Sports Pet Peeves

[Dom Heffner]

I could go with the obnoxious chants at sporting events, people sitting in the wrong seats-

But Im gonna hit on something nobody is talking about, something that needs to be addressed as a cancer to society, proof that civilization as we know it is ending:

The NFL Super Fan.

Have you seen these people? They are like little Twitter celebrities: Tony Da Tiger, The Bengals Captain....

Much like the Kardashians, they are famous for not much other than wearing outrageous outfits. They pose for photos with little kids, sign autographs- it is sort of creepy.

All of which to say: "Im a bigger fan than you."

I like the Bengals, too- I dont need a beard down to my belly button and a Naval Officer's cap to show it. "Im the Bengals Captain!" Or: you are a grown man wearing an orange majorette jacket.

:)

Anything that drives you crazy about the experience of being a follower of sports?

[Chip R]

When listening to a basketball or football game on the radio, the announcers invariably say a team is going left to right or vice versa. It's radio! What difference does that make to someone who isn't watching the game?!

[Sea Ray]

When listening to a basketball or football game on the radio, the announcers invariably say a team is going left to right or vice versa. It's radio! What difference does that make to someone who isn't watching the game?!

So you can visualize it. I find that helpful. Maybe I'm an outlier

[Dom Heffner]

When listening to a basketball or football game on the radio, the announcers invariably say a team is going left to right or vice versa. It's radio! What difference does that make to someone who isn't watching the game?!

Left and right are relative to the announcer's spot- sort of pointless, agreed.

[Roy Tucker]

The wave. It was cool the first time I saw it in the 80’s. Since then, no.

The woo. Who in the world thinks this is a cool thing?

[westofyou]

I loath dugout interviews during the game, LOATH

[Ky Fried Redleg]

The wave. It was cool the first time I saw it in the 80’s. Since then, no.

The woo. Who in the world thinks this is a cool thing?

[cumberlandreds]

When listening to a basketball or football game on the radio, the announcers invariably say a team is going left to right or vice versa. It's radio! What difference does that make to someone who isn't watching the game?!

I grew up listening to Cawood Ledford say this on UK football games. I think it did help me to visualize the field.

- - - Updated - - -

I think sideline reports and reporters are basically useless. Unless they are very good looking. :D

[Revering4Blue]

The wave. It was cool the first time I saw it in the 80’s. Since then, no.

The woo. Who in the world thinks this is a cool thing?

Kids, listen to your Uncle Roy!


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[Tony Cloninger]

When Brad Lesley did the Animal routine I thought it was funny. But it was an outlier. I did like outliers. Reggie standing watching homers. The Bird talking to the ball. Outliers are fun. Original. When they become the constant norm to the point of over the top so I can have my own meme or sell my brand. Then it’s stupid. Annoying. Tired. You have to yell and pump your fist over every strikeout to end an inning which is not the final out. Or the great Carlos Gomez? Who would stare down and dance around more famously in that game at Atlanta when he was confronted by almost the whole infield at home plate.

It’s not being old. It’s that people don’t understand where it becomes a joke or not original. Fake enthusiasm.

[RichRed]

Hearing “LET’S GO!” every 2 1/2 seconds in every sport.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Ghost runners ... should only be a thing if you are a 10 y.o. playing whiffle ball in the back yard.

[Dom Heffner]

Ghost runners ... should only be a thing if you are a 10 y.o. playing whiffle ball in the back yard.

You. Are. Spot. On.

[bucksfan2]

Yea I don't like super fans either. I also don't like when people try to call into question ones fanhood.

Saying "we" when talking about your favorite teams. You aren't out there practicing, don't use we.

The NFL has gotten better at this but it used to be TD, Time out, Kickoff, Time out.

[Bob Sheed]

The "love it or leave it" response when calling out ownership for milking their own franchise.

I heard it all through the 90s with the Bengals, I hear it now with the Reds.

[Sea Ray]

Yea I don't like super fans either. I also don't like when people try to call into question ones fanhood.

Saying "we" when talking about your favorite teams. You aren't out there practicing, don't use we.

The NFL has gotten better at this but it used to be TD, Time out, Kickoff, Time out.

I'm fine with saying "we" if a sports team is representing my city or my school.

[Kingspoint]

It's "we" when you are supporting them financially and paying their bills as a season-ticket holder.

