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Full Hour 1 in The Sports Bar. Super Agent Leigh Steinberg joins the show to discuss the NY Knicks in the NBA Finals, NBA expansion, the Myles Garret trade & MLB salary cap. Gene is hyped for the Knicks. Bills camp wraps up. The DanDalorian shares his hot take.
Full Hour 2. The second half kicks off with Timmy's hot take. Plus Gene sprinkles in some sports nuggets. RJ Ochoa from Blogging The Boys & the Dallas Cowboys for SB Nation joins the show to debate the NBA Finals. RJ is a massive Spurs fan. How does he see the Finals going? What are his thoughts on the Myles Garrett trade? Cowboys?
Knicks on to the Finals Apathetic Mets Fans Sinner Loses in French Open
Kenny from Baldwin calls in, he was the positive Mets fan chanting at the game last night that Gary, Keith & Ron were talking about.
Greg Olsen beats out Tom Brady for a Sports Emmy, followed by why the Jaxson Dart/Abdul Carter situation is just media fodder that John Harbaugh won't let affect the team. Then, Gio reacts to a viral Dez Bryant post, Jerry sings Bob Dylan to start his final update, and we hear postgame sound from OKC taking a 3-2 lead over the Spurs. Next, positive Mets fan Kenny from Baldwin calls in, Boomer reveals he brushes his teeth like Bryce Harper, and Gio orders the "Primal Viking" supplement for the Moment of the Day. We close with Hank farting during a Pardon My Take taping.
The Mets won the Subway Series over the weekend. Are Mets fans back in on their team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber open with Suzyn Waldman's surprising praise of Pete Alonso's defense, debating whether she was giving fair analysis or taking a subtle shot at Mets fans who doubted him. That leads into a larger Mets conversation about poor challenge decisions, umpire frustration, Carlos Mendoza's missed chance to fire up the team, and why this roster still feels difficult for fans to emotionally connect with. The guys also dig into the Yankees' recent struggles ahead of the Subway Series, weighing whether a rough stretch is just normal baseball or the beginning of something more concerning. They discuss Max Fried as the biggest worry, the difference between a true road trip and playing across town, A.J. Ewing's early opportunity with the Mets, and whether the Nets should be aggressive in trying to trade up for a potential franchise player in the NBA Draft.
Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber break down a big New York baseball day, from the Yankees adjusting to Anthony Volpe's return to the Mets getting a much needed jolt from A.J. Ewing's major league debut. The conversation digs into whether the Yankees can truly trust Jose Caballero as their shortstop once healthy, why Volpe should not automatically reclaim the job, and how Ewing's patience, energy, and debut performance gave Mets fans something they have been missing this season: hope.
In this episode of the Why Am I a Mets Fan podcast, Samantha Croston sits down with minor league beat reporter Ernest Dove to talk all things AJ Ewing. The outfielder got the call up to the Mets after just 12 games with Triple-A. #baseball #metsbaseball #mets #sports #podcast #newyorkmets #major #majorleague #majorleaguebaseball #mlb #mlbb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Step into a sunny, chaotic afternoon where a proud Mets dad and his seven-year-old co-host head into Yankee territory for a second-grade field trip. What begins as a sports clash turns into a tender, laugh-out-loud narrative about parenting, presence, and the unexpected grace found in everyday moments. Between jerseys that clash, nervous prayers for mascot-free survival, and the simple joy of watching a child make memories, this episode weaves humor and heart into a short, unforgettable story. Listen for the warmth of family, the urgency to slow down, and a faith-filled reminder that the little moments become the big ones. Perfect for anyone who loves baseball, family stories, or a gentle nudge to cherish the now—this is a small adventure with a big message.
