How I became a Michigan fan
April 12th, 2016 at 10:28 PM ^
and glad you're enjoying your Michigan experience. It is a truly wild ride and Harbaugh has indeed been a blast so far
and thank you for sharing your history, intro to M football, and bits of all that caused you to make this wise decision. I always enjoy learning the reasons for those from other parts of the country, often times with more logical teams nearby, yet decided to become a M fan. And it's not difficult for me to usually guess right as to whether young man is correct, given I am one of the few that, at times, still look at the FL. schools as Johnny's come lately.
A native of the state, but not a cfb fan for years to come, no doubt the roots were planted on a late November day in 1969, but with a few obligations to tend to first, specifically temporary residence in S.E. Asia, it would be a few years before I would be able to comfortably accept without realizing just how time consuming becoming a fan can be.
However, this is about you. My fellow fans are correct, imo, in their feelings its a must for you to visit The Big House. Regardless of where you're from, first time visitors, not unlike recruits that make their decision due to the winged helmet, are all aware they are entering a very special place. If your form of travel allows some reading time, I can think of nothing better than Tradition by Bo to help set the mood.
Had to laugh at your mention of S.F. natives. I have been spending my winters in the same Mexican village for the past five years, Have met a few from that part of the country, but it wasn't until two weeks ago I caused a reaction from a native of that city, perfectly in line with what you suggested, and reminded me of a city on the e. coast where the same attitude prevails, and no, it's not NYC.
We were setting in the most unpretentious dive in the city and the majority of us visit there for that very reason. I can't recall either the question or statement that caused me to answer with the name of your city, but I decided to go with the abbreviated answer of Frisco,and this lady very close to my age reacted in a manner that left no doubt as to whether or not she was serious. "Don't ever do that again." "Beg your pardon," I answered, unaware of who and how I had pissed someone off. "Call it Frisco. The name is San Francisco." Silenty laughing at the realization I was roughtly three tequilas short of what would have been my normal response, I simply said, "I am very sorry, I had no intention of insulting anyone." Talk about someone that is going to experience an awakening, but your statement and recollection of that evening caused me to totally LOL.
Again, thanks for sharing in such an interesting fashion, and yes, I aslo agree and have to thank you for your chosen profession. So damn important and underappreciated. Hell, my past experience with Jim is when he was a qb here. You are way ahead of me in realizing that special level of craziness that defines him. I believe yours' is the first story I've read about a fan following the fired coach of their professional team into college football. I can fully understand why someone might do that in this case, but I am so happy it introduced you into the world of cfb and specifically Michigan. Stay safe and don't delay in choosing that date to visit AA. GO BLUE!!!!!!
April 15th, 2016 at 12:37 AM ^
April 12th, 2016 at 10:39 PM ^
April 12th, 2016 at 10:43 PM ^
I found myself smiling a fair amount while reading this entry. It reminded me just how fortunate we are to be a part of this school. Welcome and forever Go Blue!
April 13th, 2016 at 12:05 AM ^
Cool write-up, thanks for posting. The best is yet to come.
It still amazes me how an individual (Jed York for SF, Dave Brandon for UM) can single-handedly destroy such proud programs and fan bases with pure arrogance and incompetence.
Great write up. I too found myself smiling throught your entire piece. I sincerely hope you do get a chance to make it to A2 for a game at the Big House! Cool city, iconic stadium, fantastic coach, storied history, loyal fans (you get the idea)... Make sure you get a chance to walk through both golf courses for the pre-game tail gate to truly take in the experience. Or God willing and the creek don't rise, Tampa is nice in January.
You're in good company, glad to have you. Cheers
Forever Blue
That was awesome! Thanks for sharing. I'd find it facinating to read a book full of stories just like that. You listening, JU Bacon? Looking for new ideas? :)
Great post, glad to have you!
April 13th, 2016 at 10:14 AM ^
You lost me at "self indulgent" as that is what 99% of the posts on this piece of shit board are.
April 13th, 2016 at 10:38 AM ^
April 13th, 2016 at 12:40 PM ^
The Blue side.
April 13th, 2016 at 10:42 AM ^
I've been trying to connect with a soccer team over in Europe for years now. And have yet to do so. To me, it is the lack of pain I feel in a loss. That is when you know your stuck.
That MSU game this year is the type of loss that cements your fanhood. To live through it, and proudly be a Michigan fan still, I cannot question your love for this team. Every bit the fan I am imo.
Welcome. May we suffer less and celebrate joyfully more!