- - - Updated - - -


The "love it or leave it" response when calling out ownership for milking their own franchise.

I heard it all through the 90s with the Bengals, I hear it now with the Reds.

That covers any disrespect Ownership shows to those footing the bill locally.

[SteelSD]

In no particular order...

1. The Boston Celtics

2. In hockey games, constant uncalled Interference. Yeah, I'm looking at you 2007-08 Detroit Red Wings.

3. Speaking of the NHL- Tom Wilson. Jackhole.

4. Terrible high school coaches who peaked at "Typing Teacher". Worthless lot.

5. College hockey players. Just a personal thing. Was dating a super-hot girl in college and she broke up with me after a hockey party. It hadn't gotten serious yet, so the real pain wasn't the dumping. It was the fact that she did it by saying, "I met a hockey player...", which- when translated to the dumpee- means, "I think I traded WAY up and wanted to let you know how excited I am about it." Long story short, within a week he'd also traded up, showed up at our frat party with some buddies of his, tried to steal our booze, and I got to watch a frat brother punch a future NHL player in the face. And no, it wasn't Tom Wilson.

6. Twenty-minute long instant replay decisions for obvious calls.

7. Award voting. Completely broken. Fix it.

8. Viewing blackout rules, particularly MLB. Check out the blackout map for Iowa. Tragic.

9. Jeff Van Gundy. You are bad at announcing basketball games. Go away.

10. Knockoff jerseys from foreign countries. I you order an XL Reds jersey that turns out to actually fit no adult on the planet, and has Votto spelled with only one "t", don't say you weren't warned.

[Betterread]

“National” announcers vrs local or “regional” announcers for the sports I watch : soccer, baseball, football, basketball.
I have yet to experience a “national” announcer who was fully prepared by knowing key details about the teams involved. They are all ignorant to varying degrees. Let the local announcers call the games, even for nationally televised games. It’s clearly a better quality experience.

[schmidty622]

People at the bar screaming "HIT HIM!!" on a three yard run.

[klw]

close game or hitting team trails in the game, 2 straight guys walk esp if on only 4 or 5 pitches, but next batter doesn't take a strike before swinging. Very specific but it really bugs me.

[CySeymour]

Youth sports parents. Ya'll need to remember a few things:

1) The umpire/ref is trying. Some are actually volunteering, or at least very new to officiating. It's harder than it looks, so back off.

2) When the other team tags them/steals the ball/tackles them, they really aren't doing anything dirty. They're just playing the game and sometimes players get hurt.

3) You're. Not. The. Coach. When I would coach rec league teams. you'd always get the parents trying to coach from the stands. I had one parent move where their kid was positioned, and the next hitter hit the ball where they had been standing. The thing was, I had told them where to stand before the inning, they were only doing what I had said. When the game is going on, let the coaches take care of things. If you don't like it, sign up next season to coach.

4) There is almost no chance your kid will go pro. And this regular season rec league game? Who wins doesn't change their life trajectory. Let it go!

[texasdave]

Golf fans yelling "Get in the hole" when pros tee off on a par-3.

[Kingspoint]

In no particular order...

1. The Boston Celtics

2. In hockey games, constant uncalled Interference. Yeah, I'm looking at you 2007-08 Detroit Red Wings.

3. Speaking of the NHL- Tom Wilson. Jackhole.

4. Terrible high school coaches who peaked at "Typing Teacher". Worthless lot.

5. College hockey players. Just a personal thing. Was dating a super-hot girl in college and she broke up with me after a hockey party. It hadn't gotten serious yet, so the real pain wasn't the dumping. It was the fact that she did it by saying, "I met a hockey player...", which- when translated to the dumpee- means, "I think I traded WAY up and wanted to let you know how excited I am about it." Long story short, within a week he'd also traded up, showed up at our frat party with some buddies of his, tried to steal our booze, and I got to watch a frat brother punch a future NHL player in the face. And no, it wasn't Tom Wilson.

6. Twenty-minute long instant replay decisions for obvious calls.

7. Award voting. Completely broken. Fix it.

8. Viewing blackout rules, particularly MLB. Check out the blackout map for Iowa. Tragic.

9. Jeff Van Gundy. You are bad at announcing basketball games. Go away.

10. Knockoff jerseys from foreign countries. I you order an XL Reds jersey that turns out to actually fit no adult on the planet, and has Votto spelled with only one "t", don't say you weren't warned.

