo forms an "M" and a "B." This fan can be quickly ID'ed through a couple rounds of Brewers trivia.
The Sunshine fan: This fan only shows up when the sun is shining. Thanks to Miller Park's retractable roof, this fan is on the brink of extinction in Wisconsin. These fans generally are pleasant people … when the sun is shining. *name courtesy of lovemycountry
Negative Nancy fan: The person that can watch Prince hit three home runs in a Brewers victory and somehow remain focused on what could have been. It’s difficult to watch a game with these fans, who usually travel within groups of the other kinds of fans.
Drunken Brewers fan: Goes to the games planning to have a good time, only to be passed out drunk by the fourth inning. Please, if you see one of these fans passed out, let them lie; if you see one acting up, keep the kids away and report any vulgar language.
Brewers/Cubs fan: Often created when a Brewers fan marries a Cubs fan and their offspring want to please both parents. I understand this fan least of all. I mean, I understand how upbringing could create the feeling to root for both, but at some point we are adults and responsible for our own actions. They say love is blind but I'm not sure how it could miss the big red Cubs logo. These fans are usually only spotted at games and wear clothing representing both teams. I’m not a fan of more laws, but if cities can pass an ordinance pertaining to the legal amount of underwear a person can have on display, they certainly should be able to do something about a Brewers shirt/Cubs hat combo.
Home Team fan: This fan is one of the most loyal there are, rooting for the home team in all scenarios at all times. This fan doesn't always know the details of the game or the season, but they know they want their state represented with a W!! *courtesy of 8675309
"Check out the view" fan: These are usually female and usually are with a significant other. They enjoy watching the game merely to see how some of the players’ back sides look in their uniform. Lately these fans have been known to flock to the left field area in Miller Park .
"Fire 'em all" fan: Those who immediately call for the manager/general manager/player/pitching coach/bat boy to be fired. These fans do this whether it be game No. 1 or 162. This fan is a relative of the Negative Nancy fan and often calls for a firing immediately after a taste of success.
Cubs fan: There are two versions: -- The "Real" Cubs fan dislikes losing, hates the decades of obscurity, loathes the multiple three-and-done playoff appearance and faithfully believes next year is THE year. -- The "Old Style" Cubs fan usually cannot name more than one or two players on the team, let alone past non-superstar players. Goes to Wrigley simply for the Old Style beer.
Cardinals fan: Some of the best fans in the game. Can be seen at other teams’ stadiums on a regular basis, generally pleasant when interacting with opposing fans. This fan does not panic when the team hits a slump; they just calmly wait for Pujols to get hot. (Side note: On occasion, when Cardinals fan believes his identity is protected, he may resort to juvenile tactics to justify his belief that his team is better, regardless of records.)
Astros fan: This fan is more of an urban legend. You know, “I have a cousin who knows a guy who’s neighbor is an Astros fan.”
Pirates fan: Not as rare as the Astros fan, but still somewhat of an urban legend. If you find one of these fans, he will without a doubt tell you how good Barry Bonds was before his head grew two sizes. These fans often like to discuss how many championships the Steelers have won. (Notes from The Bullpen: I have nothing but the utmost respect for the city of Pittsburgh and its fine sports franchises. Please don't take offense, Pirates fan; it's all in good fun!)
There are of course also many combinations of the various fans. Are you on this list? Have you encountered any of the fans on this list? Or, do you know of another type of fan not listed here? Post them here and I will add the good ones to the bottom of my list. If you want it posted without your name, email it to me.
The good ole days fan: Someone who no matter how good the current team is, still brings up the '82 Brewers. Yeah, Fielder and Braun are good, but it remains to be seen if they'll both be in the Hall like Fingers, Sutton, Molitor and Yount. The '82 Brewers had 4 guys that could hit over 30 homers. It was a blessing if the game was rained out at the Old County Stadium cause then we could spend the afternoon at the bar. Gorman Thomas didn't need no stinken steroids. *courtesy of futurerichguy
Anyone but the Yankees fan: Self explanitory!! *courtesy of Badgerlvr
Tim Thompson is a carsalesman, farmer, and huge fan of the Milwaukee Brewers. He lives in Milton area with his wife and two kids. Tim is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
Oct 4, 2011 at 10:50 p.m.
