The goal for any franchise be it hockey, basketball, football, or baseball is to be the last team standing. To bask in exuberant glow of a championship. To quote Coach Herm Edwards, quite simply “You play to win the game.” There is truly no other reason. And once you do climb the mountain top, especially after an arduous journey their is no sweeter victory. A title in America’s favorite sport however can signal change in ways never imagined.
Front Office Validation
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When executive finally puts together all the pieces of a puzzle there is a sigh of relief. For a GM on the hot seat a title could save their job. For one on the rise it could it could solidify them as someone among the best in the sport. Theo Epstein, Jerry West, and just recently Howie Roseman are just a few of the men in their respective sports to turn around struggling franchises. And therefore, make themselves made men in the front office.
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“City of Champions”
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To go from a perennial laughing stock or underachiever to a world champion is a fans dream come true. Pro sports are intrinsically tied to civic pride. Nothing brings together a fan base and a town that maybe teetering like a world title. For years cities like Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Seattle have suffered one heartbreaking loss after another. Their recent success has given hope to the once hopeless and renewed spirits that were once crushed. Furthermore not only does this effect a fan base emotionally but mentally. These fanbases now have better out look and something to look forward to.
A Story You Can Get Behind
The public perception and popularity of a league is often connected to the stories that are crafted throughout a season. A great story will unite only a local fanbase but bring together fans from all over the world. Even the most casual fan can’t help but be caught up in journey that seems like it was develop by Hollywood. From the Eagles underdog run with a back up quarterback, to Villanova’s second title in 3 years. This feat is made even more impressive by the fact they have a more traditional veteran roster. Although the sport is often dominated by teams with one and done players. The overall public perception of a league can’t help but rise when you have a product that brings about so many emotions and good feelings.
Where do we go from here
If professional sports is to continue being as popular as it is the riveting stories and constant parody have to continue. It is great for front office moral and consistency. Communities thrive on championships and teams they can get behind. They become one for a short period of time a forget their petty differences. For a die hard fan a title can erase stigma and unleash a confidence not once seen. There is no better feeling than when you win and as Henry Russel “Red” Sanders once said, ” winning isn’t everything, its the only thing.”
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