Great stuff!

[Ky Fried Redleg]

Youth sports parents. Ya'll need to remember a few things:

1) The umpire/ref is trying. Some are actually volunteering, or at least very new to officiating. It's harder than it looks, so back off.

2) When the other team tags them/steals the ball/tackles them, they really aren't doing anything dirty. They're just playing the game and sometimes players get hurt.

3) You're. Not. The. Coach. When I would coach rec league teams. you'd always get the parents trying to coach from the stands. I had one parent move where their kid was positioned, and the next hitter hit the ball where they had been standing. The thing was, I had told them where to stand before the inning, they were only doing what I had said. When the game is going on, let the coaches take care of things. If you don't like it, sign up next season to coach.

4) There is almost no chance your kid will go pro. And this regular season rec league game? Who wins doesn't change their life trajectory. Let it go!



Some of the worst, most embarrassing behavior you will ever witness is from parents whose kids play youth sports. Saw a dad leave the stands one night, go on to the court and try to fist fight a 5'5" referee. And that wasn't even the worst behavior.

[Dom Heffner]

Also- people who complain about what athletes make.

Is there anything more boring than that?

[moewan]

Golf fans yelling "Get in the hole" when pros tee off on a par-3.

Even worse, when they do it on a par 5

[Z-Fly]

Yea I don't like super fans either. I also don't like when people try to call into question ones fanhood.

Saying "we" when talking about your favorite teams. You aren't out there practicing, don't use we.

The NFL has gotten better at this but it used to be TD, Time out, Kickoff, Time out.

I understand what you are getting at, and I've debated this with myself a million times. I don't say "we", but the fans are the most important part of the equation. "We" is probably the correct word.

[Assembly Hall]

Youth sports parents. Ya'll need to remember a few things:

1) The umpire/ref is trying. Some are actually volunteering, or at least very new to officiating. It's harder than it looks, so back off.

2) When the other team tags them/steals the ball/tackles them, they really aren't doing anything dirty. They're just playing the game and sometimes players get hurt.

3) You're. Not. The. Coach. When I would coach rec league teams. you'd always get the parents trying to coach from the stands. I had one parent move where their kid was positioned, and the next hitter hit the ball where they had been standing. The thing was, I had told them where to stand before the inning, they were only doing what I had said. When the game is going on, let the coaches take care of things. If you don't like it, sign up next season to coach.

4) There is almost no chance your kid will go pro. And this regular season rec league game? Who wins doesn't change their life trajectory. Let it go!

I would like to add that I know of several guys(including some friends) that specifically got into coaching so they could coach their future pro kid.

[Danny Serafini]

If the team isn't signing your paycheck, you're not part of "we". Don't use it. I'll give half a pass if it's a college team and you're an alumnus of the school because there's a different connection there, but even then you're not really part of "we".

[Boston Red]

I'm fine with "we", but you get it for one team per sport for your lifetime. No changing except when you attend a college, your team moves or your relative starts playing for a different team.

Youth sports umpires. Yeah, the youth sports parents can be terrible, but the umpires really are almost universally bad. Getting judgement calls wrong: fair enough. But I am often explaining the rules to umpires who've been calling games for 20 years. The infield fly rule really isn't as difficult to learn as calculus. And it's 50/50 at best whether an umpire is aware the first base being occupied rule doesn't apply to dropped third strikes with two outs (unfortunately a situation that occurs all too often in youth baseball).

[bucksfan2]

If the team isn't signing your paycheck, you're not part of "we". Don't use it. I'll give half a pass if it's a college team and you're an alumnus of the school because there's a different connection there, but even then you're not really part of "we".

I don't use "we" because I am doing nothing to help the team win. I am not there putting in the work, going through practice, battling through injury. I am there, in the stands or watching on TV with a drink in my hand.

I used to say "we" in college at OSU. But the entire time I was there, I knew of one football or basketball player in my class. I had a couple of softball players in my class, but for the most part, "I went to school" but didn't go to school with these athletes.

[dubc47834]

if the team isn't signing your paycheck, you're not part of "we". Don't use it. I'll give half a pass if it's a college team and you're an alumnus of the school because there's a different connection there, but even then you're not really part of "we".

get off my lawn!!!!!

