What Exactly is the Appeal of Professional Sports?

[Kiriona]

This is a legit question for me, because it has me genuinely confused. I absolutely HATE professional sports. For one thing, (THIS IS MY PERSONAL VIEW. STOP FREAKING OUT.) all the players just seem like steroid-induced bratty millionaires playing a game that virtually anyone can play, and I personally see it as an industry fueled by hero worship. Likely because this is ALL I ever hear about: The latest steroid scams and so on. But my own personal view on it, isn't the point here because I'm in the freaking DARK on this.

My mom and brother are sports fans, particularly of the Yankees, Angels, Lakers and so on. Every year, they get super excited over what goes on during the various seasons, do the 'fantasy sports' thing, buy overprices clothes in support of their teams and whatnot. My brother even used to buy tickets for several thousand dollars each every year, despite his crazy amount of debt. They both watch the games avidly, making a big fuss in the living room whenever something important happens. They hog the tv for hours on end, angrily snapping at anyone who even asks them what time it is. The point is, they're crazy addicted.

Family aside, I hear plenty of news about fights breaking out in stands, people going out and turning over cars because their team lost... scaaaary.

However, everytime I attempt to question exactly what the HELL the appeal is and what is so powerful about it, no one answers me. My mom always counters me with "Well, why are VIDEO GAMES so appealing?" (The ironic thing is that SHE used to be a gamer herself.) Well, I answer the question as fully as I can, but I STILL don't get an answer to MY question, which is beginning to grate on me.

So, fellow Escapists, does anyone have some kind of explanation? What the crap is it about pro ball games that people go absolutely NUTS for? Am I missing something vital here? Can't someone please enlighten me, because I'm tired of not being answered. ...Anyone?

EDIT: Would you people CALM DOWN? I'm just ASKING A SIMPLE QUESTION. Half of you are chastising me for my curiosity. Sorry if I come off as insulting, but I DON'T MEAN TO. There's no need to fly off the handle.

 

[Enigmers]

I personally have no interest in the endeavors of people who get overpaid to kick a ball around a stadium. The only "sport" I like to watch is Poker, and that's because I can learn something from the people playing, and I can try to do my own commentary behind what they might be thinking, etc.

 

[Marter]

All the players are just steroid-induced bratty millionaires playing a game that virtually anyone can play

Not all sports, in fact I can only think of two: Baseball and Football, both of which have increased testing for performance enhancing drugs.

What the hell is it about pro ball games that people go absolutely NUTS for?

Sports are as entertaining a medium as any. They are fueled by people's nature for competition. Once you find a team, you feel like you become a part of it, and every time they do something good or bad, you feel like a part of you did it. In short, it's a way for people to be entertained. Some people don't find sports entertaining, and you appear to be one of those people. Maybe you just haven't found the right one?

 

[quiet_samurai]

Because people are different and like different things. I don't see why so many people here have such a hard time accepting this fact. Get over yourselves, anyone could question the things you like and make them seen stupid as well.

For one thing, all the players are just steroid-induced bratty millionaires playing a game that virtually anyone can play, and I personally see it as an industry fueled by hero worship.

Also, way to generalize and really show your ignorance. It would be like me saying all gamers are fat, antisocial, basement virgins. And if anyone could play the game then why aren't they, and getting paid to do so? It takes skill, saying that just anyone is capable of playing these sports is ludacris.

 

[Mausenheimmer]

Because people are different and like different things. I don't see why so many people here have such a hard time accepting this fact. Get over yourselves, anyone could question the things you like and make them seen stupid as well.

QFT. Watching sports can be fun, relaxing, and provide you with plenty of things to talk about. Some people don't like sports. Some people don't like video games. Some people like both. Ain't the world a crazy place?

 

[Kiriona]

Because people are different and like different things. I don't see why so many people here have such a hard time accepting this fact. Get over yourselves, anyone could question the things you like and make them seen stupid as well.

For one thing, all the players are just steroid-induced bratty millionaires playing a game that virtually anyone can play, and I personally see it as an industry fueled by hero worship.