Craig Carton and Big Mac discuss the eerie quality of AI-generated music and the mystery of stolen snacks in the office. On The Craig Carton Show, they debate a plan for Yankee fans to troll the Mets by cheering for Pete Alonso and review reporting on Carlos Mendoza's future. They also analyze the Knicks' defensive dominance and their potential road to the Eastern Conference Finals. 01:47 - AI Music Trends 04:30 - Pete Alonso Questions 06:23 - Trolling Mets Fans 10:01 - Mendoza Job Security 14:31 - Knicks Playoff Discussion
Craig Carton and Big Mac react to Pete Alonso's first press conference as an Oriole and discuss a plan for Yankee fans to troll the Mets. They also break down the Knicks' playoff path and the latest reporting on Carlos Mendoza's job security. 01:30 - AI Music Surprise 04:45 - Pete Alonso Presser 08:45 - Trolling Mets Fans 11:45 - Carlos Mendoza Status 15:10 - Knicks vs Pistons 21:05 - Pete Alonso Audio 31:25 - Emmanuel Berbari Joins 37:40 - Yankees Injury Report 44:40 - Brian Burns Canceled
Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber continue sorting through the wreckage of the Mets' brutal start, with fans calling in to debate whether David Stearns made the wrong offseason choices or inherited deeper problems that were already waiting to explode. The discussion centers on a team buried by bad pitching, stalled development and a losing streak that still hangs over every result. They also weigh whether the Mets have any realistic playoff path left, compare their odds to the Nets' NBA Draft lottery hopes, and find a rare laugh in a listener made Mets parody song. The conversation closes with the Yankees' turning point from their loss to Texas and concern over Jasson Dominguez after his injury scare.
Hour 2: Positive Tommy takes on furious Mets fans. Game 4 was the blueprint for the Knicks and now they need to win game 5.
Evan and Tiki open with a bizarre and uncomfortable moment from the Mets Dodgers national broadcast that quickly turns into a deeper conversation about tone, bias, and how broadcasters balance honesty with neutrality. What starts as a joke takes on a different feel, raising questions about perception and whether even the most respected voices can avoid showing a little edge. From there, the focus shifts to the Mets current frustrations and the bigger picture comparison to the Dodgers, who continue to operate like the gold standard. The discussion digs into missed opportunities, roster decisions, and why the gap between the two franchises feels wider than ever, while also touching on the Yankees situation and how expectations shape fan reactions across New York.
Steve Cohen tells Mets fans to hang in there To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tensions rise as Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber react to the Dodgers playing a provocative Edwin Diaz video in front of the Mets, sparking a heated debate about respect, trolling, and gamesmanship. What felt like unnecessary rubbing it in to some becomes a broader conversation about how far is too far when you are already the best team in baseball. That moment launches a passionate argument about legacy, as Evan draws a hard line between the Dodgers' current dominance and the historic Yankees dynasty. From payroll spending to homegrown talent and long term perception, they break down what truly defines greatness in baseball and whether the Dodgers can ever reach that level no matter how much they win.
Sports Radio Personality Craig Carton joins Sid to discuss his church for "Mets Fans for Yankees" and his thoughts on Sid's transition from die-hard Mets fan to Pinstripe supporter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Craig and Big Mac debate the merit of video tributes for former players like Jeff McNeil, questioning if Mets fans have become too "soft" with standing ovations. They transition into discussions about Francisco Lindor's current struggles, the dynamic with Juan Soto, and Tiger Woods' absence from Masters coverage. The segment also features a detour into music tastes, car culture, and their own heated on-air arguments. 01:20 - Jeff McNeil Video Tribute 04:45 - Greatness and Video Tributes 09:25 - Ariana Grande Gambling Luck 14:05 - Seinfeld and Car Collections 18:45 - Francisco Lindor Effort Debate 21:35 - Tiger Woods Masters Absence 27:00 - Lindor and Soto Relationship 32:50 - Mets Lineup vs Dodgers
On the Carton Show, Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle react to the New York Mets giving Jeff McNeil a video tribute and an extended standing ovation, in his return. Craig thinks it's “soft,” while Big Mac defends the fans showing appreciation for a homegrown player who won a batting title.