[westofyou]

If the team isn't signing your paycheck, you're not part of "we". Don't use it. I'll give half a pass if it's a college team and you're an alumnus of the school because there's a different connection there, but even then you're not really part of "we".

https://cdn.theatlantic.com/media/mt/science/jamesvan.gif

[RichRed]

I’ve always thought of “we” as just a shorthand term rather than a fan trying to act like part of the team, so it doesn’t bother me. The caveat being that for it to be ok, you must have been a fan of that team for at least 10 years and suffered at least one heart wrenching loss that had playoff implications, which is a rule I just made up.

[CySeymour]

I'm fine with "we", but you get it for one team per sport for your lifetime. No changing except when you attend a college, your team moves or your relative starts playing for a different team.

Youth sports umpires. Yeah, the youth sports parents can be terrible, but the umpires really are almost universally bad. Getting judgement calls wrong: fair enough. But I am often explaining the rules to umpires who've been calling games for 20 years. The infield fly rule really isn't as difficult to learn as calculus. And it's 50/50 at best whether an umpire is aware the first base being occupied rule doesn't apply to dropped third strikes with two outs (unfortunately a situation that occurs all too often in youth baseball).

What’s happened is it’s now hard to find umpires. Some leagues have had to fold because they couldn’t get umpires. No one wants to ump anymore because of the abuse they take.

[Kingspoint]

The wave. I hate the wave. The home team always screws up and does worse during the wave, but the fans don't care.

[Kingspoint]

What’s happened is it’s now hard to find umpires. Some leagues have had to fold because they couldn’t get umpires. No one wants to ump anymore because of the abuse they take.

Politicians killed it, not the abuse. Umpires dropped by 50% during COVID when politicians told people they couldn't go to work if they wanted to. That led to people getting used to staying at home all the time, and so volunteer things like umpiring (they don't get much when they do get paid) dropped dramatically along with games being played during COVID and they have not come back after the games did.

[Roy Tucker]

Politicians killed it, not the abuse. Umpires dropped by 50% during COVID when politicians told people they couldn't go to work if they wanted to. That led to people getting used to staying at home all the time, and so volunteer things like umpiring (they don't get much when they do get paid) dropped dramatically along with games being played during COVID and they have not come back after the games did.

It was dying off a long time before that. My kids reffed soccer 2000-2010. Got paid $25 per game. But the abuse that was heaped on them by both sideline parents and coaches was ridiculous. Did they get a few things wrong or miss calls? Yeah they did. But they were learning on the job and getting better. Just like the kids playing. And the refs sure knew the rules better than those yelling at them. Leagues were desperate to get refs then. I can’t imagine what it’s like now.

[Kingspoint]

It was dying off a long time before that. My kids reffed soccer 2000-2010. Got paid $25 per game. But the abuse that was heaped on them by both sideline parents and coaches was ridiculous. Did they get a few things wrong or miss calls? Yeah they did. But they were learning on the job and getting better. Just like the kids playing. And the refs sure knew the rules better than those yelling at them. Leagues were desperate to get refs then. I can’t imagine what it’s like now.

Around here, for example, it has been much tougher as you say for the last 20 years. But, this year is the first year that they won't have enough to do High School Football games. They are going to have to cancel games for the first time because of no refs if something doesn't happen in the next couple of weeks.

[Boston Red]

What’s happened is it’s now hard to find umpires. Some leagues have had to fold because they couldn’t get umpires. No one wants to ump anymore because of the abuse they take.

These are guys who've been calling games for two decades who still don't know the rules. It's partially their fault. It's more the fault of the leagues who don't even pretend to bother to train these guys.

[CySeymour]

These are guys who've been calling games for two decades who still don't know the rules. It's partially their fault. It's more the fault of the leagues who don't even pretend to bother to train these guys.

I know what you mean, but at this point they have to have someone to ump.

[MWM]

I loath dugout interviews during the game, LOATH

A thousand times this. Any interview with a coach or player during a competition is just painful to watch.

[OesterPoster]

A thousand times this. Any interview with a coach or player during a competition is just painful to watch.

YES. Also, whoever mentioned the sideline reporters. They are worthless. I learn way more about injuries or other sideline events from certain Twitter follows, than from some eye candy who thinks her information is important to announce 10-15 minutes after it happened. And to add onto that...the before-halftime interview of college football or college basketball coaches...so DUMB.

