Rooting for the underdog
photo by Sky Stockton
Whether a sports fan or not, almost everyone loves a good comeback story. From Michael Jordan playing game 5 of the NBA finals with the flu, the Cubs winning the world series after 108 years, to the New England Patriots winning the super after being down 28-3, these stories of athletes overcoming the odds will seemingly always bring people together.
On June 11, 1997, the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz were tied 2-2 going into game 5 of the NBA finals. The Bulls star player Michael Jordan came down with the flu but refused to sit out on the tie breaking game. The world tuned in to watch Michael Jordan play one of the greatest games of his career dropping 38 points to lead Chicago to victory. The pain Jordan fought through and his drive to win will go down in history.
The Chicago Cubs, up until 2016, had not won a World Series in 108 years: the worst losing streak in baseball history. The Cleveland Indians and Cubs faced off in a 7 game series for the world title; this game brought family and friends together to watch the grueling match as the world--besides Cleveland, Ohio--cheered for the Cubs to finally break their curse. Chicago came out as champions.
“Both of my parents grew up cubs fans. They never had watched a good season until they won the World Series. There may have been a few tears from my dad,” said Olivia Veersma, 10.
After winning the World Series the Cubs paraded through downtown Chicago with 5 million fans lining the 6 mile parade route. Swarms of red and blue took over the streets during this event.
“I had never seen Chicago so busy, everyone had cubs shirts on, the spirit was insane.”
From a more local perspective, the 2019 “War by the Shore” between rivals St. Joe and Lakeshore showed fans in their element. With the high schools being only 6 miles apart, there has always been a heated rivalry. Leading up to this game, Lakeshore had kept a winning streak of 12 years. St Joe packed the bleachers with maize and blue facing the lakeshore fans across the field in their red and black.
“The energy was insane, I lost my voice by the end of the first quarter” Nathan Barfuss, 12, said.
After 12 years of losing St. Joe's student section was ready for a win—body paint and spirit wear covered the student body as they roared to life for their team. In the end, the bears won, breaking their 12 year losing streak. When the game clock hit zero hundreds of St. Joe students charged the field to raise the trophy high as they celebrated their victory.
Sports not only bring competition, but they bring companionship between fans. They build bonds between spectators and players alike as they cheer their hearts out for the teams they love. Whatever sport it may be, a victory always brings the fans together.