It can be hard to root for a team that struggles year after year after year. To make matters worse, Pirates fans have seen former players like Jason Bay and Jose Bautista go on to bigger and better things.
As Boston sports fans, we can admit that we've had an embarrassment of riches these last few years. The Patriots started things off with their dramatic win over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, and the New England sports scene has never looked back. The Red Sox, Celtics and now the Bruins have all captured championships for the Hub in the last few years. Heck, even the New England Revolution made it to their championship game three years in a row.
But then there are fans who aren't so lucky — like those who root for the Pirates. They've suffered through thick and thin, sticking with the team through the bad times and — well, the even worse times. How do they stay so positive despite the franchise's inability to win more games than they lose? NESN Nation has five suggestions on how fans can stay optimistic even when their team is struggling to compete.
1. Make yourself a Tony Robbins mixtape
You might be feeling down on yourself a little bit. Your team's struggling and it makes it a little harder to get out of bed in the morning knowing that your team is playing that night. And yes, they're probably going to lose again.
But Tony Robbins will help! The "peak performance strategist" will get you on the right track. Seriously, just opening his website gets you fired up. Listening to him has to be that much better! Just make sure you don't get stuck in an elevator with him. Or Jack Black, for that matter.
2. Bet against your team
OK, so maybe gambling isn't legal in whatever state you're in. But if it is, consider doing what Pirates fan Greg Mercer did last year. Even though he roots for the Bucs, he bet an average of $20 against his team in every game last year. A little morbid? Sure, but he ended up winning more than $300 over the course of the season. Pirates: Losing. Greg Mercer: Winning. Not a terrible way to keep your hope afloat with some cash.
3. Channel your inner Robin Williams
"Hey, Will? All this? It's not your fault. Look at me, son. It's not your fault. It's not your fault."
Important note: If you play for your favorite team, it may very well be your fault.
4. Blame an animal, then help that animal
Maybe this one is a little too close to home for certain Chicago fans. After all, the Cubs are supposedly haunted by the "Billy Goat Curse," but they're trying to fix it.
A group of Cubs supporters have linked up with non-profit organization World Vision to try to create some goodwill in the goat community. They're hoping that by raising money to buy goats for families in developing countries, they can lift the 103-year curse hanging over the Cubbies.
5. Listen to talk radio
Everybody always seems to have the best ideas on how to fix the team when you call in to chat. If only the team would listen.
So those are our top five ways to stay optimistic when your team is struggling. Do you agree? What would you do? Leave your suggestions below.
