Fantasy Sports

I consider myself somewhat of an oxymoron. I'm an objective Boston sports fan which is hard to fine. If you know anything about Boston fans, we bleed the colors of our teams and we don't like to hear about anything going wrong with our local heroes. I have no problem telling you when we suck, and even less of a problem when we are dominating. I think it's because I'm becoming more of a sports fan rather than a regional fan and I think fantasy sports have something to do with it. 

I started playing fantasy football 5 years ago and fantasy baseball 2 years later. In order to succeed, I need to stay up to date with every team/player in the league. Every game I watch becomes important and gives me a reason to pay attention. I wouldn't hear of a lot of up and coming players and athletes from small market teams if it wasn't for fantasy sports. I know that God's greatest gifts don't always put on the Boston uniform, unlike when I was a kid. I've caught a lot of great games, including the 19 inning game in Philadelphia and the 12 inning game in San Francisco recently where Buster Posey brutally injured his leg and ankle. These are games I wouldn't be following otherwise. 

I've heard from people who haven't played fantasy sports before say it's dumb and pathetic but I believe they don't know what they're missing. A lot of my fun growing up derived from sports and being competitive with my friends. Growing older and having day to day responsibilities limits my ability to play in sporting events on a regular basis but these leagues help me stay competitive with friends. Oh, then there's the trash talking which is always fun. 

I still am and always will be a Boston sports fan first but now enjoy games from all over. It's bittersweet though when a pitcher on my fantasy team shuts down my Red Sox like tonight. So  Jake Peavy, here's your thanks and I hate you all in one.