Long distance fan relationship: My love affair with the Orlando Magic – 1400 miles away

NOTE: I apologize for some of the typos, I will clean this up soon.

Right now, I’m typing this 30,000 miles above sea level en route to Orlando. I will be attending game 3 of the 2009 NBA Finals in person vs the Lakers. It sure looks bleak right now since my team is down 2-0, but I feel we have a shot at making it a series once again. I’m sure a lot of you folks can relate to this type of story. Being a fan of a team outside of it’s geographical area. I’m sure it’s a lot easier to be a Yankees fan or Steelers fan outside the area since many of them have moved around the country (and winning sure makes it a lot easier), but for a small market team such as the Orlando Magic, it’s a lot harder. Yes, you can follow the news online and read the message boards and even watch all of their games if you choose to spend a lot for a pricey TV sports package, but it’s not the same if you’re not in the “thick” of it.

If you think I’m a frontrunner, think again. I began following the Magic in 2002 during my college days at UCF, when Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill were still on the team and constantly getting bounced out of the 1st round of the playoffs every year. The height of my fandom rose once the 8th seeded Magic were up 3-1 vs the Pistons in 2003. I even attended game 6 and would never forget it…for infamous reasons. Thanks a lot for the “second round” comment, jerk. Sadly, I had to continue my education back home, but I vowed never to give up on the Magic, even after suffering a 1-18 start one year, even more medirocrity and threats of them moving outside of Orlando. Luckily that peristance and support may pay off.

During the Orlando Magic’s run towards the finals, sports radio in the New York area is indifferent for ovbious reasons, and don’t get me started with ESPN’s LeBron Kobe lovefest, which I’m glad my Magic were able to ruin somewhat by sending the Cavs fishing. Very few people at work and my friends on facebook don’t really care either. It’s understandable and frustrating at the same time.

Message boards are an alternative to keep the connection alive, but I find that sort of socializing cold and impersonal. I used to like that type of communication years ago, then real life got into the way. I lurk, but never post. Then again, I’ve been twittering a lot about the Magic these days. I’m also fortunate that we have two (horrible) basketball teams: the Knicks (which I am STILL a fan of BTW) and Nets which gives me an opportunity to see them in action up to 5 times a year. The last game I went to had a lot more Magic fans as usual. Sure, we aren’t legion in the fanbase dept like the Lakers, but at least we have more “true” fans. Believe it or not there are actual Magic fans OUTSIDE the U.S., and not just from the British tourists. Take a look at Real GM message board, there are some dudes from Australia and Holland and even China got our back.

Whatever outcome that may happen in game 3 tonight will still make me proud somewhat, but even more so if they win. Come on, I paid waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much on this ticket.

Go Magic! I’ve come a long way to see this moment and I want it to be unforgettable.