[Kingspoint]

Jack Norworth's 1908 version:


Katie Casey was base ball mad.
Had the fever and had it bad;
Just to root for the home town crew,
Ev'ry sou Katie blew.
On a Saturday, her young beau
Called to see if she'd like to go,
To see a show but Miss Kate said,
"No, I'll tell you what you can do."

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."

Katie Casey saw all the games,
Knew the players by their first names;
Told the umpire he was wrong,
All along good and strong.
When the score was just two to two,
Katie Casey knew what to do,
Just to cheer up the boys she knew,
She made the gang sing this song:

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."




Jack Norworth's 1927 version:


Nelly Kelly loved baseball games,
Knew the players, knew all their names,
You could see her there ev'ry day,
Shout "Hurray," when they'd play.
Her boy friend by the name of Joe
Said, "To Coney Isle, dear, let's go,"
Then Nelly started to fret and pout,
And to him I heard her shout.

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."

Nelly Kelly was sure some fan,
She would root just like any man,
Told the umpire he was wrong,
All along, good and strong.
When the score was just two to two,
Nelly Kelly knew what to do,
Just to cheer up the boys she knew,
She made the gang sing this song.

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."

[ShyGuy]

the ESPN talking mouths. Nobody's opinion on any of those shows is any more better to me than any poster here.

Actually no that's an insult to the posters here. Posters here are much better

[redsfan9988]

For baseball, the requisite 45 minute discussion about the importance of bunting on certain broadcasts every time a lead off hitter reaches late in a close game.

Extreme parity makes the NFL pretty lame. You can set your watch to a handful of mediocre teams making the playoffs every year playing a last place schedule.

In basketball, I prefer the NCAA method of one-and-one free throws under a certain foul threshold. Makes the late-game more exciting.

[Kingspoint]

In basketball, I prefer the NCAA method of one-and-one free throws under a certain foul threshold. Makes the late-game more exciting.

Removes some of the effect of bad officiating.

[Todd Gack]

How is "Conference Pride" not #1? Especially considering we now have so much movement in the NCAA that people are so confused that they're finally just going back to hating with their hearts again.

[Z-Fly]

I don't use "we" because I am doing nothing to help the team win. I am not there putting in the work, going through practice, battling through injury. I am there, in the stands or watching on TV with a drink in my hand.

I used to say "we" in college at OSU. But the entire time I was there, I knew of one football or basketball player in my class. I had a couple of softball players in my class, but for the most part, "I went to school" but didn't go to school with these athletes.

People watching on TV is basically the most import part of sports now. Just look at College Realignment or MLB Baseball for that matter.

[Z-Fly]

I'm fine with "we", but you get it for one team per sport for your lifetime. No changing except when you attend a college, your team moves or your relative starts playing for a different team.

Youth sports umpires. Yeah, the youth sports parents can be terrible, but the umpires really are almost universally bad. Getting judgement calls wrong: fair enough. But I am often explaining the rules to umpires who've been calling games for 20 years. The infield fly rule really isn't as difficult to learn as calculus. And it's 50/50 at best whether an umpire is aware the first base being occupied rule doesn't apply to dropped third strikes with two outs (unfortunately a situation that occurs all too often in youth baseball).


The problem with umpires is pretty complicated. It has never been an easy job, but the noise has gotten worse. To me, the select baseball program has done a disservice to little league baseball. You basically have to pay $5-10,0000 to play summer baseball anymore. Then it's no longer $50 registration and two games a week. It's every weekend and games during the week, fall ball, and lessons during the winter. That's a big commitment. Point being, if parents have that much skin in the game, they are going to expect more and more out of the umpires. Then the umpires are making $20-$30/HR for working nights and weekends, and you get what you pay for. You can't pay them $100/HR, because that just increases the costs even more. I don't know what the answer is, but hopefully someone figures it out.

The only thing I can think of is pay more for more qualified umpires. Then let the tournaments decide which rate they want to use. Just spit balling.

Tier 1 ($60/HR) - Has to pass a qualification test/ retested every two years, and have three games inspected by a board.

Tier 2 ($45/HR) - Has to pass a qualification test/retested every two years.

Tier 3 ($30/HR) - Whatever they do now.

