In the year 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson was the President of the United States, taking office shortly after John F. Kennedy was assassinated, The Beatles were on their first world tour, Dr. Martin Luther King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and most importantly, the Cleveland Browns won an NFL Championship.
Fast forward 52 years: it's 2016, and what a long and agonizing 52 years of drought it's been for Cleveland sports fans. They've suffered through the shot, the drive, the move, the fumble, the decision and many more of the most heart- wrenching tragedies in sports history. Wins have become more shocking than losses and the fans have become accustomed to the sharp pain caused by Cleveland sports. But somehow, through it all, Cleveland sports fans have remained dedicated to their teams. I think I speak for many Clevelanders when I say I was raised to be a Cleveland sports fan -- It's in my DNA, passed on for generations. Supporting the teams comes naturally, and no matter how much we hate them, and how sick and tired we are of watching them lose, we still love them.
I've certainly seen more losses than wins in my 20 years, yet somehow, something within me keeps me coming back season after season. Maybe it's the city itself, the community that embodies it, the desire to prove to an outsider that Cleveland really isn't that bad, or maybe, it's the minuscule hope that one of these seasons, something will change. Clevelanders are coined as some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in all of sports, but what's a passionate city with nothing to show for it?
Finally, the city of Cleveland finally has something to show for it. After 52 years of passion, dedication and a whole lot of heartbreak, the Cleveland Cavaliers have broken the curse by winning the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. This past week has been nothing short of amazing for the city of Cleveland. Following a nail biting game 7 victory, the streets were lined with fans, many of whom were strangers, cheering, crying and embracing together in celebration. Days later, a record 1.3 million people attended the victory parade to congratulate the team and appreciate a time they would never forget, together.
Being a Cleveland sports fan is about so much more than wins and losses; it's about embracing the community that you come from. The city and it's franchises are so looked down upon that it is in our nature to come together for what we believe in. No matter the outcome of the previous season, when the first pitch crosses home plate at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario, the kickoff enters the crisp fall air after a morning in the Muni Lot, and the clock starts at tip off in the Q, there is an inevitable and unanimous hope that this year will be different.
Finally, we can say that it is this year.
Against all odds, the Cavs came back to win three straight games after being down 3-1 in the NBA Finals, nothing short of a miracle if you ask me. Following the trend of success, the Indians are in first place in the AL Central. Who knows, with the way things are going for Cleveland sports, the Browns might even make a Super Bowl run this season -- I won't hold my breath on that one, but I'll still be in my seats on the 50-yard line at kickoff each Sunday, because there's always this year.