David Peterson has struggled this season after ending last year on a sour note. Are Mets fans worried about him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week Kavitha interviews journalist and author A.M. Gittlitz about his new book Metropolitans: New York Baseball, Class Struggle, and the People's Team. Kavitha and Gittlitz unpack the long history behind the New York Mets, from their 19th-century roots tied to political machines like Tammany Hall to their modern identity as an underdog franchise in a city dominated by the New York Yankees. The conversation explores how baseball itself was shaped by class dynamics, how the sport evolved from player-run chaos into an owner-controlled business, and why the Mets have come to be seen as a “people's team.” They also dig into what makes Mets fandom distinct. The idea is that the team isn't cursed, but instead represents something more chaotic and, at times, more meaningful than winning. From the mythology of the 1969 black cat to Dom Smith's 2020 walkout, Gittlitz argues that the most important moments in Mets history aren't always championships. They are the ones where baseball intersects with politics, culture, and identity. The result is a conversation that goes beyond the Mets vs. Yankees rivalry and asks a bigger question: what does it actually mean to root for a team, and what are fans really investing in when they do? Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Fact Checking and Research: Paroma Chakravarty I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Sportly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com Find Sportly on Instagram @sportlypod Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Want to go deeper into your own identity? Download Belong on Your Own Terms, the app helping first-gen, second-gen, and third-culture kids reclaim belonging on their own terms. link below http://studio.com/saadia Join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many Mets fans waste free tickets To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After another freezing night at the ballpark, the focus turns to whether Major League Baseball is putting players and fans in a tough spot with April scheduling. From pitcher performance in cold weather to the overall fan experience, the guys question if the current setup makes sense. The discussion expands into possible solutions, including pushing the season start back, adjusting schedules, or building in more flexibility for cold weather teams. Evan and Tiki weigh the pros and cons of each idea while debating how much of this is just part of the game versus something that needs to change. It turns into a broader look at how the sport can evolve without losing its traditional rhythm.
Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber start with rare praise for both Aaron Boone and Carlos Mendoza after a night where managerial decisions actually delivered wins. From bold lineup choices to trusting the right hitters in clutch spots, it is a refreshing shift from the usual criticism as both New York teams benefit from smart, decisive managing. But the real fire comes when the conversation turns to Mets fans and a shocking stat: more than half of the free ticket holders didn't show up. Evan unloads on what he sees as selfish behavior, arguing fans took opportunities away from others who would have gone, while Tiki pushes back with a more laid back perspective on human nature and free stuff. The debate turns into a bigger discussion about responsibility, fan culture, and whether anyone actually “owes” anything when the ticket costs nothing.
For once, the conversation flips as Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber give credit where it is due. Both Aaron Boone and Carlos Mendoza make bold in game decisions that pay off in a big way, helping the Yankees and Mets secure wins. After years of second guessing managers across New York baseball, this rare night forces a different reaction: acknowledgment of sharp instincts and trust in players delivering under pressure. But the tone quickly shifts as a surprising off field controversy takes center stage. Steve Cohen's free ticket giveaway sparks debate when more than half of recipients fail to show up, raising questions about fan behavior, entitlement, and missed opportunities. Evan and Tiki break down the psychology behind it, challenge the audience, and dive into what responsibility fans really have when given something for free.
Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle kick off the show with a MASSIVE day in sports, from a wild Yankees comeback win to the Mets staying hot without Juan Soto. But the real fireworks come off the field.
