Rethinking Fandom Audiobook By Craig Calcaterra cover art

Rethinking Fandom

How to Beat the Sports-Industrial Complex at Its Own Game

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Rethinking Fandom

By: Craig Calcaterra
Narrated by: Gary Bennett
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A fundamental reevaluation of how to be a sports fan by an acclaimed baseball writer

Sports fandom isn’t what it used to be. Owners and executives increasingly count on the blind loyalty of their fans and too often act against the team’s best interest. Sports fans are left deliberating not only mismanagement but also political, health, and ethical issues.

In Rethinking Fandom: How to Beat the Sports Industrial Complex at Its Own Game, sportswriter and lifelong sports fan Craig Calcaterra outlines endemic problems with what he calls the sports-industrial complex, such as intentionally tanking a season to get a high draft pick, scamming local governments to build cushy new stadiums, actively subverting the players, as well as bad stadium deals, racism, concussions, and more.

But he doesn’t give up on professional sports. In the second half of the book, he proposes strategies to reclaim joy in fandom: rooting for players instead of teams, being a fair-weather fan, becoming an activist, and other clever solutions.

With his characteristic wit and piercing commentary, Calcaterra argues that fans have more power than they realize to change how their teams behave.

©2022 Craig Calcaterra (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing Sociology of Sports Sports
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I would’ve thought that this was blasphemous 30 years ago. But as I get older and realize that I spend too much time and emotional energy on what should be a fun diversion, I listened to this at the right time. I am unlikely to give up the teams that I have been a passionate fan for, but I do find it easier to go to bed and not worry about the result of a late night game, or feel the need to pay attention to all 162 games.

It’s interesting to see that someone who has made their living following baseball can still have that passion, but not ride the emotional roller coaster of any one team. And can reconcile some of the distasteful things about stewards of the game while still enjoying the game itself.

Thought provoking about something that most of us take for granted

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A well thought out and mindful piece that puts to words what I believe many individuals across all fandoms are feeling. Cannot recommend enough!

A nice rumination

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The points made throughout the book were conveyed incredibly well, and it’s caused me to do exactly what the title suggests. Calcaterra, like many Americans—and perhaps sports fans around the world—was indoctrinated into a sports obsessed culture. This includes purchasing memorabilia, following team and league discourse, and devoting a great deal of time towards what ultimately serves as entertainment. However, in reflecting on the histories of sports, the businesses at play, and our associations with the sports, he plainly states that we may be taking things too far. An overall excellent book that leads to further discussion.

A wonderfully reflective piece on our view of fandom

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