The Random Caring About Sports (Hockey and Soccer and Cycling, Oh My!)
Chicago has been pretty Blackhawks crazy these last two weeks. Their Stanley Cup winning game drew massive numbers. Yesterday, the Cubs and the Sox played each other, and as I went by Wrigley Field, I had a moment of confusion when I wondered if I had been mistaken. Was the game Cubs v Cardinals? There’s so much red.
Nope. It was all the Hawks sweaters and t-shirts around. Contrary to stereotypes, I saw several African-American Chicagoans sporting the hockey paraphernalia as well.
I imagine this display was helped by the victory parade that took place earlier in the day. What a mad house. Two million people! After forty-nine years, the Hawks gave their fans, both long-suffering and newly-hatched, a championship.
Ya hear that, Cubbies!?!
Unlike most of Chicago, I didn’t watch one playoff game. I was excited and didn’t want to avoid the coverage, but I just don’t normally watch hockey. It seems like a lot of commitment to spend hours with it now.
And yet, I will be watching two completely non-local events in the near future. I have no idea what the status of the soccer (football) world is, but I usually find myself watching extended stretches of random World Cup games if the time zones work out.
I’m actually typing this as I wait for the USA/England game to start.
I’m fascinated that there are many countries out there that live yesterday’s Blackhawks mania for a whole month. Life stops, and communities gather around the broadcasts. I can feel that energy when the teams play. The games feel significant even though the significance is not mine.
Have you seen this Nike commercial? Even though I don’t know who most of the people are, it’s 3:04 worth of awesome.
And later in July, I’m really looking forward to the Tour de France. But more on that later.
[...] The Tour de France started today, and I’m pretty excited. This event totally fits into my random caring about sports. [...]