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i agree raf and thank you sir.
tammy: *mental high fiveX2:)
Oct 4, 2011 at 8:50 p.m.
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NVgrf: Newsflash! "Is" is a verb, not a preposition.
Oct 4, 2011 at 8:08 p.m.
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Kid, sounds like the old people from out of town are jealous of your new column. Keep up the good work.
Oct 4, 2011 at 7:49 p.m.
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tthompson....Being the star writer you are, you might want to stop ending your sentences with prepositions. "NV: i appreciate you showing these folks how accurate my cards fan description is!!"
Oct 4, 2011 at 2:12 p.m.
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How about "Anybody who beats the Yankees" fan. I've disliked the Yankees since Steinbrenner tried to buy a championship.
Oct 4, 2011 at 10:49 a.m.
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lovemycountry, 8675309, and futurerichguy, your comments have been added!!
brewnow: I appreciate the feedback. I'm not sure how long I'll do this, but I'm having fun at it for now!!
Oct 4, 2011 at 10:36 a.m.
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How about a "The good ole days fan"? Someone who no matter how good the current team is, still brings up the '82 Brewers. Yeah, Fielder and Braun are good, but it remains to be seen if they'll both be in the Hall like Fingers, Sutton, Molitor and Yount. The '82 Brewers had 4 guys that could hit over 30 homers. It was a blessing if the game was rained out at the Old County Stadium cause then we could spend the afternoon at the bar. Gorman Thomas didn't need no stinken steroids.
Oct 4, 2011 at 10:22 a.m.
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Dodger/Brewer fan...wants to see the Brewers win against any other team but his own. Watches Brewer games on TV because Dodger games usually start too late. Attends every Dodger/Brewer game in Milwaukee since the Brewers joined the National League and usually 3 or 4 other Brewer games during a typical season. His morning routine includes tuning to SportsCenter to check the Dodger and Brewer scores from the previous day if he doesn't already know them. Rides in the backseat of the Brewer bandwagon if they make the playoffs and the Dodgers don't.
Oct 4, 2011 at 10:11 a.m.
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Good entry Tim. I enjoy your blog. You sound to me like a true baseball fan because you can recognize positive things about any team or player or manager. I do the same and am sometimes questioned about my loyalty to the Brewers (and Packers). It is just appreciating the game and also being honest. Go Crew!!!
Oct 4, 2011 at 9:53 a.m.
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How about a married to a die hard Brewer fan who watches every game he can and despite my complaints because I was a "who the heck cares about baseball, isn't there a movie on fan" somehow that darn ole hubby turned me into a Brewer fan??? LOL He would tell me who was playing and then quiz me and eventually I learned the players and then started watching with interest and being pleased that I could name the team; and then I actually got jerseys to wear and well dang it I was hooked. I have nicknames for some of the players but my favorite is Ryan Braun who I affectionately call "Bambi" due to his beautiful eyes!! :-)
Oct 4, 2011 at 9:42 a.m.
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I am the brewer/packer fan and the homestate fan. Don't forget the Bucks, Golden Eagles, Phoenix, or your home town UW-Rock Rattlers.
Oct 4, 2011 at 9:06 a.m.
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NV: i appreciate you showing these folks how accurate my cards fan description is!!
Oct 4, 2011 at 9:04 a.m.
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border Fan.
Having been born in Illinois, my allegiance goes with any Illinois team first. Wisconsin teams come a close second.
Oct 4, 2011 at 8:15 a.m.
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"Brewersblogist Fan" Gets all pumped every few decades or so when his team does something even remotely related to success that he creates his own blog and claims to be a long-time fan to justify its existence.
Oct 3, 2011 at 4:11 p.m.
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The home-team fan - I love Wisconsin sports and want them to win, Always. But I don't know the exact stats of players nor do I care to. I want my Brewers/Packers/Badgers to win no matter the opponent and I will cheer as such. I love the history of our staduims and the games that are played inside. I don't have a favorite player because I want everyone on "my" team to do awesome!
