From Major League Baseball to the National Hockey League, people often develop personal biases that shape their favorite sports teams, and California Baptist University students and alumni are no different.
Garrett Mendoza, biomedical sciences graduate student, said he has supported the New York Yankees since he was six years old. After he began playing T-ball and Little League, Mendoza said the sport inspired him to start watching baseball games.
“The first time I ever, like, played Little League when it was like an actual person throwing to me instead of, like, a tee or a pitching machine, was the Yankees,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza said he started watching the Yankees at home, even though his father supported the Dodgers and favored the color blue. Because of his father, Mendoza remained a Yankees fan years later.
“I say it’s his fault because he’s a huge Dodgers fan, but he didn’t get me involved in the Dodgers family but involved in the Yankees, so it is his fault because he put on the TV for me,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza said he follows the Yankees through news articles and digital content every day. He said his confidence in the team centers on Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who is publicly a Christian. Mendoza said he admired Judge for his humility and positive influence.
“And one of the things I listened to recently is they do a faith night for the Yankees, and he speaks there and is very open about his faith,” Mendoza said.
Students often develop personal values and interests through the influence of others. Many reflect on people or experiences that have shaped their interests.
Kyle Taylor, junior business administration major, said he has supported the Los Angeles Kings hockey team for about three years. His father introduced him to the team.
“Um, yeah, my dad definitely watched them, and I learned that from him,” Taylor said. “I pay a lot of attention to my team.”
During the season, Taylor shared predictions for the Kings as they faced several challenging games. He hoped the team would defeat the Edmonton Oilers of Canada, a consistent competitor.
“But if we do end up getting a spot on the wild card, because we’re kind of like, right in there, like we need a couple more points to get into the playoffs,” Taylor said.
Taylor said he enjoys watching players such as Anže Kopitar, Alex Lafferiere, Adrian Kempe and Drew Doughty.
Tony Escarzaga, parcel clerk for the Moreno Valley School District and a CBU alumnus, said he began following sports when he was 5-years-old.
“Probably want to say when I was five, I would watch, like, basketball games with my dad on TV,” Escarzaga said.
Escarzaga now watches as many hockey games as possible featuring his favorite team, the Anaheim Ducks.
“I try to catch as many Duck games as I can, either live or watching it on their app,” Escarzaga said.
Escarzaga said he also uses the app to make predictions and once created a bracket for fun.
“So I do go on there and make predictions, but it’s just part of the community, having fun,” Escarzaga said.
Escarzaga said watching sports has become more meaningful when shared with others.
“I learned over the years, it’s always fun to cheer for your home team, but also, having that person that you can cheer with, that you can talk with, that’s just as interested in the game as you are, really enhances the experience,” Escarzaga said.
For many fans, following sports provides entertainment and connection, whether they watch games with friends and family or enjoy them on their own. Personal reasons for supporting a team often shape how individuals experience sports.
