I’ve been to Boston and back recently and it’s got me thinking. Thinking about sports towns, small markets, and general fandemonium. Now, let me start out by saying that I dutifully acknowledge Boston as a great sports town. I appreciate the Celtics franchise and the nostalgia of Fenway Park. I also recognize the excitement that surrounds the Bruins, and, (although I once refused to buy a bag of Doritos simply because it said “Go Pats!” on it), I will give a nod to Patriots’ fans. I will admit, however, that at the particular time during which I began to ponder the following, I was still wallowing in the wilting of the Bucks’ season. Simultaneously, I was engulfed in the enthusiasm in Beantown brought about by the start of the Celtics’ postseason endeavors. To call me jealous would be appropriate.
I went seeking solace from the support of fellow Milwaukee fans, so I sent out a message calling for some good ol’ sports banter. Read…
I’m in Boston for the week, which means I’m navigating through Red Sox nation, bombarded by the chase for banner 18 (a reference to the Celtics’ postseason aspirations, in case you’re unaware), and constantly steering through a sea of Bruins fans while riding the subway. I should mention that I’ve proudly sported my Brewers gear on two occasions in the past few days, and both times my apparel prompted complete strangers to start up conversation with me – pro-Brew Crew conversation at that.
But here’s why I’m writing. More and more, I am becoming painfully conscious of Milwaukee’s “small market” persona. And, although I’m not sure the term communally carries a negative connotation, I feel that it often does. Even the conversation surrounding Ryan Braun’s long-term deal was riddled with commentary about his (some say surprising) decision to commit to a smaller market. More disturbing is the small market talk surrounding the success and/or future of the Milwaukee Bucks.
What I guess really gets me is that we’re only a small market because of the size of the city. I don’t feel that Milwaukee is any less a sports town than any city that has its own ESPN page – it’s just that we’re, by population, smaller.
What do you think? Does this bother you?
Some responses…
“The term ‘small market’ is often used as a cop out for poor management and ownership.”
“I’m sure playing in a small market has its draw backs for players, but Lebron did pretty well in Cleveland and Peyton does pretty well in Indy when it comes to sponsorships.
I think it matters more in baseball because the teams can make their own TV / radio deals. The YES network pulls down serious money and the Brewers and Twins don’t have that option. That’s why MLB is so slanted toward big markets and hence why I hate the Cubs and Yankees.”
“We will always be small market. Even when the Braves won in ’57- small market. However, if we WON on a more regular basis here in brewtown that could be mitigated somewhat. Count the championships in Milwaukee, you won’t need too many fingers!”
And finally…
“I still think it comes down to winning and having a compelling roster. The Brewers have had some of the best attendance in MLB in recent years, drawing over 3 million fans a season. I huge part of this is due to them being competitive on a more consistent basis.
I think those who know Milwaukee know that Milwaukee is a good sports town it’s just the rest of the world doesn’t get a chance to see it, because for the most part, losing teams don’t get a lot of prime time national TV airtime.
So, I still think it comes down to winning to really show people outside of Milwaukee that is indeed, a good sports town.
And to answer your question [regarding my question asking if I was being too sensitive]: no, I don’t think you are too sensitive over it. You care about Milwaukee sports, and there are many more like you (me included, even I would love to see the Bucks do well, I just won’t go to see them), which is why Milwaukee is a good sports town. It’s just gonna take some winning to show it to the masses.”
So there you have it – some good ol’ Milwaukee sports banter. Feel free to join in the conversation. I have a feeling, whether here or elsewhere, we could be talking about this for a while. Consider: A TSA rep at Logan heckled me while I made my through security to catch my flight home – all because I was wearing a Brewers sweatshirt. I told him I’ll be back in June for the Brewers/Red Sox series at Fenway.