The discussion covers the viral scandal involving NFL insider Dianna Russini and coach Mike Vrabel, debating the implications of their alleged rendezvous in Arizona. The conversation shifts to Mets owner Steve Cohen's public frustration with fans over unused free tickets and the contrasting attendance at Yankee Stadium. They also touch on the Yankees' recent performance, a controversial MSG fan figure, and the Wednesday Wheel of Fun trivia segment. 01:50 - Intro and Yankees Win 06:26 - Dianna Russini Scandal Analysis 11:42 - Patriots Culture and Belichick 16:48 - Steve Cohen's Twitter War 23:41 - Yankees Lineup and Rosario 29:30 - Podcast Success and Media 34:40 - Artisanal Bread and Culture 39:56 - Mike Vrabel's Viral Quote 45:47 - Big Mac Health Update 53:51 - Dancing Larry Harassment Story 59:20 - Courtside vs Press Credentials 01:05:07 - Social Etiquette and Wings 01:10:13 - Syracuse vs St. Johns 15:10 - Wheel of Fun: Jets 20:44 - Wheel of Fun: Nicknames 27:32 - Mark Leiter Jr. Role 32:00 - Dianna Russini Marital History
Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle react to Steve Cohen's controversial tweet about Mets fans not showing up, even after free tickets! Was it fair criticism or a massive PR mistake? The guys break down why the tweet may have backfired and what it really says about the Mets' relationship with their fanbase.
Craig Carton and Big Mac dissect Steve Cohen's social media post criticizing fans who didn't attend a free ticket game. They look into the lack of coverage on the Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini rumors and weigh in on the Yankees' latest roster moves. 01:41 - Media Silence on Mike Vrabel 06:14 - Steve Cohen's Ticket Controversy 13:05 - Analyzing the Mets' Empty Stadium 18:08 - Proposing a Fan Promotion Ban 23:11 - Yankees Lineup and Injury Updates 28:45 - Mets Fans Defend Start Times 36:17 - Prepping for the Wheel of Fun 41:00 - Discussion on Comp Ticket Resale 45:42 - Kat in Brooklyn Talks Music 50:57 - Fans Sabotaging Mets Promotions
Samantha Croston and Ashley Wenskoski return for this week's episode of the 'Why am I a Mets Fan?' podcast. The Mets are 6-4 after a trip to the West Coast...where Juan Soto got hurt, Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette can't hit, but the Mets have an offensive explosion anyway. Is Nolan McLean a HOF talent? What will the Mets do about playing time for Vientos/Baty if both continue to produce? Join us! 00:00-3:57: Juan Soto will miss 2-3 weeks with a CALF STRAIN 3:58-10:18: WHAT is Lindor's PROBLEM in April/May? 10:19-12:16: Lineup QUESTION MARKS 12:17-17:07: Mark VIENTOS IS ON FIRE, Mets call up Ronny Mauricio 17:08-20:10: Is Luis Torrens the BEST backup catcher in baseball? Plus, Alvarez continues to break out 20:11-24:29: Nolan McLean has the potential to be the next iconic pitcher on the New York Mets #mlb #mlbb #baseball #podcast #mets #metsbaseball #sports #newyork #newyorkmets #newyorkcity #losangeles #losangelesdodgers #dodgers #mlbbcreatorcamp #mlbbshorts #mlblb #juansoto #soto FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: @WhyMetsPod on Youtube/X/Instagram @SamCroston1 and @AshleyWenskTV on Twitter (X) LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.flowcode.com/page/whymetspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Craig Carton and Chris “Big Mac” McMonigle kick off the show diving into a heated debate: did the New York Mets just disrespect their own fans? After moving their game time due to cold weather, the Mets offered fans replacement tickets but is it really generosity or just the law? Meanwhile, the New York Yankees stand firm, trusting their fans to tough it out in classic April baseball conditions.
Craig Carton and Big Mac debate whether the New York Mets are coddling their fans by moving game times to avoid cold weather. They examine the legality of ticket vouchers for rescheduled games and react to a comical local news headline regarding student job experience. The conversation also covers Rob Manfred's influence on modern baseball and an upcoming live NFL Draft special on the WFAN roof. 01:50 - Mets Move Game Times 05:15 - MLB Ticket Voucher Laws 11:05 - Comparing New York Fans 15:30 - Live NFL Draft Special 19:50 - Fan Loyalty And Toughness 24:05 - Local News Headline Laughs 36:10 - Rob Manfred Baseball Rules 45:30 - College Basketball Transfer Parity
Evan and Tiki are live from Yankee Stadium for the Home Opener. They break down the Yanks' hot start, the Mets troubles, David Cone and David Bednar join the show, and much more.
