A Critique of Yankee Fans

by Chris Hansen

Through the blessing of a successful season and the wonders of marketing (ie: those crazy Adidas ads), we have had plenty of time this season to digest the wackiness of Yankee fans. By now, the genius of such creations as the Hideki K's and the "You suck" chants are common knowledge among even casual baseball observers. And let me tell you, as a first-hand witness, the devotedness of these guys isn't over-rated.

Now first let me calm down all you Padres fans. You guys have been pretty pumped too this post-season. We've all seen your little hankies waving around. We've heard the deafening roars against the Astros and Braves. And I have no doubt that the "Q" will be rocking come Game Three. So wait your turn and let me praise these guys. Okay?

Now then, the Yankee fans. What tickled me the most last night had to have been the way every fan in this place got emotionally involved from the first pitch until the last. There's no doubt in my mind that the fans worked three times harder than any player last night. At least. Their mouths never stop moving (either to boo, cheer or chug beer). Amazing.

From the first two-strike count when David Wells went 3-2 on Quilvio Veras until Veras' final AB against Mariano Rivera, the fans rose to their feet and yelled themselves silly. When Chuck Knoblauch launched his dinger off Donne Wall, which landed not too far in front of us, this ancient building nearly came off its foundations. And I don't think there's a need to tell you what happened when Tino Martinez went upper-deck. Fahgetaboutit.

And you should have heard the protests soon after Greg Vaughn's massive shot landed. The fan who caught the ball refused to throw it back and drew the ire of the fans for several batters afterward. Chants of "Throw it back," echoed through the leftfield seats but the young woman would not yield.

Once the game ended, a good portion of the crowd stuck around for at least one go-through of "New York, New York." And you can bet they screamed out the words, coming dang near close to drowning out The Chairman. And the post-game press conference.

On the way back to the motel, the cheer of choice was a simple "Tino," screamed hoarsely with a strong Brooklyn twinge. From what I've heard, the same cheer was popular in the ALCS except that "You suck" usually followed.

So that brings me to the Game Two crowd. It seems like the excitement has worn off slightly but not enough to be concerned about. Perhaps yesterday's win has confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt in their minds that the Yankees will tear through the San Diego club. Bumping elbows with the boys outside, you almost suspect that a smidge of yesterday's electricity has been replaced with cocky confidence.

That's not to say that this place won't go nuts come game time. I expect it's only a matter of time before the "Padres suck" jeers starting flowing. Bet on it.