[Boston Red]

This is to get to the LLWS. So pretty high stakes. And the umpires screw it up this bad. Criminal.

https://twitter.com/BaseballBros/status/1557931680517726209?s=20&t=UHL4DBAG6auAVTfYQ97ddA

[Kingspoint]

This is to get to the LLWS. So pretty high stakes. And the umpires screw it up this bad. Criminal.

https://twitter.com/BaseballBros/status/1557931680517726209?s=20&t=UHL4DBAG6auAVTfYQ97ddA'

They just made the whole thing up. Ump calls the ball foul right in front of the players on the field and that's an instant dead ball. No replay necessary because the 3rd base ump called it foul. Doesn't matter if he got it right or wrong. It's a dead ball. Yet, in some other universe, the homeplate umpire decides that his judgement overrules the 3rd base umpire's foul call and states that the call on the field was fair. WTF?!

Every game in that regional had terrible umpiring from start to finish.

My heart goes out to the Bend kids. Spent a week in Bend (timeshare in Redmond, but just minutes from Bend) six weeks ago. Bend is one of my favorite places and they really have a good community there that supports their kids really well.

That Regional was in San Bernadino, CA.

[RedsBaron]

This is to get to the LLWS. So pretty high stakes. And the umpires screw it up this bad. Criminal.

https://twitter.com/BaseballBros/status/1557931680517726209?s=20&t=UHL4DBAG6auAVTfYQ97ddA

Wow. I get it that this was just "Little League," but wow-I would still expect competency when you are talking about getting to the LLWS.
At a much lower level it reminded me of the maddest I ever got while coaching. I was an assistant coach of a Little League "minor league" team (ages 10 and under) about 20 years ago. We were taking on the best team in our league. Bottom of the sixth and final inning, down three runs, we load the bases with no outs. I'm the third base coach. I repeatedly instruct our runner on third not to run unless I tell him to do so. Our next batter hits a popup directly over the pitcher's mound. I tell my runner "stay!" The pitcher muffs the popup, and the ball hits the ground. I yell "run!" In the chaos that followed, two of our runners, trying to advance to the next base, are tagged out. THEN, only then, the umpire announces "Infield fly rule; the batter is out. Runners advanced at their own risk. Ballgame over." I was so angry I grabbed my two sons and told them we are leaving, no lining up for handshakes-I was afraid I was going to unload on the umpire.

[bucksfan2]

This happened to me coaching soccer this weekend. My daughters 8U team was playing in a preseason say tournament. This is just a school league, not select or anything. Anyway the game was tied about halfway through the 4th quarter and one of my girls gets hurt and goes down. The ref (who was a young girl) saw here, was a little unsure what to do and allowed the play to continue on. The game continues into my defense goal box and then she decides to blow the whistle for an injury. The other team continues, scores a goal, and when told that the game was being stopped the opposing coach throws down his clipboard. The ref changes her call, awards the goal, and we end up losing 2-1.

I went up after the game and asked her about the call, basically stating "I don't care about the outcome, just what was the call." My interpretation of the rules is what she called is what "should" have been allowed to happen, the game should not be blown dead until the hurt team gains possession. However, once there is a whistle, that stops the game. If you hear a whistle, you are told to stop, most kids who know what they are doing stop playing. It was kind of a bummer to have it end that way, but we ended up advancing over that team, came in second place in the tournament, got a medal that will probably end up on my daughters floor, and got ice cream that made everyone forget about the outcome.

I am the kind of coach who gets into the game, I hardly every direct anything at the ref, maybe a question here or there, they are just in it to make extra money. Once the game is over, we win great, we lose, oh well. I have been the coach of teams who have gone undefeated and a coach of a team who has gone defeated. And to be honest, the team that went defeated was my favorite season I have coached.

[adkindo]

1. A-holes who go to sporting events looking for a conflict or fight. It is almost daily since Covid began is when I really noticed it that I see video's on Twitter or somewhere of idiots throwing punches at major sporting events.

2. A-holes at sporting events among mixed crowds (kids, elderly, etc.) and scream vulgar language. I am not talking about basic 4 letter words, but F bombs, sexual slang/terms, etc. There have been times when this type of activity has almost caused me to become the person described in #1.

[Boston Red]

Coaches who make superfluous mound visits during the LLWS because they're mic'd up and want their screen time.

[*BaseClogger*]

People on message boards complaining about youth sports officiating

[bucksfan2]

Coaches who make superfluous mound visits during the LLWS because they're mic'd up and want their screen time.

There are all things wrong with the LLWS. What used to be about kids playing baseball has morphed into a televised event.

