The title of this blog is a sports phrase used somewhat in jest that directs one to get ready for a tough task ahead. A reference to shoelaces obviously. A coach might say that to his team before the big game, in an effort to motivate his players to get ready for a tough battle ahead on the field.
But today, I am saying that to you...the Northeast Ohio sports fan. If you are one, after Wednesday, you certainly have to lace 'em up tight. You probably heard about the Indians trading the current Cy Young winner Cliff Lee to the Phillies, for 4 guys no one has ever heard of. The cornerstone player in return is 18 years old. I have shoes older than that! That need to be laced up tight again!
It's not often one has to come up with a rallying cry for a team FANS! But we have too. It's tough to go through this year after year with team after team. To be a fan of these Cleveland teams is hard work! It really is! We watched the Cavs have a wonderful 66 win season, only to see it end too soon. The Browns??? Well, okay that's too easy. The Indians have had a season to forget, only now we'll remember that 2009 as the season that the Tribe became the first team in Major League history to trade Cy Young winners in consecutive seasons. Sheesh!
I for one am proud to be a fan of the Cavs, Tribe and Browns. Because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. It's hard, arduous work. It's almost like having a second or third job! After the game it's like a job well done. "Well, I survived another calamity today! And I'm still standing!!!" Being a fan of New York teams, or Boston teams,..that's easy. You simply buy up all the good players and win every year. Namby-pamby fans. There's no challenge in that. The same goes for teams in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and other big markets. It's easy, AND YOU'RE SOFT. I say to them, "Do something hard......root for our teams!"
I honestly believe we fans are actually tougher than the players in any city. After all, they're getting paid for all this. We go through this fiery abyss unpaid, in fact WE PAY to be fans. Now that's passion!
Without getting too sportsy here, we've been down this road before. Last year trading CC Sabathia for three players yet to be on the major league roster. And now Lee, for 4 players at least 3 years away from playing for the Tribe. Yankee fans can not relate to any of this. And they call themselves fans! Sheesh again! They have the easiest rooting job on earth. They're not really fans, they are ........fair weather fans..... Front runners.
If you find yourself disillusioned today, it's okay. Just remember in New York they boo the players who don't perform. Around here we boo the front office when they blow it.
In the meantime fans, "Lace 'Em Up Tight!" We're in for another tough battle. We've got 60 games to go.
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