Why Girls Dig Sports?

I know I’ve already written an introduction post about this blog when it first launched. But someone asked me this question yesterday:

Why Girls Dig Sports?

In other words, he was wondering why I write for the blog or feel the need to write for a blog dedicated to women who love sports. I wrote my answer this morning.

Name five players on the Buffalo Bills. I’ve gotten this question before, usually from unsuspecting men at the bar who I’ve just met. It’s the same old story. Girl watches sports. Girl loves sports. Yet, girl must still prove she’s worthy enough to talk sports with boy.

Why is that? In this day and age you would think it would be a non-issue. But it still is. Women love sports. Lot’s of them, even. But some guys are still surprised to find out that I have a favorite football team (sorry, it’s not the Bills) and that I actually know the names of players, both active and retired, on said team, that I can rattle of statistics at the snap of my fingers regarding most professional sports, or that I can even put forth a good argument and back up my position with solid sports facts. Their eyes widen and their mouths gape, even when they try to hide it.

I’m used to this kind of reaction by now. It doesn’t even faze me anymore. But I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t still irk me to some extent. Michelle Tafoya is a regular on ESPN radio, spouting witty and educated commentary every Wednesday along side Mike Tirico. And without Robin Roberts evening out the fold, ESPN’s PrimeTime sort of fell out of favor. When Roberts left there just seemed as though something was missing. These women and others have made it a little easier for women like me who love sports, love to talk sports and who want an even playing field (pun not intended) on which to discuss sports.

I’m a frequent watcher of ESPN. I catch Pardon the Interruption with Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon whenever I get home from work in time. I read the sports page of the Buffalo News and browse ESPN.com when I can. I listen to ESPN radio and light up when I hear a woman call in because I know I’m not the only woman listening. I live, breath, play and watch sports so much that my entire year is segmented in my mind according to professional sports schedules. I try, if I can, to plan activities around playoff games. I even associate seasons with a particular sport. Every fall, I gear up for football. During those long, cozy winter days I watch a mix of hockey, basketball and football. And once spring hits, I can smell the NCAA tournament coming. Summer is reserved for watching hockey and basketball playoffs, and the occasional soccer game or tennis match. And that’s my year in a nutshell. That’s the mind of woman who loves sports.

I wish there were more forums for women like myself to talk sports. Most blogs, radio shows and television programs regarding sports are geared toward men. I understand the reason. I’m just saying I wish there were better outlets for women. That is why I jumped at the chance to write this blog. I wanted to give other women like myself a forum to discuss sports without feeling intimidated or as though they had to prove themselves.

I no longer feel as though I have to prove myself in order to partake in sports-related discussions, but I’m still mindful of who I am talking to. And just for the record, Brian Moorman, Marshawn Lynch, John DiGorgio, Terrance McGee, Paul Posluszny. Oh wait, that’s more than five.