As for the game, no leading off, kids throwing breaking ball after breaking ball after breaking ball, coaches wanting the spotlight. Yea its a hard pass for me.

[Boston Red]

There are all things wrong with the LLWS. What used to be about kids playing baseball has morphed into a televised event.


Back in the "good old days", it was handled pretty much perfectly. The US championship game was on ESPN, and then on Saturday afternoon they showed the world championship game on ABC's Wild World of Sports. It was cool to see one game, and it was a spectacle with the stands packed and all the people on the hill. At some point they expanded the field and started showing all the Williamsport games, and that took some of the mystique away from the event. Then they started showing regional finals, which seemed a bit much. Now they show games pretty early in the regional round, which means that not only are you watching 12 year olds play baseball on ESPN, but you're watching a lot of 12 year olds who aren't particularly good play baseball on ESPN.

The only problem with the "good old days" was that Chinese Taipei always sent a group of 14 year-old all-stars to play in a tournament for 11 and 12 year olds, so they won twenty-something to one most years.

[ShyGuy]

More often then not the overuse of analytics in sports takes out most of the character/heart of the game

[Roy Tucker]

More often then not the overuse of analytics in sports takes out most of the character/heart of the game

I tried to explain wOBA to my wife at a recent Reds game. After the 3rd or 4th try, she got it but said “that’s pretty stupid”.

[ShyGuy]

I miss being a kid reading the Sports page and getting box scores along with the standings. It was actually easier for me to follow the teams that way versus the web.

PFF in football. Putting it nicely I aint feeling it

[OesterPoster]

I miss being a kid reading the Sports page and getting box scores along with the standings. It was actually easier for me to follow the teams that way versus the web.

PFF in football. Putting it nicely I aint feeling it

Especially the PFF ratings for offensive linemen. There's just no freaking way a guy sitting at his computer re-watching the game has any clue what one particular lineman was supposed to do on every single play. And then to do that for preseason games too? Woof.

I miss looking at box scores too. I'd go to the media center during my high school study halls and read the Sporting News from front to back. Go through each box score and see what my favorite players on non-Reds teams did two days ago.

[Assembly Hall]

I miss being a kid reading the Sports page and getting box scores along with the standings. It was actually easier for me to follow the teams that way versus the web.

PFF in football. Putting it nicely I aint feeling it

I sure miss those box scores when it comes to my local HS sports.

[Kingspoint]

Especially the PFF ratings for offensive linemen. There's just no freaking way a guy sitting at his computer re-watching the game has any clue what one particular lineman was supposed to do on every single play. And then to do that for preseason games too? Woof.

I miss looking at box scores too. I'd go to the media center during my high school study halls and read the Sporting News from front to back. Go through each box score and see what my favorite players on non-Reds teams did two days ago.

You've obviously never played football. It's not that hard to figure out what a Lineman's responsibility was on any given play. It's quite simple to figure out if you know anything about the sport.

That's one of my pet peeves...someone who claims something is impossible just because they lack the ability to figure it out.

[Dom Heffner]

When announcers refer to the NFL as "The National Football League" over and over during the same broadcast. You can call it the NFL- we all get it.

[RedTeamGo!]

When announcers refer to the NFL as "The National Football League" over and over during the same broadcast. You can call it the NFL- we all get it.

Similar: During a college game when the announcers are talking about an NFL prospect "And that is why he will be playing on sundays"

[ShyGuy]

Sorry guys, the whole Michigan/Ohio State rivalry in football to me seems dumb.

I'll admit I'm from NJ and didn't have a good social experience in college. But honestly just watching the fans on these college rivalry games on TV they all look very cultish. And for what judging your happiness on some teenagers/early 20 year olds.

[OesterPoster]

You've obviously never played football. It's not that hard to figure out what a Lineman's responsibility was on any given play. It's quite simple to figure out if you know anything about the sport.

That's one of my pet peeves...someone who claims something is impossible just because they lack the ability to figure it out.

Okay. I know a couple former NFL linemen with All-Pro accolades and Super Bowl rings. The next time I run into them, I'll ask their opinions on PFF OL ratings and see what they say. If I'm wrong, I'll come back here and admit it.

[Roy Tucker]

Sorry guys, the whole Michigan/Ohio State rivalry in football to me seems dumb.

