Well my friends, it is that time of the season... tonight my boyfriend is attending his annual fantasy baseball draft. For the past week, I have heard nothing but remarks on players, statistics, and bragging. I am fully prepared for a long spring- knowing that every television will be on either a baseball game or ESPN- but that is not nearly as bad as every single computer in our house will be logged into yahoo fantasy sports!
So, what ever happened just regular sports watching and betting? Well, a fantasy sport is a virtual team where the owners of teams compete amongst one another based on statistics generated by individual players or teams of a professional sport. The Fantasy Sports Trade Association reports that in the year 2007 alone, 29.9 Million people age 12 and older in the U.S and Canada played some type of fantasy sport.
The media allows the owners of these virtual teams to stay informed and updated in so many ways. There is obviously television, where they can view the games their individuals play. On ESPN, there is a constant scroll at the bottom of the screen, which I eventually learned was showing certain statistics of a player for that day and even season.
The internet is the primary tool used to control your virtual team, and you can get instant alerts and e-mails about your standings. You can also get all of these alerts sent via text message to your phone. No matter where you are, you are able to be in constant control of your virtual team.
Fantasy Sports is a more recent formed hobby, coming right along with the new media. Many people love it, maybe if you haven't thought of it- you can check it out. And don't worry- baseball isn't your thing? They also have fantasy basketball, hockey and soccer! (maybe even more!)
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It's funny, because I've been aware of the fantasy sports for a while now...my Dad has been involved for quite a few years, and my brother just started up recently with him. Your post taught me a little more about it since I didn't know all that much besides a few general details. It's taken pretty seriously. Not making this up, I'm with my Dad right now and he just got a call from a coworker about fantasy baseball...apparently there's a big draft coming up in a few weeks, haha. I remember when I was younger, before the internet was big, my Dad would get all his stats mostly from the newspaper. Now, like you mentioned, anything you would want to know can be found online, all of which can be sent to you be e-mail or even your phone if you prefer. Technology really has come a long way, and it makes it easier and easier for people to obtain the information they want.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel. My boyfriend is also obsessed with fantasy sports online. I'll be talking to him about something and look over and he'll be on his blackberry checking stats. I don't understand how he gets so excited about it. I guess fantasy sports to him is what TMZ and tabloids is to me, an unhealthy interest. lol.
ReplyDeleteI've never gone somewhere to do fantasy sports but I know that sometimes happens (see Knocked Up). I can speak to how awesome fantasy baseball sports specifically baseball is. It's just nice to have a hobby that you can pay attention to everyday. I want to win but it's not my life, it's just something fun to keep up with during the summer. Most often the league is free which is a plus. It's especially fun when you can get into a league with friends. If I'm not mistaken Bjorn is a fantasy baseball fan.
ReplyDeleteI pay little attention to sports, but I remember the time I did Fantasy baseball a long time ago when I was like 13. I forget why I signed up, but I remember picking people just because they were Red Sox or player I remember being rad in my video games.
ReplyDeleteI didn't do well.
My buddies from college all play in a league, and we're drafting on the 30th.... And hey! Basketball playoffs are in another week! C'mon LeBron, don't steer me wrong!
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