Also, way to generalize and really show your ignorance. It would be like me saying all gamers are fat, antisocial, basement virgins. And if anyone could play the game then why aren't they, and getting paid to do so? It takes skill, saying that just anyone is capable of playing these sports is ludacris.

This is my point. People go on about my ignorance, and use that as an excuse to not answer my question, no matter how honestly I'm asking it.

Furthermore, all of that was my opinion. There is no need for you to go putting me down because I can't see from a certain perspective, give my own opinion on the matter (even if I don't know much about it, and then ask why people see it that way.

 

[Marter]

This is my point. People go on about my ignorance, and use that as an excuse to not answer my question, no matter how honestly I'm asking it.

I answered. Anything you need cleared up about it?

 

[rt052192]

excitement, thrill, entertainment, teamwork, any other cliches that come to mind...

 

[Kiriona]

This is my point. People go on about my ignorance, and use that as an excuse to not answer my question, no matter how honestly I'm asking it.

I answered. Anything you need cleared up about it?

If you're answering as a sports fan, then I'll take that as an answer. At least SOMEONE can respond to my 'ignorance' civilly. Thank you for not doing what Mr. Samurai did.

Except I still don't understand why some people just can't seem to control themselves and go crazy... Must be the competition factor kicking into overdrive. Scary.

 

[Marter]

I still don't understand why some people just can't seem to control themselves and go crazy... Must be the competition factor kicking into overdrive. Scary.

Yes, the adrenaline can really get going in tense situations, a factor that a lot of fans live for. Then, when someone shoots that winning goal/basket/touchdown, a big relief is let out, and then an overwhelming feeling of joy passes through your body.

 

[ethaninja]

In the words of Bill Bailey: Football I like, but football players are just a bunch of illiterate, millionaire, borderline rapists that spend all day trying to shepard a bit of leather into an outdoor cupboard.

But yeah, I the only thing I don't like about sports is watching it. It's as bout as interesting as watching reality TV with a bit more action. Playing I don't mind. But I like my limbs in tact so I don't play it much.

 

[shotgunbob]

I love watching sports but I don't go batshit insane like some people when their team loses.

Some people like sports others don't its simple as that, for me I love going to Coors Field (Colorado Rockies stadium.) and watching a ball game, I find it relaxing

 

[Cody211282]

Because people are different and like different things. I don't see why so many people here have such a hard time accepting this fact. Get over yourselves, anyone could question the things you like and make them seen stupid as well.

For one thing, all the players are just steroid-induced bratty millionaires playing a game that virtually anyone can play, and I personally see it as an industry fueled by hero worship.

Also, way to generalize and really show your ignorance. It would be like me saying all gamers are fat, antisocial, basement virgins. And if anyone could play the game then why aren't they, and getting paid to do so? It takes skill, saying that just anyone is capable of playing these sports is ludacris.

This is my point. People go on about my ignorance, and use that as an excuse to not answer my question, no matter how honestly I'm asking it.

Furthermore, all of that was my opinion. There is no need for you to go putting me down because I can't see from a certain perspective, give my own opinion on the matter (even if I don't know much about it, and then ask why people see it that way.

He answered your question, it's at the top "Because people are different and like different things."

 

[Guvnorium]

On a related note, THE SABERS JUST WON AND ARE STILL IN THE PLAYOFFS!!!!

The reason I watch hockey (and really, it's the only sport I like watching) is for just that reason. You get attached to a team, and you root for them. You get to feel like you are competing without actually leaving your couch. And when they win, you get to flip out and act all excited. And that's awesome.

 

[Ritual]

What I don't get is why pro sports pays so well? Sure I like a to see a good competition which I think is the main attraction for most "sports fans" but do they really need to be paid millions? I would love to attend a game but seats are way too expensive so I watch on TV (where most of their revenue comes from anyway). Mind you I feel the same way about actors and anybody who makes a totally ridiculous salary; are they really worth the money? If so why?

So to answer the original question, I love to see good competition, whether is sports or gaming, that is the appeal form my seat.

