The infestation is worse now than ever before.
It started a few weeks ago, and it’s been spreading exponentially every day. Don’t be too concerned; everything should return to normal within two more weeks.
It is rather surprising, though.
Somehow, this football town has become overrun with baseball fans.
The Penn State football team – the golden calf of Central Pennsylvania – has only lost one game this season and is nearing the top spot in the Big Ten, but it’s been receiving a heavy dose of middle child syndrome recently.
The Yankees and the Phillies are facing off in the World Series, and it’s one of the best matchups a baseball fan could want: the reigning world champions against the best record in baseball.
The Bronx Bombers found a way last night to take an even larger step ahead of the Phillies in the seven-game series and are now just one step away from a parade of their own.
On the eastern side of the state, highway signs call for a World Series repeat, and diner waitresses write “Go Phils!” on checks. It’s easy to do; most of their customers are Phillies fans anyway.
But in State College, there’s no such guarantee.
About 200 miles away from “The House that Jeter Built,” fans of both teams have filled the streets, the bars and the HUB lounge.
Cheers of “Rauuuuuuul” are challenged by those of “Hip, hip, Jorge!” Some good-natured jeers litter the night State College sky daily. And, occasionally, the jeers are not so good-natured.
Either way, a visitor would never know that the Nittany Lions had a game of their own this weekend. Or that they have a much more important game coming up next weekend.
I’m no medium, but I’m calling a forecast of pinstripes for the Paternoville campout.
For full disclosure: I’m a lifelong Phillies fan. As I type this, I’m sporting my 2008 World Series Champions sweatshirt and a Chase Utley T-shirt.
That being said, it’s rather nice being in a town of split loyalties.
As nice as it would be to surround oneself with other Utley fans, having to share a bar with an A-Rod fan keeps one in check. Debates are more intelligent and showing support is absolutely necessary.
There are up to three games left in the series (Yanks fans will say there’s only one more), so take advantage of the unique situation we’re in here in State College.
Fans of both teams: You’re not alone in a foreign town, and you’re not home. Find your spot downtown and claim a table early. Then get ready to be a quality fan.
Know your team, know your key points for the inevitable argument that night and show your colors…for now.
Besides, we’ll all be in blue and white at the end of the week anyway.
