Imagine this: your favorite baseball team just lost in the National League Division Series — a year when they were projected to go all the way and win the World Series. It feels like an everlasting cycle where the team just can’t finish the job, and you’re distraught. The question remains: why do people care so much about teams they don’t even play for?
There are billions of sports fans around the world — some more passionate than others. Some passively follow their teams, while others dive deep into the nitty-gritty of sports, tracking every detail that happens on the field or court. Sports also bring people together. Many fans watch not just for entertainment but to feel connected to a community.
At Eastern University, there are fans of all kinds of teams. Even if a student doesn’t know another student who’s wearing an opposing jersey, there’s a good chance a conversation will spark. Rivalries often ignite those conversations and big or small, they play a major role in sports fandom.
Across Philadelphia, for example, if you ask 10 Eagles fans which team they hate the most, all 10 will likely say the Cowboys. On Eastern’s campus, fan bases range from the Baltimore Ravens to the Boston Red Sox.
Sometimes, sports can form instant connections between strangers.
“I feel like if someone’s rooting for the same team I am, it’s definitely an instant connection — like, ‘Oh cool, what do you think about this player?’” said Eastern University senior Christian Slaton.
“Being raised in a city where sports are the main culture, that ‘no one likes us, we don’t care’ mentality was introduced to me at a young age. And it’s true — it’s tough being a Philadelphia sports fan. No one likes Philly. But we don’t care. We love this city more than we love anything else. It unites households and creates friendships. There’s a reason why you turn on the radio and hear people calling in to talk about sports,” said junior John Nolek.
Sports fandom can also impact mental health. Sometimes a loss lingers only a short while, but for others, it can last days, weeks or even months. Eastern junior Rob Walton said losses can stick with him for a long time.
Athletes who are also fans understand that struggle.
“Does it affect my mental health? Absolutely. As an athlete and fan, it’s grueling. But there’s something in that eventual ‘win’ that you can’t describe — and that’s why it’s beautiful,” Nolek said.
On Oct. 9, 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in heartbreaking fashion. After winning the National League East Division by a wide margin, the Phillies were eliminated in the National League Division Series (NLDS) — their second straight year losing in that round.
Many fans took the loss hard. “I think this one will linger deep into next year,” said Westfield.
There may be some recency bias. The Phillies have reached the playoffs with nearly the same core roster for four consecutive years, yet the farthest they’ve gone was in 2022 — the first year of this group. Westfield added that he expects “a whole new team” in 2026.
“[Sports losses] linger for a little bit, maybe a couple of weeks, but then I start to realize that there are still other games to be played,” said Eastern student Max Troy.
Fans whose teams recently lost often spend much of the offseason processing that disappointment. When spring arrives, however, there’s usually a shift in attitude. Hope returns, optimism builds and the cycle begins again. “This one hurt the most, knowing the window is closed. So it’ll linger for a while. Obviously, I need to see the steps moving forward, but this loss will linger at least until next March,” Nolek said.
Fans also worry that the Phillies’ championship window may be closing, with key players like J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber nearing free agency.
Being a baseball fan, or a fan of any sport with a long season, is different from being a football fan because of the season’s length. In baseball, the emotional roller coaster lasts for 162 games. Fans experience highs and lows weekly, sometimes even daily. In football, there are only 17 games, so each win or loss carries more emotional weight — and less time to recover before the next one.
For some, though, it’s easier to move on. “I let the big losses linger for about as long as it takes me to drive home from the game,” said Max Bushong, Eastern University Class of 2025 graduate. Few fans can shrug off losses that quickly, but those who can often earn respect for their ability to stay balanced.
Being a die-hard fan through a long, demanding season is emotionally exhausting. It takes patience, loyalty and genuine love for the game. Sports fandom can absolutely affect mental health — but for millions, it’s worth every high and low. At the end of the day, being a fan isn’t just about the game — it’s about belonging.