From Boston Teams Fan to Wisconsinite: My Love-Hate Relationship with Local Sports Teams

Who doesn't love the excitement and thrill of a championship or the heartbreaking defeats that come with it? Growing up, I could be found cheering on the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, or the Bruins, the quintessential Boston sports teams. However, as I moved out of New England and embraced my new home in Wisconsin, my preferences evolved, making my relationship with these teams a complex mix of love and disdain.

Strained Loyalties: A Tale of_MOVE_Boston VS LA

Although I was born in Los Angeles, my current loyalty lies firmly with the Lakers. This attachment to the Lakers didn't arise out of nothing; there's a storied rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers that has defined basketball for decades. Growing up, I found myself torn between my love for Boston and my loyalty to the Lakers. But I must admit, my feelings for the Celtics are anything but friendly.

While I don't dislike every Boston team, the Celtics hold a special place of enmity in my heart. Regardless of their on-court performance, the rivalry with the Lakers still stirs feelings of intense dislike.

Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Teams

Moving to Wisconsin introduced me to a new set of sports teams that got me excited and engaged in a whole new way. In the NFL, NHL, and NBA, my heart beats for the Packers, Bucks, and the Red Wings. However, my true love goes to the Celtics' arch-nemesis, the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics and the 76ers were the steadfast enemies of the Bucks during the 1990s and early 2000s, leaving a mark of heartbreak that resonates with me to this day.

Championing the underdog has always been a key hallmark of my fandom. After years of defeat, the Bucks finally triumphed in the 2020-2021 NBA Finals. These long-standing rivalries are what make the sports world so fascinating for me. The Celtics' history of beating the Bucks in the 1970s and 1980s lasted for an impressive 11 years, making it a challenging relationship to foster.

Celtics and Red Auerbach: The Complexities of Loyalty

While my heart might still ache at the mention of specific Celtics victories, I acknowledge Red Auerbach's historical significance to the team. However, despite this acknowledgment, the legacy of his old-school strategies and management styles makes it difficult for me to fully embrace the Celtics.

As I watched the Patriots during my formative years, I found myself cheering for them. Yet, my admiration for Bill Belichick often waned, especially when it came to his current leadership style. The modern uniforms and logos of the Patriots, while glossy and appealing, aren't quite as charming as the old ones. The Patriots remain a team for me to root for, but not as fiercely as some others.

Bringing Boston to Boston: Red Sox and Bruins Endearment

In contrast to my complex feelings about the Celtics, the Red Sox and Bruins hold a more enduring affection in my heart. The Red Sox have always been a symbol of a beloved hometown team that overcame incredible odds to win a championship. Despite spending my formative years in Wisconsin, the Bruins remain the NHL team I have supported for as long as I can remember.

Clockwise from its inception in Rochester, New York, the Bruins moved to Boston and have since become a revered and beloved fixture in the city. As I navigated my life, the Minnesota North Stars and Wild teams failed to form a strong connection with me, leaving the Boston Bruins as the only NHL team I truly rooted for.

Celebrating Diversity in Championship Overhauls

When a beloved team or another city gets a chance to achieve a title, the experience is almost magical. Whether it's the rare moment when a city ends a long championship drought, like Milwaukee's 50-year wait, or the gradual resurgence of a team like the Browns, there's a shared joy in witnessing the triumphs of different cities. The sports world is more captivating when we can share the thrill of victory and the healing of heartbreak together.

Thus, while I might have a love-loathing relationship with some of the Boston sports teams, my heart will forever belong to the teams that made Wisconsin my home.