2002 Upper Deck World Series Heroes Memorabilia #WSJ-DL
When Don Larsen won Game 5 in the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers, he became the first and only MLB player to pitch a perfect game during the postseason. Although anything is possible, it's not something that will happen again during my lifetime.
Today something will happen... that will not likely happen again during my lifetime.
Growing up, the UNC Tar Heels were my favorite college basketball team. I wish there was a good story behind my fanfare, but it mainly came down to Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and the fact that they were really good.
That's why I've never been a fan of Duke and their insanely successful basketball program. In fact... they're right up there with the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys in regards to sports teams I dislike.
1991-92 Hopps #588
But for the first time... and likely the only time... I'll be rooting for Duke today when they face off against UNC, because it's Mike Krzyzewski's final home game in front of the Cameron Crazies.
Coach K is one of those sports legends that fans respect... even if they don't like his team.
2018 Topps Archives Snapshots Autographs #AS-JTO
To put it in perspective... he's like Joe Torre. I can't stand the Yankees, but respected him. The difference is... I have never rooted for the New York Yankees when they played against the Oakland A's or San Diego Padres and can guarantee that I never will.
Today's question of the day...
Have you ever rooted against your favorite team?
I'm gonna assume it doesn't happen very often... possibly only once in a lifetime... but I bet if you have, there's a good story behind it.
Go Blue Devils! Happy Saturday and sayonara!
I have never rooted against my Yankees.
ReplyDeleteMy mom went to Duke.
Nope, never. I have a hierarchy of who I root for. For instance, I want the Golden Knights to win, UNLESS they are playing the Rangers. I want the Islanders to win UNLESS they are playing the Rangers or Golden Knights. I want the Sharks to win unless they are playing the Rangers, Golden Knights or Islanders. Everything else I don't really care. I'm just happy to watch. The NBA is a little more structured because there are teams I can't stand there, not so much with hockey. NASCAR I'm more concerned with by driver. My favorite active driver drives for my least favorite team and my favorite team has my two least favorite drivers.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of any times where I've actively rooted against my favorite team (in any sport).
ReplyDeleteMaybe once or twice for Washington to lose the last game to get the first overall NFL draft pick (or close to it). But they probably would have messed that up too. Rivera's is the first regime that I trust to make good personnel decisions since Danny boy took over.
ReplyDeleteNever,always rooted for my team not the players.
ReplyDeleteIt's tempting to root against my favorite team when they're eliminated from contention in the hopes of getting better draft picks, but I really can't. But I could maybe see rooting against the Rangers if they would gain nothing from winning and the other team winning would keep the Flyers or Islanders from making the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteNot done this. I know people who routinely bet on their team to lose so if they win they're happy and if they lose they at least get some money back. But I've never done that. It just feels wrong.
ReplyDeleteRooted for Seaver in '85 when he won #300 against the Yankees. He's my favorite pitcher of all time.
ReplyDeleteBack in 2019 I was rooting against the Bengals toward the end of the season so that they didn't lose the number 1 pick and a chance to get Joe Burrow.
ReplyDeleteAs an NC State alumni, when UNC and Duke play, I mainly root for spontaneous combustion.
ReplyDeleteI've never rooted against my most favorite team but I have rooted for my most hated team.
ReplyDelete