I've always said this . . . you become a true fan of a team when you suffer with it. It becomes a part of you. You are not truly invested in a team until then, you are just an observer.
Yep. The genesis of my trueness is November 1973.
They should make you a part-owner.
April 13th, 2016 at 10:43 AM ^
and even more for your public service. After graduating, my career took me to the Bay area in the 90's but I have since moved back East. I will always miss those early Sat morning M games on TV - especially the "Judgment Day" ass-kicking @ Happy Valley. JH is going to take us all on a wild and fun ride the next decade. Enjoy it and welcome aboard. Go Blue!
April 13th, 2016 at 11:31 AM ^
Glad to have you with us!
April 13th, 2016 at 12:31 PM ^
I enjoyed this. Now you need to figure out how to get to the Big House for a game.
You've chosen wisely! Thanks for your service, stay safe out there.
I decapitated another Michigan fan, and after a quickening, gained all of his power.
THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE.
April 17th, 2016 at 12:09 PM ^
as far as I'm concerned
I shed a tear a little bit. Beautiful. New and developing love for Michigan and mgoblog all in one story. Glad you're here! Welcome!
Cool story, interesting to hear how someone becomes a fan. I was born into it and never stayed a fan of any other organization so this is all foreign to me.
Congratulations and condolences.
Go Blue!
Thanks for sharing man! If you can, try to make it a priority to get to a game in Ann Arbor - there is nothing like it. I live in Florida and make it up every year for a game (occasionally 2) and it is always the best weekend of my year.
interesting story. welcome. you no doubt jumped in at the right time!
and good for you on the career path. im friendly with quite a few cops, mostly in and around philly. its a tough but noble profession - trying to make your neightborhood a safer, cleaner place can be difficult (as im sure you well know), especially given the recent national climate. im gonna guess youre not in the 10% that direspect the badge and give the other 90% of solid cops a bad name. nothing political here - i just appreciate good police (and good EMT, fire, teachers, etc).
more importantly - im not as old as you but when i reach that age im hopeful ill find a hobby and have enough passion to jump in with both feet like you have with m football!
Raised Notre Dame fan. Dad did not allow hated Mich. on his TV or radio. Thankfully he worked OT one saturday in 1968 and I saw my first Mich game as Ron Johnson ran for 347 yds against Wisky...that and the winged helmets is how I became Maize and Blue forever.
Welcome to the family and Go Blue.
Now you have to get to Ann Arbor and the Big House.
April 13th, 2016 at 10:10 PM ^
April 13th, 2016 at 10:42 PM ^
Make sure to write another diary after your first trip to the Big House.
We've done our job if you are still a Michigan fan when Harbaugh retires.
April 14th, 2016 at 10:11 AM ^
Definitely a great write-up, it's great to have people from anywhere root for Michigan! Although I live in Texas, my family's Michigan roots run deep.
April 14th, 2016 at 10:43 AM ^
Sorry, some jerk had to hit you with a cool story bro eventually and that jerk is me.
April 14th, 2016 at 11:50 AM ^
Like other posters have said, make it a priority to get to a game (any game) at Michigan Stadium. Get a cheap flight on a shitty airline (I know what cops make) and find someplace to crash for a few days while you're here. I'd offer my couch, but you're going to have to take off your LEO hat while visiting.
Seriously, there's nothing like a game at Michigan Stadium. Especially when we're pounding the hell out of a quality opponent.
April 14th, 2016 at 12:16 PM ^
April 14th, 2016 at 11:11 PM ^
Awesome read!
We're happy to have you aboard.
Welcome to the Michigan Family! And don't ever think you don't rank with us alums or fans of the program for a long time. All fans of Michigan are equallly blessed to have arrived at the decision to root for the best program in the country
April 15th, 2016 at 10:53 AM ^
Good chance the Wolves will be matched up with Wazzu this December at AT&T park. Great chance to see the team in a Bowl.
April 15th, 2016 at 12:39 PM ^
like this.
April 15th, 2016 at 10:22 PM ^
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Great stuff, thanks for sharing. Glad to have you as part of the fan base and thank you for your service. Know this is before your time but I spent some time in Northern Cal as a kid listening to Lon Simmons do radio for the 49ners when John Brodie was QB, and Giants baseball when Messrs. Mays and McCovey ruled Candlestick. Had the opportunity to meet Coach Harbaugh when he was at USD and know I am biased but imho, he is the real deal, a great football coach, and truly home, though I am sure he loves the Bay Area as well.
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