Nestor Aparicio’s Blog

Curb Your Enthusiasm: The theme of Ravens’ fanbase this week

Posted 2 months, 10 days ago
by Nestor Aparicio

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I’m not an expert on much, but Baltimore sports and enthusiasm are two things I’ve spent my entire existence since 1972 immersed in here in the Charm City. And even though the Ravens are traveling to New England this weekend for an honest-to-God, NFL playoff game, I’m sensing this is the least-exciting postseason run in the history of Baltimore sports.

I have more ways to take the temperature of the city than I care to admit. From emails and AM 1570 to thousands of people on Facebook, Twitter and in a variety of web locales — this is a tepid metropolis right now regarding the Ravens.

I’m just looking for some purple string lights around the region and I’m not “feeling the love” for the 2009 Ravens.

Where’s YOUR purple, Baltimore?

Now before you say, “Nasty – I’m fired up for the game on Sunday, what are you talking about?” I will respond with facts (not low blows…).

Fact: There are still many flights into Providence, Boston and Manchester all day on Friday and Saturday.

Fact: There were still seats left on my bus a few hours ago. I reserved NINE buses for the weekend. I’m using TWO.

Fact: Seats for the game on the internet are face value (or BELOW) in almost every case. There are PLENTY of tickets to be had. Hate to be Capt. Obvious here, but ANYONE can get in their car on Saturday and drive up to the game very inexpensively…if they’re willing to brave a 20-degree day.

Fact: I’m not even getting a trickle of the email traffic, the “Hey Nasty, where’s the party this New England” emails like I usually do. We have over 100 people on our Facebook “I’m Going to New England this weekend” page, but I figured we’d have at least 500.

Last weekend in Oakland, there were less Ravens fans than I’ve ever seen at a road game. Matter of fact, there was no audible “Ohhh” in the National Anthem. Other than family members of players, I didn’t see a hint of purple or Ravens fans anywhere.

The tickets are dirt cheap in New England and the Patriots fans don’t want them either. All four locations this weekend have spare tickets for LESS than face value!!!

The Patriots fans are setting the tone for the “unplayoffs.” They’ve won three Super Bowls, two World Series and an NBA Championship in the last nine years. Judging from the depth of cheap seats on the internet, the Chowdah’s aren’t so impressed with this version of the Patriots, either. Apparently, if a bye isn’t involved, the New England fans will skip another 20-degree afternoon in Foxborough.

The game itself has all sorts of drama built into it that no playoff game really needs. The Tom Brady-Ray Lewis issue from September. The comeback in 2007 that ended with the Patriots keeping their undefeated season in tact. And, the sheer volume of freaking Red Sox fans that take over Baltimore three times a summer ought to get purple fans pissed off enough to go up to New England and take over a significant portion of their “unused” tickets.

Here’s a link to the Tom Brady Bang Cartoon from September if you haven’t seen it. A wild portrayal of Greg Mattison for sure. And very funny…

Here’s the current reality of the Providence situation for WNST:

I’ve not only been on every postseason roadtrip the Ravens have ever had, I’ve been the only one throwing gigantic parties for people in purple.

I’m not sensing that we’ll have 1,500 people at Dave & Buster’s in Providence Saturday night like we did in Nashville. I’m not sure we’ll have 1,500 fans at the game yelling “Ohhhh” in the National Anthem on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Sure there are reasons to be optimistic:

1. Sooner or later, we’ll beat the Patriots in New England.
2. The Ravens are going to run the ball and stop the run.
3. Wes Welker absence can’t hurt.
4. Tom Brady’s injuries can’t hurt.
5. I saw a glimmer in the eyes of all of the Ravens veterans yesterday, from Trevor Pryce and Ray Lewis to Derrick Mason and Matt Birk. They know what’s at stake.

So, get out those purple lights. Consider a last-minute “roadie” up I-95 after tonight’s snowstorm. Buy some tickets. Bring a parka.

I’d hate to think that Baltimore can’t get 1000% behind Festivus 2010.

Of course, if the Ravens win on Sunday afternoon, I don’t think we’ll have any problem getting people stoked about going out to Indianapolis to kick Peyton Manning’s ass. And yes, our bus will be on sale at 5 p.m. Sunday if that’s the case…

I have a feeling the city will be awash in purple when our Gunther buses pull back into Baltimore after midnight with a ticket punched to Ind-ia-no-place.

Right?

Tags:

brady, new england, patriots, ray lewis, tom

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14 Responses to “Curb Your Enthusiasm: The theme of Ravens’ fanbase this week”

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   Tom S Says:
   January 7th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
   

   It is distance and money for the fans. Boston is just far enough that most fans don’t want to go there(seven hours by car is a long trip). I also think that we are a one and done team with the playoffs this year. The Patriots are an extremely good team even without Welker. I look forward to doing something I usually don’t do for a Ravens Game and that is go out to Aberdeen Green Turtle to watch it.

   
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   Franchise Says:
   January 7th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
   

   UNEMPLOYED — WILL WORK FOR FREE TICKET ON THE PURPLE BUS

   TO DO MY BEST “BIG WHEEL” IMPERSONATION!!!….WHEN WE WIN ON SUNDAY WE GET TO PLAY THE IRSAYS IN INDIANAPOLIS IN ROUND #2!!!!!

