The long awaited success from professional sports in the Bay Area has replaced a dark age of losing.
Dark age would actually be an understatement.
For the mid 2000s, there were no playoffs for most teams in the Bay Area. This is an area that had once enjoyed monumental success from 1972 to1994. This period included 12 championships combined in 22 years, dozens of hall of famers and championship banners hung proudly.
Some time later when the banners collected dust and faded, there were no replacements for legends like Joe Montana or Reggie Jackson. The only sign of success was the occasional flashback game televised on ESPN Classic to remind the Bay Area that their teams once had a winning tradition.
The games of the new millennium displayed a disgusting product of draft busts, and broken promises to fans that their teams were committed to excellence.
In the words of former NFL head coach Jim Mora, “What’s that? Playoffs? Don’t talk about playoffs? You kidding me? Playoffs? I just hope we can win a game! Another game.”
Mora was of course talking about his Indianapolis Colts in his famous post-game rant, but the feeling was mutual for Bay Area fans.
For years, you couldn’t pay fans to wear jerseys of their favorite team. Fans at stadiums like the Oakland Coliseum and Candlestick Park were often able to choose where they would like to sit due to the abundance of empty seats.
“I remember fan gear was few and far between,” LPC student Christine Mikkelson said. “You went to a ball game and everyone was scattered.”
Where did all the fun go? Tickets sales plummeted, frustration grew and the economy suffered.
Spurts like the “We Believe” Warriors team were short-lived, as they soon fell back to mediocrity.
Then an unexpected 2010 World Series championship from the San Francisco Giants injected life into a dying sports region. Another championship from the Giants in 2012 was soon to follow, along with the playoff return of “The Swingin’ A’s.”
Rising star Stephen Curry has helped carry the Golden State Warriors to their best season in recent memory, and they are in the midst of a playoff run.
After a trip to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, The San Francisco 49ers seem to be on the cusp of winning the bay’s first NFL championship in 18 years.
The San Jose Sharks are also currently in the playoffs on a quest for their first Stanley Cup.
The San Francisco Giants have had over 180 sellouts and counting at AT&T Park.
Local residents are ecstatic on the success of their favorite teams, and the energy is hard to deny.
“Benefits can be found everywhere from local businesses to good vibes all around the communities,” LPC student Mathew Keple said.
These days, it’s not a question of “playoffs” but rather championships.
Crowded ball games, bumping bars and restaurants have added to the buzz and excitement.
“It brings pride to the bay area,” LPC student Alec Conway said.
Fans are all smiles at the prospect of another stretch of great players and championships.
“It’s a really good way for people to interact,” LPC student Jeanette Boyce said.
Sports are meant to be a great way to distract yourself from the real-world problems. It is obvious why people are so excited. Many locals are too young to remember the glory days and are anxious to make memories of their own.
The Dark ages are over and a new sports renaissance has emerged. With young stars like Colin Kaepernick and Yoenis Cespedes leading their teams back to the playoffs in what seems like forever, Bay Area sports fans certainly have a lot to get excited about.