The Ravens unexpected run to the playoffs provides another lesson in what makes sports teams significant to a region.  Following an 11^th straight losing season for the Orioles, not much was expected from the Ravens in 2008, maybe 6 or 7 victories max.  There was foreboding in August that Baltimore fans were in for more pain (with the O’s in a swoon and the Ravens rebuilding from 5-and-11).

            Fast-forward through the NFL season and the Ravens emerge as a playoff team, taking turmoil to turnaround and an 11-and-5 record.  With that comes the good feeling this brings a community.  Around town Sunday night, after the clincher over Jacksonville- the joy on the streets, in local dining and drinking establishments was palpable.  There’s something especially validating and uplifting about unexpected success that buoys a city like Baltimore.  This is a proud place and Baltimore takes it personally when its teams lose.  On the other end, there is a shared joy and camaraderie among strangers when the local team succeeds. 

You can feel that now, and the team exudes it, too.  Mostly hard-jawed and even-keeled, coach John Harbaugh couldn’t hold back his joy when I spoke with him after the game. “Gosh, this is fun, isn’t it?,” he said, extending his arm for a man-hug before we started the interview.  The players spoke with an extra hint of confidence in accomplishment (none more than Terrell Suggs who before he joined me for a live TV chat, made a stop in front of a locker room mirror to make sure his stylish derby was at the coolest possible slant on his head). 

From the team to the fans, there’s purity in the good feeling- it’s why the players play, the coaches coach and the fans cheer, for feelings like this.  And that experience is what makes sports significant.  Oh, sure, it’s good for the economy but I argue that the boost in community esteem is bigger than the bang for the buck.  Like they say in the Visa ad- it’s priceless.

Posted on Monday, December 29th, 2008 at 10:23 pm.
Categories: Mark's Blog.
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