PDA

View Full Version : Ten Reasons Why I am an Argos Fan



Downtownfan
06-30-2015, 04:35 PM
I cooked this up in time for Canada Day... add your own reasons.

Ten Reasons Why I am an Argos Fan

#1. Because when we say “we’re number one,” it’s actually true. Everyone else comes second, or worse. We are the oldest sports franchise in North America (http://www.argonauts.ca/page/year-by-year-history) operating in the same city with the same name (suck it, Tiger-Cats), and one of the oldest franchises in all of sport.

The Argos were here before the Als, the Riders, the Packers, the Lions (both), the Bears and the Broncos. We were here before the Yankees, the Red Sox, and the Dodgers. We were here before the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, or Bruins. We were even here before Man United, before Barcelona, before Boca Juniors and before Juventus. And we will always be here, forever in first place, as the original, unchanged, unmoved, oldest professional team in North America. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldest_football_clubs)

#2. Because the Argos remain the most resilient sports franchise in Canada, if not all of North America. The Argos (and the CFL) have survived: two world wars (http://www.cfl.ca/page/his_greycup_recap1942), an influenza epidemic, the Great Depression, horrific plane crashes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-4a2G9VlIc&list=PL6ndzuHRRemBK9j8Ue6p7bA3FCTNV-sp9&index=5), terrorist threats (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlMESGxRR4s&list=PL6ndzuHRRemBK9j8Ue6p7bA3FCTNV-sp9&index=1), Leon McQuay’s fumble (https://books.google.ca/books/about/A_Slip_in_the_Rain_the_True_Story_of_the.html?id=1 TvosrUxZV4C&hl=en), American expansion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Football_League_in_the_United_States), two bankruptcies, and the invasion of the NFL (http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2014/3/3/5466784/buffalo-bills-toronto-series-full-history) onto its home turf. The Argos have even survived the Rogers Corporation. This is one incredibly tough team: Like I’ve always said, come the apocalypse, the only things to survive will be the cockroaches—and the CFL.

We’re still here, and were not going anywhere (http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2015/05/20/its-official-argos-sold-to-bell-tanenbaum.html). 1873: Forever.

#3. Because we have the most dedicated fans (http://www.torontosun.com/2012/11/10/hey-argos-fans-show-us-your-double-blue) of any team. It’s easy being a fan of the other Toronto teams, or really of any pro sports teams in cities across North America, including other CFL teams. But Argos fans face a largely hostile local media (https://twitter.com/danbilicki/status/602151634735509504), fans of other Toronto teams who try to prevent their success (https://twitter.com/search?q=no argos at bmo&src=typd), and giant corporations (who own the building the team plays in currently) who actively undermine the team (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/baseball/jays-turf-argos-in-favour-of-grass-playing-surface-at-rogers-centre/article14211436/). Argos fans face adversity in a way that no sports fan should, but they persevere.

#4. Because of Pinball. Nuff’ said. (http://www.tsn.ca/pinball-clemons-becomes-canadian-citizen-1.271282)

#5. Because of John Candy (http://www.argonauts.ca/page/john-candy-memorial-award-winners). I miss that guy.

#6. Because the Argos are authentic. The Argos are an indigenous part of this country, province and city (http://www.argonauts.ca/page/huddleup), whose creation, traditions, rituals and past are genuine in a way that is unlike most teams in sports. This team is the real deal, not some “expansion” team whose logo was cooked up by a marketing department (http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/raptors_history.html), whose name is derivative (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/30/sports/soccer/whats-in-a-name-in-mls-a-european-hodgepodge.html?_r=0), and whose creation is part of a “corporate strategy.” The name, the nicknames, the colours, the songs (http://www.argonauts.ca/page/argosthemesong), the band (http://www.argonotes.com/), and the history are rooted in place and time, and give them a special meaning: Scullers, Boatmen, Mud Bowl, Snow Bowl, Gold Dust Twins, Big Train Conacher, Rocket, the Ex, Labour Day.

When I take my kids on the streetcar down to an Argo game, I am doing something that has been done for more than a century in this city, something that connects me to the past in a way that few things can.

#7. Because we have the best uniforms (http://www.argonauts.ca/page/uniforms-and-logos) in sport. Can’t beat the Double Blue.

#8. Because we have won the most Grey Cups (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_Cup).

#9. Because we actually have the word “GO” in our team name. ARRRRRGOOOOOOOOOSS!!!

#10. Because the Argos are a part of Canada (https://www.flickr.com/photos/33887512@N06/9043144127/), and a member of the CFL, the best, coolest (http://www2.tsn.ca/toronto/story/?id=410185) and most accessible (http://www.cfl.ca/article/cfl-approves-rule-changes-suggested-by-fans) professional sports league in the world—truly Our League (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS1jCfg7Qxc).