Hour 1: Tommy takes the temperature of the Mets fanbase and talks them off the ledge regarding Francisco Lindor and much more.
Mets Fans Ready to Panic and Complain. Fab Five Saturday and Tiger Updates
Al opens the show by telling Mets fans that it's too early to panic after the 3-3 start.
Baseball is back and with just one weekend in the books, the overreactions are already flying. The Yankees look unstoppable after a dominant opening series, sparking big questions about whether their rotation and bullpen could be the best in baseball. At the same time, Mets fans are already feeling the tension as early struggles and high expectations collide in a cold and emotional start to the season. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber break down the biggest takeaways from Opening Weekend, including standout performances, surprising concerns, and the reality behind the hot takes. They dive into early Yankees dominance, Mets frustrations, Bo Bichette's honesty about pressing under pressure, and the fine line between fan passion and impatience in New York.
We begin with calls regarding UConn's win, Duke's lost aura and criticism of Hurley, then recap a fight Boomer witnessed at the NYPD vs. FDNY hockey game. Jerry's final update highlights Al's frustration with callers alongside sounds from UConn's win and the Mets' loss where fans booed Bo Bichette. After comments from Nolan McLean and Aaron Glenn, the Moment of the Day focuses on sitting down to pee. Finally, NFL league meetings and a closing discussion on unconventional late-night bathroom habits.
Yanks off to a good start, but Mets fans already have Bichette and Lovelady in the crosshairs.
Mets fans were too quick to boo Bo Bichette but he will be fine.
The story comes full circle. After a shocking medical emergency during Mets Opening Day at Citi Field, the fan at the center of it all joins Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle live on WFAN. Martin shares what he remembers from the moment he collapsed, reveals it was NOT a heart attack, and delivers an emotional thank you to the Good Samaritans, ER doctor, and first responders who rushed to save him. From chaos in the stands to walking out of the hospital the same night — this is an incredible, feel-good New York story you don't want to miss.
The hour kicks off with Bruce Beck's infectious positivity as the Mets are on Peacock and NBC today. Jerry starts his update with fan calls and the Mets starting lineup, while David Stearns reflects on being just a year old during the 1986 season. The Moment of the Day with Gio's theory on Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne. We wrap up the hour focusing on Opening Day and the 40th anniversary of the Mets' last World Series championship.
We talked to a few people on the way to the Mets game. Jerry has the lineup for the Mets. David Stearns said the 1986 series was so far back he was only a year old. The Mets should have made a video with Grimace, Hawk Tua Girl and the Gay Mets. The Moment of The Day: Gio's theory on how Paul Skenes got Livvy Dunne.
Hour 4: Opening Night was a big success for the Yankees. Mets fans need to start shooting for the stars. Getting ready for Jerry Seinfeld on After Hours and why robo umps are a welcome change.
