Dynasty Teams Screw Kids Up

I think dynasty teams screw kids up. For instance, my neighbor’s small boys have lived their whole lives under Blackhawks dominance. For them, sports are still pure and perfect. You can fall deeply in love, and never get hurt. It was my experience with the Bulls dynasty in the 90s. And it’s a set up for absolute disaster when you learn these moments we’re in the midst of are ridiculously unlikely anomalies. That, in fact, the majority of your sports life is lived in absolute disappointment. That the emotional highs and adrenaline rushes of fandom are almost a complete waste of time in a strict utilitarian sense. That there are much more beautiful pursuits – ones where you are not merely tasked to the sideline, but asked to be an active participant in the game itself.

Less watching. More playing.