Some Sports Commandments

I don't normally try to tell people how to live or carry themselves, but when it comes to sports, there are some huge pet peeves of mine.

Rule #1: One Team, One Dream
You have one favorite team in a sport. Period. No excuses. Every person has a reason for their devotion to their team; a favorite player, your hometown, family connection, etc. For example, I am a giant Baltimore Ravens fan, mainly because I have been going to home games since I was four years old. But I'm a Seattle Mariners fan because I grew up idolizing Ken Griffey Jr. The main theme of the two? I never left them. Once you start something with a team, you should finish it.

In the sports world, every fan thinks of that one moment when their team was on top. You picture your favorite player holding up the trophy, in tears, while the team passes around those new t-shirts that would've been sent to the needy if they would've lost. There's no duplicate dream with a different team; it's one dream. I'm not saying you can't casually root for a team one game when your team has been knocked out of contention; but don't go too far.

Rule #2: Visitor Beware
If you're planning on going to watch your team in an opposing stadium, don't fear to rep your team's gear. Any fan of the home team knows that they're going to have some visitors in their stadium, so you're not going to be automatically hated. That doesn't mean they're going to exactly welcome you though.

Stay safe by not being obnoxious. If your team scores, you can clap and cheer. But don't stand up and scream, "WHATTT NOWWWW BOYYYSSSS, DIS IS OUR HOUSE." Then, you're asking for a punch in the face, and from Baltimore experience, you will receive one. Just enjoy the game, cheer proudly, but don't try and be conflictual.

Rule #3: Raise the Colors
Your team has colors for a reason; they want you to wear them. What would Steeler Nation be without black and yellow? The Yankees without pinstripes? So when you're buying merchandise, buy it in those colors. Whether it's clothes, kitchen tools, beds spreads, it all should be in the team's colors. There is one current trend that just disgraces and openly breaks this rule: miscolored hats.

I'm talking about the god awful brown Yankee Hats. Or a purple Braves hat. What is the need for this? Who cares if you're trying to match your shoes or shirt; rep the real colors. Some poor soul out there might actually think those are the colors, and think "OH HEY COOL, I LOVE THE BULLS NOW, ESPECIALLY THE NEW GREEN UNIFORMS." Come on guys, color coordinate your wardrobe to the team colors if needed.

Rule #4: Respect the Rivalry
I hate the Pittsburgh Steelers. But it does not mean I don't respect them as the most successful franchise in NFL history. Rivalries are built on hate and tension, but there is always a line to be drawn. There are going to be days when those awful people across the field are victorious; and on those days, you must accept it. Don't start making excuses; don't bring up some past failure. This is the here and now, which is all that matters in sports.

Rule #5: Latch on
This kind of ties into Rule One, but I feel it's the most important. No matter what happens, stay with your team. I know the fans in Cleveland or Buffalo or Minnesota are looking at me saying, "COME ON NOW MAN, THROW US A BONE!", but your devotion is impressive. There will come a day when it's rewarded (ask Red Sox Nation). Sports tends to be cyclic, which will bring great years and terrible ones. The Pittsburgh Pirates were great with Roberto Clemente, had a long drought, and are back to relevance. Your day will come Browns fans, Cubs fans, and even you Canadian hockey fans! Because when that day comes, there is simply nothing sweeter.