 

[Custard_Angel]

I don't know why people love sports that much. When I was young I played soccer and cricket and I was well into the sports scene, but one day I came to a new realisation and I lost my interest.

My realisation was that I, as a viewer, would never be at the skill level required to play professional sports, and that I, as a viewer, had no influence over any aspect of the game. So anything I did was meaningless and would always be meaningless.

 

[Kagim]

Because people are different and like different things. I don't see why so many people here have such a hard time accepting this fact. Get over yourselves, anyone could question the things you like and make them seen stupid as well.

For one thing, all the players are just steroid-induced bratty millionaires playing a game that virtually anyone can play, and I personally see it as an industry fueled by hero worship.

Also, way to generalize and really show your ignorance. It would be like me saying all gamers are fat, antisocial, basement virgins. And if anyone could play the game then why aren't they, and getting paid to do so? It takes skill, saying that just anyone is capable of playing these sports is ludacris.

This is my point. People go on about my ignorance, and use that as an excuse to not answer my question, no matter how honestly I'm asking it.

Furthermore, all of that was my opinion. There is no need for you to go putting me down because I can't see from a certain perspective, give my own opinion on the matter (even if I don't know much about it, and then ask why people see it that way.

Maybe they go on about your ignorance if you going to talk to them the way your doing it.

Since your a member of the escapist i imagine you like video games to some degree.

If someone walked up and said "Why would you like video games they are mostly only played by fat lazy social outcasts with no lives" Would you not be insulted and call them on being ignorant pricks? Your Post comes off as insulting.

Sports can be fun for people to watch. I don't like them myself but i understand why people like them. They like them the same reason why i enjoy watching scary things. It elicits emotions in your body associated with what they are seeing. Watching sports for a team they love gives them an emotional rush based on excitement. I watch scary things and get emotional rushes based on fear. Both release some amounts of adrenaline and endorphins.

Fantasy sports? Have you ever had a fantasy video game? Fantasy movie? Have you never day dreamed about your hobby? I intend to dress my kid up in geek wear.(I already bought the DnD sheet one piece for babies) Over priced shit? We all do it. Sitting in front of me as we speak i have a rag doll big daddy and a KH2 style Sora doll. Over priced and made from cheap materials but damned if i don't think they are cool. Crazy people in the stands? Look through some the escapsits threads. People ripping each other throats out at times over video games and movie opinions. Its how people act based on things they like.

You don't enjoy watching sports. That's fine. But be sure your not doing anything similar at all.

 

[Marter]

What I don't get is why pro sports pays so well? Sure I like a to see a good competition which I think is the main attraction for most "sports fans" but do they really need to be paid millions? I would love to attend a game but seats are way too expensive so I watch on TV (where most of their revenue comes from anyway). Mind you I feel the same way about actors and anybody who makes a totally ridiculous salary; are they really worth the money? If so why?

So to answer the original question, I love to see good competition, whether is sports or gaming, that is the appeal form my seat.

They get paid as much as they do because society has deemed that they are worth it. If the majority of owners weren't making money, they wouldn't be paying the players millions of dollars per year. Take the Yankees for example. They have the highest payroll in all of Major League Baseball, (something like 212 million), yet they make money every year. Fans buy tickets and merchandise to fund the salary that the players get.

Also, not all sports have their main revenue as ticket sales, MLB for example.

 

[Marter]

Fantasy sports? Have you ever had a fantasy video game? Fantasy movie? Have you never day dreamed about your hobby?

Just thought I'd clear up what "Fantasy Sports" are. You basically pick players from teams all throughout the league, and hope they do well. You basically create a team and are then rated based on their performance in real life based on pre-set criteria.

 

[shotgunbob]

I personally have no interest in the endeavors of people who get overpaid to kick a ball around a stadium. The only "sport" I like to watch is Poker, and that's because I can learn something from the people playing, and I can try to do my own commentary behind what they might be thinking, etc.

I won't argue that they are overpaid but being a professional athelete takes more than "just kicking a ball around."

It takes years of practice and skill