I’ll admit it. I almost always root for the underdog. Because of my Catholic upbringing, I suppose. I mean we worship and adore someone who was beaten, whipped, and crucified.
A loser. Very un-American.
We were not allowed to hate, but we were allowed—even encouraged—to love. So, I loved with a vengeance.
I followed the early NY Mets who were a motley crew of players way past their prime. These were “the lean years” when they were the Amazing Mets because it was amazing how many ways they could find to lose a game. A miracle of sorts.
Perhaps my affinity for the underdog was due to those stories my grandfather told me about how we Irish were oppressed by the English for four hundred years and then discriminated against in America until JFK broke the ethnic glass ceiling. That’s part of the reason I support Iran.
The other reason also is sports-related. A recurring theme here. Any real sports fan LOVES good defense. Yes, offenses get all the glory and media coverage. But a real fan is thrilled by great defensive plays in hockey, basketball, football, chess, and baseball. It is the heroic story of being attacked while rendering aggression impotent. You would see a draw or tie as a win, if you were playing the heavily favored. A rather pleasing Pyrrhic victory.
Most of you may disagree. Or be offended by my comparison. Some of you, no doubt, will say I am anti-American for supporting Iran over the home team. But I am not. I’m anti-American empire. That’s why I always disliked the damn Yankees – the team with big money, plenty of fire power, too many victories, and all the glory.
I always rooted for the David, the un-intimidated little guy up against some monstrous Goliath armed only with a slingshot to use as a defense.
Grey Sparrow Journal 