What up world? You think we can't be friends with Mets fans? We can! We are honored and we are humbled...to have first time guest and Mets obsessive Josh Bernstein (Z2 Comics, Danny Wimmer Presents, Paranormal Prison) on the program, along with returning (champion?) Mets PHAN Jesse M as we ponder the Mets and Phils fortunes in 2026.Long story short - it's really gonna go down to the wire in September. It's a given. Tell you what, I'll keep it short this week so you can get right to enjoying a DOUBLE WIDE EPISODE of Hoagie Mouth. PLAY BALL!Email: hoagiemouthpod@gmail.comIG: @hoagiemouthpod
Samantha Croston and Ashley Wenskoski are BACK for a pre-Opening Day episode of the Why am I a Mets Fan? Podcast!! We are catching up on the last pieces of info from Mets spring training, including Carson Benge making the team - PLUS predicting how this season will go. We also have EXCLUSIVE interviews from Syracuse Mets media day, including bytes from Jonah Tong, Ronny Mauricio, and Ryan Clifford. Join us!! 00:00-8:25: Happy Opening Day!! Peralta/Stearns presser 8:26-11:30: Carson Benge is the Mets OPENING DAY right fielder 11:31-14:34: Mets are starting off with a five-man rotation...WITHOUT Sean Manaea 14:35-22:34: Mets Opening Day outlook and season win total PREDICTIONS 22:35-28:28: Howie Rose is RETIRING after this season 28:29-33:00: JONAH TONG on his feelings on starting the season in Triple-A Syracuse 33:01-34:07: RONNY MAURICIO on what he hopes to work on in AAA, Soto influence 34:08-39:19: RYAN CLIFFORD on outlook for this season 39:20-51:38: Syracuse Mets manager DICK SCOTT on Carson Benge making the team, where Mauricio will play, Nolan McLean in the WBC, Mets farm system ranked No. 5 nationally, Jonah Tong & Christian Scott 51:39-53:49: The Trumpets don't belong in Los Angeles and goodbye!! #mets #mlb #mlbb #mlbbshorts #mlbbcreatorcamp #mlblb #mlbbcreator #newyork #newyorkmets #metsbaseball #losangeles #losangelesdodgers #dodgers #syracuse #syracusemets #minorleaguebaseball #milb #sports #baseball #podcast FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: @WhyMetsPod on Youtube/X/Instagram @SamCroston1 and @AshleyWenskTV on Twitter (X) LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.flowcode.com/page/whymetspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The clip is everywhere: Aaron Glenn at the Combine looking like he's “resting his eyes” on national TV. The show opens by defending how brutally boring the Combine is, then gets real about what matters in 2026, optics. For a Jets coach already under a microscope, that moment turns into instant Jets lore, and the crew debates whether he will ever shake it once the season starts. Then the calls flood in and the Jets embarrassment fatigue is loud. Connor Green speaks for the fan base that is tired of becoming a weekly meme, while callers argue whether this is harmless, unacceptable, or a sign of bigger problems. The conversation also touches the fallout of the Jermaine Johnson trade and why the Jets absolutely have to hit on their premium draft picks. From there it's back to the Giants: draft smoke, Kayvon Thibodeaux trade chatter, and the larger question of who is actually safe as Big Blue reshapes the roster. The show also digs into the anxiety of losing free agents and how quickly “cap savings” turns into desperation when you still need starters. And yes, the Mets take over a chunk of the hour too. Carlos Mendoza names Freddie Peralta the Opening Day starter, which sparks the debate Mets fans did not want: should the homegrown phenom Nolan McLean have gotten the honor, especially with Paul Skenes lined up on the other side? The crew breaks down why the Peralta choice feels like a recruitment pitch for an impending free agent, why fans wanted the electric McLean vs. Skenes matchup, and whether “your ace must start Opening Day” is a hard rule or just a tradition.
People might throw it in Mets fans faces when he hits a HR, but the team didn't want him anymore. We also get into all the streaming and regional networks for sports and the cost of it all.
ow much should Olympic gold really matter to fans compared to a championship from your favorite team? A passionate hockey fan calls in to explain why representing your country means everything to players who've worn USA colors since childhood, but does that translate to the same emotional investment for fans? The conversation shifts to the unique path of hockey stars, why their stories aren't told the way football or basketball prospects are, and why that disconnect can make it harder for casual fans to feel attached. Then it turns to baseball and the emotional fallout from losing Pete Alonso. Are Mets fans truly furious… or just venting? Evan defends the idea that outrage fades once games start, while history shows that losing franchise icons often hurts more because the team collapses afterward. Plus, ticket-price nostalgia, Super Bowl memories, East Coast sports bias, and the lengths fans will (or won't) go to see a former star in a rival uniform. A wide-ranging segment on fandom, loyalty, and why winning ultimately cures everything.