   My enthusiasm never waivers for the Ravens since I know what it feels like to be without a team for 12 years after the IRSAYS stole my heart with Mayflower Vans.

   The 14-2 IRSAYS need payback from 2006!!!!

   Regards,

   Franchise

   
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   Bill Reem Says:
   January 7th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
   

   I can’t speak for other Ravens fans but my friends and I are heading to New England and are beyond excited for the game. We will be at the party in Providence and the tailgate. I really hope there’s a good showing of fans sporting the purple and black. If not my friends and I will get crazier on their behalf.

   
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   Dominic Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 12:19 am
   

   Dude- Bellicheat is a genius, unfortunately, and he is always so secretive about injuries on the team, does it seem like he may be letting the news about brady’s injuries out to the press now mean maybe the refs will be on high security alert? I dunno. Am i paranoid?

   
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   eric Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 5:54 am
   

   you dont know?ravens fans now expect perfection.9-7 and a trip to new england doesnt do it for these idiots anymore.they expect the team to dominate like they did the first 3 games.they want flacco to play like peyton manning.they want our defense to stop teams like its 2000.they want the troy smith “suggs package”,chris mcalister,and matt stover.they want harbaugh to make the guys stop taking penalties,like he wouldnt if he could.instead of looking at the potential for greatness that this team has,they would rather bitch and complain.we have a pro bowl running back,a franchise quarterback with unlimited potential,a solid young offensive line,and a coach thats led us to the playoffs 2 years in a row.i’ve always defended baltimore sports fans because i am one,but i’m done.these people make me sick.you’re right nestor,after we beat new england,they will all jump on the bandwagon.maybe you can lead the way.dont forget,you did write this team off weeks ago.

   
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   migueldo Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 8:13 am
   

   It’s a combination of three factors–the sluggish economy, the brutally cold winter and paranoia regarding the officiating. The calls in the October regular season game against the Patriots were so horribly unfair and one sided that I’m sure many fans are discouraged. Fortunately, the officiating in the playoffs is usually looser and of higher quality, so I do see the Ravens actually winning this game. Believe me, I’m a big fan of the Ravens and I’d love to go on the road trip. I’ve missed four home games in fourteen seasons. I’m just too cold, old and cash poor to make the trip. Thank you for providing this service to the fans, something that we will never see from the current (and former) radio flagships of the team.

   
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   dave in lutherville Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 9:36 am
   

   Aahh, you’re right Nestor…no enthusiasm here…have watched this team blow every game against a quality opponent this year (please, don’t tell me Pitt with Dixon as QB or Denver were quality opponents). The Ravens appear to be a mediocre team without much “steam” heading into the playoffs…flacco appears hurt, d-backs are suspect to say the least…clock management is a joke…plus, we are up against a team that doesn’t lose at home. If we get anywhere NEAR Brady, you know they are gonna call a roughing penalty on us…just not enthusiatic here…sorry! Will root for the boys–and hope they win!! There a lot of things that need fixing on this team before I feel comfortable anticipating a deep run into the playoffs.

   
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   Mike in Hampstead Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 9:49 am
   

   Nasty, you’re right. There isn’t much passion for this game. Everyone that I have talked to (even the diehards) seem to think that we won’t get much pass rush on Brady (who’s not as “injured” as he would like you to believe) which in turn leads our secondary getting lit up… again. And who wants to drive 7 hours, fight that Foxboro traffic to and from the stadium, and sit out in 20 degree weather to see that? Especially when you can stay home and watch the game in glorious HD for nothing?

   
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   Friday Morning’s Crabs and Beer | Glenn Clark's Blog | WNST Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 10:01 am
   

   [...] 1. WNST.net’s Nestor Aparicio thinks Ravens fans aren’t fired up for playoffs [...]

   
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    Tom Shute Says:
    January 8th, 2010 at 11:22 am
    

    I agree with you Nestor I don’t feel the love either. I however am jobless but would love to go if I could. May be San Diego would be more promising due to the cold. Getting old by the way. I for one can’t wait for the game on Sunday. Go Double R!!!!!!Go Ravens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Festivus!!!

    
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    bernard mc kernan Says:
    January 8th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
    

    This web site looks like a Turkish Bazaar. Tooooo busy & confusing. The Ravens are an ok team bordering on being pretty good at times. However, if you watch the other teams in the playoffs, you can really see the difference in quality receivers, Q.B. decision making & obviously at the corner position. Lest i commit a mortal sin, Ray Lewis is starting to run out of gas. Unless the runner is coming straight at him,…bam, he has lost the closing speed. Time to say good bye Ray Ray. Flaco looks lost at times, is he that dumb? unsure? He looked better last year during the stretch as a rookie. The “O” line needs to step it up & they need to run the ball on a rotating basis if needed down the Patriots throats. Their run defense can be had.
    Memo to Harbaugh…..Win the coin toss accept the ball.
    Thank you & good luck Baltimore.

    
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    steve lambros Says:
    January 8th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
    

    In boston right now! Ravens come hang with the purple. Come to the bar game on. let’s do it up. Game on is on lansdowne st. At fenway park. Let’s do it GAME ON

    
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    steve lambros Says:
    January 8th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
    

    Come Saturday. For the playoffs

    
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    dxmariee Says:
    January 11th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
    

    love it!