I'll admit I'm from NJ and didn't have a good social experience in college. But honestly just watching the fans on these college rivalry games on TV they all look very cultish. And for what judging your happiness on some teenagers/early 20 year olds.

Yeah, I hear you. I’m an Ohio State grad and a big Buckeye fan. But sometimes I’m a little embarrassed by some of the over the top fandom of OSU football fans. When I was in my teens and 20’s, it really was crazy important to me. But the older I got, it’s like you said, it’s just a bunch of 20 year olds playing football. I was like why do I get so cranked up? I like to root for the team, like to watch games, get caught up in the competition, but once the game is over, it just doesn’t matter. My family and friends matter, my wife and kids matter, but I’m not going to lose my mind over a sports loss. Same goes for the Reds.

But I do like beating Michigan. There is some bad blood there so I do like to see them lose more than any other team.

[ShyGuy]

Yeah, I hear you. I’m an Ohio State grad and a big Buckeye fan. But sometimes I’m a little embarrassed by some of the over the top fandom of OSU football fans. When I was in my teens and 20’s, it really was crazy important to me. But the older I got, it’s like you said, it’s just a bunch of 20 year olds playing football. I was like why do I get so cranked up? I like to root for the team, like to watch games, get caught up in the competition, but once the game is over, it just doesn’t matter. My family and friends matter, my wife and kids matter, but I’m not going to lose my mind over a sports loss. Same goes for the Reds.

But I do like beating Michigan. There is some bad blood there so I do like to see them lose more than any other team.

I respect that.

I don't care however for some OSU fans abbreviating Michigan as scUM. Seems very childish to me. I mean as far as I know Michigan runs a somewhat clean program. It's not like they had Penn State scandals. But I understand Michigan fans probably have their obnoxious ways about themselves as well. I'm just more familiar with Ohio State fans.


But believe me this annoys me more on a local level with respect to Big 10 football. Imo it should be a bigger scandal than it is

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/watchdog/2022/07/07/rutgers-athletics-spends-big-builds-debt-big-ten-conference/65367819007/

[ShyGuy]

Even though I like the Bills, I'll admit this whole project/deal seems wrong for their new stadium

https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-reach-deal-for-new-stadium-with-a-record-amount-of-taxpayer-money-funding-it-164653173.html

And the Pegulas the owners aren't spending a dime on this. It's coming all out of taxpayer money. Imo the money can better be funded

[OldFashionedRed]

I miss being a kid reading the Sports page and getting box scores along with the standings. It was actually easier for me to follow the teams that way versus the web.

PFF in football. Putting it nicely I aint feeling it

That, and Sears Catalog. I miss actually reading newspapers and heading right to the boxscores.

[Flyer Guy]

Basketball play-by-play announcers that refer to "a great defensive possession". There is no such thing. The offensive team possesses the ball. The defense has no possession.
It should be referred to as a "Defensive set".

[ShyGuy]

Basketball play-by-play announcers that refer to "a great defensive possession". There is no such thing. The offensive team possesses the ball. The defense has no possession.
It should be referred to as a "Defensive set".

Speaking of basketball at least in the pros.... the game revolving around the 3 point shot has ruined it

[RichRed]

Can we PLEASE retire the word “trickeration” in college football? It stopped being cute or clever at least a decade ago.

[SunDeck]

"Hang time". There is no such thing.

"We". I feel strong enough about the greed of owners and the lack of awareness among players that their jobs literally are described as PLAYING, that I cannot consider myself part of the team.

The alliance of professional teams with online betting. It just doesn't feel right that a local book cannot exist at the corner bar any more.

I'd say my biggest pet peeve is that a family of modest income cannot afford to go to a game.

[SunDeck]

Double post...first time I've done that since 2000.

[Tony Cloninger]

Announcers constantly trying to be funny. Who is this for? Is it for non fans. I want the game analysis not your comedy material. It’s worse during pre and post games or the NFL Live or Good Morning Football. Those cringy Boomer and Cowher back and forth. Open mic and comedy def jam amateur hour.

[ShyGuy]

It kind of strikes me a little weird when someone spends their whole career with one team and then joins another team for like their last year or two. A little of what's going on with Joey Votto now. But I've always kind of thought like that. It still seemed strange to me Joe Flacco as a Brown last year even though he had a good year.

The worst and weirdest feeling was seeing Thurman Thomas as a Miami Dolphin or Randall Cunningham as a Dallas Cowboy. It just seems strange.