I have something I need to get off my chest.
It’s something that’s been gnawing at me for the past three years, a realization that runs counter to my preconceived notions of UCLA Athletics followers.
The UCLA baseball team lacks a fan base.
At a university that has the most national titles in the country (104) and claims to support athletics as much as UCLA students do, a sport as high-profile as baseball lacking a legitimate fan base is embarrassing.
I’ve been covering the UCLA baseball team for the past three years, and the noticeable paucity of Bruin fans at baseball home games ““ particularly UCLA students ““ is what strikes me the most.
Here is the usual crowd one can expect at Jackie Robinson Stadium:
““ Members of the softball team
““ Family members of the Bruin players
““ Alumni who view the baseball team as the fourth option in their hierarchy of UCLA sports, behind (1) football, (2) men’s basketball and (3) spring football practice
Seriously, there is more buzz at a meaningless spring football practice than at a Friday night baseball game in the heart of Pac-10 play.
Shameful.
There is no energy at baseball games. The majority of fans don’t have any sort of emotional attachment to the game, shrugging when a pitcher is trying to get out of a potential game-tying jam, but jumping out of their seats to hear the next set of Bruin Bingo numbers called.
Why is it that baseball has been so largely ignored by UCLA fans?
Sure the stadium is off campus, but that’s not an excuse. The Rose Bowl is a 45-minute drive away on a good day.
The walk isn’t that bad. I’ve walked to Jackie Robinson Stadium many times, on some occasions at 11 at night. It takes 25 minutes, just as long as it takes to walk from your apartment on Veteran to Haines Hall.
Plus, it’s free for UCLA students, so there goes your I-don’t-want-to-spend-money-because-I’m-saving-for-my-party-this-Thursday excuse.
This weekend, the Bruins play one game at Cal State Fullerton and then host the Titans Saturday and Sunday at Jackie Robinson.
If you want to see a legitimate fan base, do yourself a favor and make the trip to Fullerton on Friday. You will see what it is like to have real fans at a baseball game.
The fans are entirely engrossed in the action on the field, rather than chasing after foul balls or waiting for the next movie quote to be played.
The fans care about what occurs in the game, cheering loudly for a spectacular diving catch in the outfield, giving a standing ovation for a departing starting pitcher, and actually making noise.
Jackie Robinson, on the other hand, is one of the quietest places in Westwood. I’ve heard more noise and passion out of people selling baked goods on Bruin Walk than I’ve heard at baseball games.
If UCLA were really as passionate about Bruin sports as it claims to be, then they would not let a team suffer a lack of a true fan base. It’s hypocritical.
I thought more of Bruin fans. I really did.
I’ve grown up a Bruin fan my entire life. Both sides of my family, all the way to my great-grandparents, were Bruins. And to see a UCLA team go without a solid crowd is painful. It has made me realize that while we claim to be the best fans in all of college sports, we are no more than box fans: putting our school pride in a box, only to be taken out and shown at football and basketball games.
For the UCLA baseball team to make that next step, they need fans. For an example, look no further than Fullerton.
Doesn’t this school’s baseball team deserve to have a legitimate fan base?
So, Bruin fans, the final two home games of the season are just a hop, skip and a jump over the 405 this Saturday and Sunday, and UCLA is fighting to remain in playoff contention.
I’ve done the work for you and presented you with a chance to take your school pride out of its box, throw the box away, in fact, and leave that Bruin pride on at all times.
Will you make it happen?
E-mail Howard at ahoward@media.ucla.edu if you know what a real fan looks like.