I suppose one more: I’m an Argos fan because I have fun at Argos games, where I get to watch an incredibly entertaining sport being played by athletes who are down to earth, yet amazingly talented. What more can you ask for?

bluto
06-30-2015, 06:04 PM
http://i.imgur.com/I4VU8Kx.gifhttp://www.argonauts.ca/uploads/assets/TOR/Doug_Flutie_HOF/Flutie_Doug_6__1996_.jpg

Argo57
06-30-2015, 06:25 PM
Downtownfan, great post, can't argue with anything you have listed, I will add a few things:
1) Argonauts are the underdog franchise that doesn't get respect, just like many of us!!
2) Great memories at Exhibition Stadium with my father watching the likes of Jim Corrigal, Granny Liggins, Condredge Holloway, Terry Greer and too many to mention.
3) We Argofans are true fans, love our team despite all the shit that is thrown at them and we are damn proud of it!!
4) 16 Time World Champions
5) Great community ambassadors (with no fanfare). (As are many other CFL franchises).
6) As you said best uniforms in Pro sports (hands down).
7) Leo Cahill, Michael Clemons, Bob O'Billovich, John Candy, Freddie Dunbar, and now people like Jim Barker and Scott Milanovich.... good people that care about our team and fans.

1argoholic
06-30-2015, 06:52 PM
GREAT!!!!!! Absolute great post of the year Downtownfan and I love your #4 Argo57. Americans think anything they do is classified as World Champions. Screw that!!!!


I love The Toronto Argonauts because they are my first love. A love that still is strong. haha

Will
06-30-2015, 07:25 PM
Great post Downtownfan

PullTogether73
06-30-2015, 07:54 PM
I agree with most reasons, but the best jersey in professional sports thing I have to disagree.

I would say tied for best unis.
Tied with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks.

Argonauts' boat logo is the best in professional sports though! (Pretty much any iteration btw.)

R.J
06-30-2015, 08:20 PM
Great post.

AngeloV
06-30-2015, 08:33 PM
Two thumbs up from me!

Invader
06-30-2015, 08:37 PM
Well said Downtownfan!

LLB997
06-30-2015, 09:30 PM
I agree with most reasons, but the best jersey in professional sports thing I have to disagree.

I would say tied for best unis.
Tied with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks.

Argonauts' boat logo is the best in professional sports though! (Pretty much any iteration btw.)


blackhawks?? are not even the best uniform in hockey ;]. Argos uni's are crazy nice. ive had people comment on my jersey multiple times and they nevr even heard of the Argos.

jerrym
06-30-2015, 09:41 PM
Let's face reality, the real reason is we're all masochists.

paulwoods13
07-01-2015, 08:16 AM
Great post, DTF.

Johno27
07-01-2015, 10:12 AM
Thank you for a marvelous post Downtown Fan. This really strikes a chord with me personally, particularly your emphasis on longevity, history, tradition and perseverance. Along those lines, I would like to add one more reason (courtesy of my brother, another Argo fan): The Argonauts are the most intelligent club in sport because they werefounded by graduates of Oxford and Cambridge...centuries older than Harvard or Yale!

"Issues"Mcgee
07-02-2015, 08:48 PM
Excellent post.

As for jerseys and logos, I have to say Hockey Canada, with that player in between the two halves of the Maple Leaf, is a very close second. Nothing is more pleasing to the eye however than the Argos home uniforms.

I've always had a feeling with the Argos similar to the philosophy of the New Zealand All Blacks. Fans of the Toronto Argonauts aren't just fans. We're part of the team as we are the lifeblood.

We stand as one alone. Broken and battered but we will never die. It's us versus the world, and that includes our own countrymen. The hostility towards the Double Blue and the CFL only strengthens our resolve. Sometimes it seems that God himself is against us but we cannot be stopped, even if our triumph enters the realm of sheer absurdity. It started with the Argonauts and it will end with the Argonauts.

We are the Alpha and the Omega.

Thanks, DTF. Posts like these get me pumped. You made a hard day a good one with that. I can't get rid of this stupid grin.

argotom
07-02-2015, 09:41 PM
Awesome post.
My favourite is the World Champions!

Stevoman
07-02-2015, 10:59 PM
Yes, I love the Argos and am a very proud fan. Seeing the team come out on Saturday and play really well was special. Something about the start of a new season, seeing the jerseys, the team cohesiveness, it all made me proud. I love that CFL players are relatable and most of them are playing for the love of the game. There seems to be more of a team first mentality in the CFL rather than an individual player brand first attitude in the NFL/NBA/NHL. I love the long history of this team and wonder why it hasn't been emphasized enough. Maybe next year when they get a rebirth in a new stadium and under new ownership. Really, there needs to be a history book, bigger than the illustrated one, that talks about stories from all eras. I'd love to read more about them. Problem is, one of us here would probably have to write it. Paul Woods, up for the challenge???? I'm sure Ravi and Lori Bursey could help provide some info.!

7dj83r8f78t4alf8