And: why do people identify so very very strongly with teams? How on earth is it any reflection on you, whether or not a winning effort is forthcoming from a bunch of other guys who don't even know you?

That always cracks me up. My brother and father are actually in a bad mood the day after the NY Giants lose an "important" game. I use that word in quotes because I doubt it's actually important.

I watch and enjoy the local high school football team, but I do know some of those guys (or their families) and I feel like I'm watching my small town succeed. I also go to the band concerts and drama club plays, so it's not a sports thing, it's a civic thing.