FanPost

Enough is enough with the "foul weather" fans

The term "fair-weather fan" is being tossed around a lot these days in Houston. Due to the abysmal major league product on the field, and the lack of recent history wins, many fans of the Astros have gone on to do other things with their time than support the struggling franchise. Those of us who remain as loyal fans look at many of these people with disdain, and question the integrity of their fandom in the first place. Our crying motto: "A real fan supports their team in the good times AND the bad times!" And we are correct.

But now there's this new age of fan. I call them "foul-weather" fans. Fans of a team that openly and willingly cheer for their team to LOSE! Their reasoning? They want to see their team finish in last place so they can get the #1 draft pick who may or may not be an impact major leaguer. Their crying motto: "Like Ricky Bobby would say, 'If ya ain't first, then try and be last!' " Their origin, in my mind, stems from too many video games as a kid. They fell in love with "dynasty" mode and loved the draft aspect of video games. They saw no pride, electronically, in anything other than a world championship. I find this approach to fandom just as sickening as those who only cheer for a team when they're competitive.

CHEER FOR YOUR TEAM TO WIN, OR YOU'RE NOT A TRUE FAN!

There. I said it. Stop actively hoping your team will lose. The first draft pick is a consolation. It isn't the prize. The things I read like "Let's lose so we can get Rodon!" is, quite frankly, asinine. Do you really think Rodon is the savior here? How are you so positive he's going to the best player 11 months from today? How are you so positive he's a 100% impact-player in the majors? How are you so positive his workload won't create a significant arm injury in the near future? How are you so positive he won't demand an over-slot deal that the Astros can't negotiate with?

Yes, I know, having the #1 overall pick increases your chances at getting a major league talent that can help you win long-term, blah blah blah blah. I'm not denying the validity of the competitive balance draft and the advantages of picking first. But please, stop making that the goal of being a fan.

As an aside, I really don't like the NFL. There's only one thing I like about it: watching the Cowboys lose. I hate the Cowboys with a burning, unreasonable passion. I have 31 favorite NFL teams: those who play the Cowboys. In the offseason, my favorite team is the Dallas PD. I just can't stand them. Every Sunday (or Monday, or Thursday, or whenever the Cowboys have to play that day), I openly cheer for the Cowboys to lose. I openly hope they go 0-16 and have the worst record and have the #1 draft pick next season. I love days when the Cowboys lose.

How does my absolute hatred of all things Dallas Cowboys differ from your "love" of the Astros when you want them to lose ball games? Think about it...