It?s OK to be an irrational fan

?A true definition of a fan to me is no matter what your record is and how you?re doing, they?re supportive of your team. That?s a fan. A true fan.? ?Mike Weiss

It?s been said that every child needs at least one person who is irrationally crazy about him or her. I believe that with all of my heart, but contend that the same rule applies to more than just the kids.

It applies to all of the people, including, but not limited to, those ?in season? right now. People like baseball players, performing artists and the ones in the slightly less competitive field of, let?s say, high school journalism.

I don?t follow pro baseball and believe me, for these past few weeks I have felt like the only one. Before this year?s World Series, the only other winning team and year I could have confidently confirmed were the Royals in 1985. That?s only because I remember a classmate of mine incessantly obsessing over George Brett. It stuck with me.

But this series around, the fever couldn?t be missed. We as a people are surrounded by more Royals supporters than I ever suspected. Irrationally crazy Royals supporters. They have materialized from places unknown. Judging from the pictures of the celebration parade route through Kansas City, they repelled from clouds and rose through manholes. The aerial shots of the blue wave were dizzying.

And crazy. Irrationally crazy.

Not unlike professional baseball players, high school drama casts are gearing up for game night. The roar may be slightly fainter than the one from Citi Field last week, but the excitement is still there.

Every cast member will have family members there who have listened to songs and lines being rehearsed enough times to stand in as understudies and friends waiting to see them shine. Or stumble. It?s all good because it?s live theater?anything goes. Fans alike, just as irrationally crazy.

Along the edges, behind the lenses and notepads are the ones capturing the moments and documenting the memories. My own soft spot is here, from my high school stint with yearbook and photography to the industry I still get to be a part of today.

I was able to watch my sport of choice this year via a high school volleyball game. During the action, I studied the formations, watching a new strategy unfold. I saw several shots taken with some hits and some misses. On the ride home, my participant and I analyzed her moves and considered approaches that may work better.

I was able to watch my sport of choice this year via a high school volleyball game. During the action, I studied formations, watching a new strategy unfold. I saw several shots taken with some hits and some misses.

On the ride home, my participant and I analyzed her moves and considered approaches that may work better.

While the volleyball team played well, the participant I had my eye on was my daughter, the photographer.

I?m an irrationally crazy fan.

Shelley Plett is a graphic designer for the Free Press and Kansas Publishing Ventures. She can be reached at shelley@hillsborofree?press.com.

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