So, I have been accused of something lately. I have been accused of jumping on the Tampa Bay Rays "bandwagon". For the most part, I would agree and argue that most people right now who are rooting for the Rays are on the bandwagon. This morning I wondered where we got that phrase.
Here is the quote from Wikipedia (so take the credibility with a "grain of salt"*):
Literally, a bandwagon is a wagon which carries the band in a parade, circus or other entertainment. Dan Rice, a famous and popular circus clown of the time, used his bandwagon and its music to gain attention for Zachary Taylor's
campaign appearances. As Taylor's campaign became more successful, more
politicians strove for a seat on the bandwagon, hoping to be associated
with the success. Later, during the time of William Jennings Bryan's 1900 presidential campaign, bandwagons had become standard in campaigns, The phrase "jump on the bandwagon" first appeared in American politics in 1848 when
and 'jump on the bandwagon' was used as a derogatory term, implying
that people were associating themselves with the success without
considering what they associated themselves with.
Those who know that I was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area understand for reasons of proximity why I would go all in on the Tampa Bay Rays as they are making their push to be world champions. I was privileged to go to the very first Tampa Bay Devil Rays game played in St. Petersburg 10 years ago when I was on Spring Break with some college friends and my dad.
I would say that the Rays caught my eye right before the All-Star Break. It was then that I realized that this team had a legitimate chance to be competitive in their division. At that time, I never imagined that they were this good! I would argue that except for a few longtime season ticket holders, everyone who is rooting for the Rays are on some sort of bandwagon. They have been too horrible in their entire franchise existence for anyone to say that they have always been a die hard fan. Bandwagon or not, I am enjoying watching this team play hard as a team and make a strong run for the title! Go Rays!
*- I'm going to have to do a similar post on "a grain of salt"
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