As a 'Gen-X' guy, I've seen the rise of the cell phone. From my high school days in a small town, when cell phones were for the well-off only. (Need to call mom and dad to let them know you'll be late coming home? Better have a quarter for the pay-phone.) To my stead-fast declaration that I'd never buy a cell phone. (Why would I want everybody to be able to reach me 24-7? Sounds like a hassle.) My stubbornness on that point would hamper me for years. Then I bought my first 'smart phone'. Game over. Now I'm checking my e-mail every chance I get. Any breaks at work? Time to get online and check one of the numerous sports sites, or AZ Desert Swarm and check out the news on the Wildcats. My trusty Samsung Moment keep me addicted with newer and better applications, seemingly weekly. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you've likely read a couple of stories written with my word processor app on my cell phone.
While my constant web-surfing is the most frequent use of my phone, it is not the use that has had the greatest effect on me personally. That conjures the image of an anti-social stat guy, huddled over his phone in the corner. My favorite use has been much more a social one. At work, talking sports with my coworkers, and being able to pull up the scores and stats of the game in question to enhance the conversation. At Arizona Stadium, reviewing the scores of other games around the country, and having your entire section leaning in to chime in on what effect that will have on the Wildcats' ranking.
Or talking with an older sports fan. Yes, it may sound like torture to modern sports fans, but once upon a time, if your team's game wasn't televised on one of the very few channels on TV, your only option was (gasp) radio. Talking with a few of these older gentlemen, and seeing the reaction as I show them all that my trusty phone can do, is an awesome experience. Pulling up stats, scores, and even video of games, brings no small amount of joy. The age gap was essentially erased as we talked sports, trading opinions and criticisms. It wasn't an older guy and a younger guy awkwardly talking. It was two sports fans enjoying each others company.
This is the greatest gift of the technological advancements for sports fans. Not being able to huddle in your 'man-cave'. But rather, newer and better ways to bridge gaps and get together with other people. Thanks, unknown tech people. Our lives are more enjoyable for your inventions.
Got any stories of how modern tech has improved your sports experience? Leave a comment.