The Lowest Common Denominator

Growing up in the Southern California area, I thought there was no
worse "road fan" than Yankee fan. The arrogance, the utter lack of
knowledge of baseball outside of the Bronx, and, when at the team's
best, the shameless bandwagon, I loathed the times that the Yankees
showed up on the schedule.

In 1999, I noticed a change. Sure, the Yankees were vocal and
intolerant of those not of their stripes. I saw worse, though. Angel
Stadium for about three to six days a year was dubbed "Fenway Park
West" and a louder, more obnoxious group emerged. I figured it was
something having to do with Dave Henderson and Donnie Moore or some
ridiculous moment in history they clung to but then I attended
interleague games in both San Diego and Dodger Stadium. Boorish is
too gentle a word. Now, I've found that a team I used to somewhat
respect has been dragged down by their fans.

As posted elsewhere, I tip my Dodger blue cap to the Rockies and, the
moment we were officially out, I harkened back to my propicious time
in Denver and started cheering the Rockies on (though I'll never
understand the fascination with Dante Bichette, but I digress). Now
that the Rox are going tete-a-tete with the Red Sox, I can only hope
that their fans don't drag y'all down to their level.

I won't be able to say this after pitchers and catchers report next
year, but for now, Go Rockies!