Oct 3, 2011 at 3:42 p.m.
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Sox fan rooting for an area team.
Sox fan who never beat up anyone.*
*At a game.**
**At a game who didn't deserve it.***
***At a game and was smart enough to not get arrested.
Oct 3, 2011 at 3:26 p.m.
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tammyk...*mental high five
Oct 3, 2011 at 2:25 p.m.
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Yeah, The Bullpen (aka "me") was a full-on rainmaker yesterday. Overcome with emotions upon entering the park ... wishing my Dad could be there with me ... when Rockin' Robin strolled to the mound to throw out the first pitch ... when Braun smacked a 2-run home run in the first ... during the deafening "MVP" chants every time Braun came to bat ... after last call (OK I made that one up). It was an emotional and awesome day!
Oct 3, 2011 at 2:23 p.m.
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Thanks Tim! But I get a high-five for putting my Badger/Nebraska plans on hold for a couple of hours to go watch the Brewers game at a Madison bar before we headed to Camp Randall, right?
Oct 3, 2011 at 1:51 p.m.
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thats awesome Brewernut, between you, me, and anyone else;) 'the bullpen' was wiping his eyes on entry yesterday as well:)
Oct 3, 2011 at 1:49 p.m.
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Tammy you would be one of the many combo's of this list:)
Oct 3, 2011 at 1:47 p.m.
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I am not sure where I fit into any of these categories, because I'm not a Die-Hard Fan, nor am I a Fair Weather Fan. I go to only a couple of games a year, and honestly, it's just for the fun of the tailgating and to say that I went to a game at Miller Park. I suppose I could be accused of being a Check out the View fan for certain players. BUT, I am all for cheering them on and will even catch a game or two on TV once in awhile. Since I don't follow "religously", I won't criticize the team when they lose, and I don't even refer to the team as "us" like I do the Packers or Badgers. But I am happy for their post-season success so far, and wish them many more returns to the diamond throughout the rest of October!
Oct 3, 2011 at 1:39 p.m.
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This fan got choked up when walking into Miller Park for his first postseason game with his daughter.
Oct 3, 2011 at 1:37 p.m.
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I think I am on the list as “Brewers/Cubs” and “Real Cubs” fan, but I would like to alter the title/definition to “Real Cubs/Brewers” fan. The definition of a “Real Cubs/Brewers” fan: n To have grown up watching the Cubs nearly 162 games a year on WGN only to have that number reduced to less than 60 not counting black outs, while simultaneously making horrible deal after horrible deal and to then have an American League team (no prior conflict of interest) enter your division, televise 90% of their games on FSN, and build a contender from their farm system while making smart deals along the way.
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I wasn’t turned to Brewer Nation following marriage (I’ve always liked the Crew). My wife did however hop on the Cubs wagon for a bit. Now she dislikes the Cubs as much as she did before we met, probably because she likes to take any chance she gets to get under my skin…this is what marriage is all about.
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Being a Cubs/Brewers fan was much easier when they were NL/AL. Not so much anymore. 2003 was an awesome year to be a Cubs fan until the season came spiraling downward on October 14th (I don’t blame Bartman at all…Alou doesn’t make that catch 99% of the time). I didn’t talk to anyone for a week following that collapse. 2008 was a great time to be a fan of both…but that ended abruptly too. I took that fallout pretty hard too.
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Here is hoping that 2011 is the year of the Cheese (Badgers, Packers & Brewers).
Oct 3, 2011 at 1:13 p.m.
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Awesome read! You and your bullpen came up with a very good list and I know where I am on that list without a doubt.
Oct 3, 2011 at 1:11 p.m.
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I can think of more types of cubs fans...but we must be nice. :-)
Oct 3, 2011 at 1 p.m.
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How about changing the 2nd fair weather fan title to Sunshine fan ?
Oct 3, 2011 at 12:57 p.m.
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The Sharpie Fan. This is the guy who nudges and pushes and marks your sweatshirt up for an autograph. I wonder if they watch the game or plot where they will squat before or after the game.
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