What's the best way to go about getting into sports?

[gravy boat]

Me personally I'm not into sports, yet I generally enjoy sports related movies.  What's that about?

I like 'em too, hockey movies in particular. I've been able to go to a handful of Rangers games b/c I have a buddy who's got season tickets. It's pretty fun, and I always live tweet the games too - hockey fans are bonkers.

Hockey movies can be so dramatic and tense--just like the real thing.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/6rWJqeCMNC8

[Hugman 3.0]

Baby steps.
Step One: DON'T be the person that arrives at the Superbowl party and says something like "Alright, Sportsball!" or any other number of things that have been said a million times by the person at the Superbowl party that is insecure about not knowing or caring about football.

[bmills]

Just give it a chance live!

One of the best part about liking sports: You feel like you're part of something bigger, in a way. I really feel like that the city of Philadelphia has improved pretty much walk-in-step with the Phillies ascent from being garbage to awesomeness. I just love being at some divey bar and going nuts over some game.

Great post. Crucial addendum:

Compilation of Canada's Reactions to Hockey Gold Part 2 of 2 (Victory & Anthem)

[cavorting with nudists]

One of the best part about liking sports: You feel like you're part of something bigger, in a way.

Yeah.  So did these guys.

I just love being at some divey bar and going nuts over some game.

Nothing says "Males are awesome!" like a barfull of yutzes jumping up and down like apes drunk on bamboo sap, pointing at a video screen and howling their eardrums out.

[bmills]

Nothing says "Males are awesome!" like a barfull of yutzes jumping up and down like apes drunk on bamboo sap, pointing at a video screen and howling their eardrums out.

Sure, but changing "video screen" into "punk band" works just as well. Anything can be deconstructed into frivolity.

[Eric Fishlegs]

You know what's even better? Hockey BOOKS.

(That's not supposed to sound the least bit snarky. I just like to read about hockey, but can't sit still through any more than a few minutes of it on TV.)

Same here. Not hockey specifically, but I am a casual sports fan at best and I especially hate football, but can think of several football books I've enjoyed. I've also found that the sports section of the newspaper will often contain the best writing in said paper.

[wood and iron]

Threadjack:

I don't defend video games per se because on the whole, they're bad. That said, Bioshock is most definitely art.

End threadjack.

[Gilly]

Nothing says "Males are awesome!" like a barfull of yutzes jumping up and down like apes drunk on bamboo sap, pointing at a video screen and howling their eardrums out.

Sure, but changing "video screen" into "punk band" works just as well. Anything can be deconstructed into frivolity.

I'd much rather watch sports at a bar than go to a crowded rock club. I don't really do either, but I've had far worse experiences with people at First Ave. watching a band than with people at the corner bar watching a Twins game. At least you can pick your bar with a crowd you can deal with for a few hours. Not so much at a show.

[amiright??]

I'm in that gold medal video.

Okay, scratch that - my table is in that video, I got cut because you can tell I don't like sports that much.

[Greggulator]

One of the best part about liking sports: You feel like you're part of something bigger, in a way.

Yeah.  So did these guys.




You're right -- the ABSOLUTE BEST part about going to live sporting events is first humiliating, then slaughtering, various minorities. I'll never forget the "Target the Bosnians" 7th inning stretch at Slobodon Milosovic night at the Nets game I went to a few years back.

[cavorting with nudists]

“Everything I've ever needed to know I learned through sports.”--Sarah Palin

Actually, this may be the one public statement by her of which I believe every word.

[Key Loser]

I got bit by the college football bug a few years ago, so my personal opinion is that it comes from some kind of regional allegiance. For the time being im trying to fill the void with basketball, or whatever else I come across on ESPN that strikes my fancy.

[Chris L]

Mod, plz change thread title to Slobs vs. Snobs

[Hugman 3.0]

In all seriousness, what makes watching a particular sport the most rewarding is knowing the game well and the stories behind the players.  For example: The Dallas Braden perfect game (this is baseball) on mother's day 2010.
Personally, I love watching baseball.  I find every pitch interesting. I don't know if there's a better combination of finesse and strength than a major league pitcher.

[Trotskie]

<ninja'd by Hugman>

Learn the cast of characters.  Find players, managers (or fans) that you can empathize with or whose stories you find interesting.   Treat it like a narrative and look for motivations and flaws.  Look into Zack Grienke's story or Cam Newton's. 

Also: try fantasy sports.  It is not for everyone (anyone?) but gets you involved and gives you a stake in the performances if you are having a hard time getting invested.