If there is one thing that I've learned from living abroad, it's how to be a super-fan. While we do have super-fans of various sports in the states, they pale in comparison to the fans of the football (soccer) clubs in Europe. The other day a super-fan of the local city team led an entire public tram stop in song, while dressed head to toe in team swag, including a flag. And while fans are not yet allowed to go to the stadiums under COVID-19 restrictions, that does not seem to be stopping anyone from taking the party to the streets. Under normal circumstances, "ultras" are organized groups of super-fans who sit together in one section of the stadium, set off flares, wave flags, and sing or chant, all while donning massive amounts of team gear. My first time experiencing a group of "ultras" left me with the feeling that the stadium could burn down at any minute. There is no sport in the states that could prepare one for the insanity of European football (soccer). So all of this has me asking how can I possibly compete with the local super-fans? Aside from sporting my Yankees hat and shirt, what could I do?
And then it dawned on me: my dog could become a Yankees super-fan. Yes, I am aware that my dog does not understand baseball, although I am sure she would love to eat up all the crumbs that are dropped at the stadium (she also steals food so your chicken bucket will be gone if you turn your back on her). In order to make her the ultimate super-fan, I went on the official MLB Yankees website to see what they sell in their shop. I gave myself a budget of $300.00 because just the jersey of the local football (soccer) club is $99.00, and one needs more than just a jersey to become a super-fan. First, I could get her the pinstripe pen jersey for $24.99. Add on the $10.99 collar and $21.99 leash (and for $11.99, I can get a spare leash in a different print). For those days when she needs to be fancy, I can get the leash with the plastic logos attached for $24.99. But that's not all--she will most likely need both sweatshirts, one in navy and one in blue, to keep her warm at $24.99 each, plus a second jersey for $19.99 in case she gets the white pinstripes one dirty. And no outfit is complete without the reversible bandana for $10.99. After her walks, she likes to nap, and because she is under 30 pounds, I think she would love the navy nap cap bed into which she can crawl like a small doghouse ($49.99); the advantage of this item is that now you also have giant Yankees baseball cap to show off when people come over to watch the games. I'm still not done, however. I think she might need an extra bed, and they have the pinstripe NYY diamond-shaped one for $49.99. Unfortunately, she's too big for the pet carriers, but they will cost one $69.99 for the duffle-bag carrier and $109.99 for the rolling carrier. Because I don't need the carriers, I came in under budget for all of the above at $275.89. So move over, European football league super-fans--there's a new super-fan in town, and she is dressed to the nines representing the greatest team in the world.
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