Do you people outside Toronto/GTA cheer for the Raps/Blue Jays?

[gei]

I'm a die hard Raps/Blue Jays fan... and was wondering if people outside of Toronto (more specifically, from other provinces) cheer for the Raptors/Blue Jays as well? Seeing as how they are the only Canadian teams in those leagues...

I know the rest of Canada (sadly) hates Toronto for some reason. But I was just watching these videos of the Vancouver Grizzlies...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knQnCPaDGEk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAeN5xcOsWU

...and personally I really wish Vancouver still had an NBA team. And if the Raps were out of the playoffs, but the grizz in, I would definitely be cheering my heart out for the other Canadian team.

So anyway, back to the original question... do you guys feel the same way about Toronto teams?

[aidzhsiah]

I live in Vancouver and my brother is a Raps fan.

I'll cheer for 'em just coz they're Canadian. Just like how I cheer for Nash and Magloire. But I'm not a crazy die hard fan. If they make the playoffs I'll cheer for them like crazy - part because of Canada, part to join in the fun with my brother and a big part because they're big underdogs. :D

I miss my Grizzlies :|

I think cheering for the Raps also helps delude myself into thinking that if the Raps are successful, maybe they'll see Canada really is a viable NBA market LOL

[MWM]

I live in London and nobody cheers harder for Sundin then me.

Go Leafs Go!

[Toronto]

Samuel L. Jackson is a big Raptors fan.

[canabiz]

I live in Ottawa and I do cheer for the Jays when they play. I don't know if the same can be said for people from Vancouver or Halifax though ?

Some people is still clinging to the thought that baseball is big in Canada. It is not. The novelty has worn off long time ago. It is America's game and not Canada's. There are more soccer fields and soccer players than baseball diamonds and participants in Canada. The last professional minor-league baseball team in Canada, the Ottawa Lynx, will skip town next year, thus leaving the Blue Jays as the only professional baseball team in this great country. I mean if you don't cheer for them, who would ?

I am not very fond of the NBA and its bling-bling image. I still remember Kenny Anderson's quote back when the league locked out its players or they went on strike (can't remember exactly which) I will catch the Raptors from time to time on TV because I am a sports bettor but I have no problem with the moving away, so that NBA will be back on ProLine again!!

[xopt1js]

My girlfriend lives in Newfoundland and I have found that most of the people I have met there, do cheer for Toronto teams. Lots of Leafs fans, some Montreal fans due to the closer proximity, but seems as though they support the Raps and Jays.

[MkmBandit]

Ive always thought of the Jays and Raps as 'Canada's' Teams. I think the players, the organizations, and the fans mostly feel the same way. I know when the Raps play, they're not only playing for Toronto, but Canada as a whole. I'm glad alot of people dont let the rivalry with the Leafs get in the way of cheering for Canada's teams

[gordholio]

Should the Blue Jays or Raptors get to the finals, the whole nation will be cheering them on I would think.

[UrbanPoet]

I live in Vancouver and my brother is a Raps fan.

I'll cheer for 'em just coz they're Canadian. Just like how I cheer for Nash and Magloire. But I'm not a crazy die hard fan. If they make the playoffs I'll cheer for them like crazy - part because of Canada, part to join in the fun with my brother and a big part because they're big underdogs. :D

I miss my Grizzlies :|

I think cheering for the Raps also helps delude myself into thinking that if the Raps are successful, maybe they'll see Canada really is a viable NBA market LOL

Canada is a viable market for basketball... raptors attendence is actuallyl in the upper tier of spectator attendence in the NBA.

[CHINAdeals]

My girlfriend lives in Newfoundland and I have found that most of the people I have met there, do cheer for Toronto teams. Lots of Leafs fans, some Montreal fans due to the closer proximity, but seems as though they support the Raps and Jays.

newfoundland i would've guessed b/c of st. john's maple leafs.

[aidzhsiah]

Canada is a viable market for basketball... raptors attendence is actuallyl in the upper tier of spectator attendence in the NBA.

Vancouver Grizzlies average attendance is higher than Memphis Grizzlies average attendance too. But it didn't stop Vancouver from losing millions of dollars every year. There's more factors than just attendance.

Because of the Vancouver Grizzlies, Vancouver's not even being considered when it comes to moving a team and nor is any other Canadian metro area.

[canabiz]

Vancouver Grizzlies average attendance is higher than Memphis Grizzlies average attendance too. But it didn't stop Vancouver from losing millions of dollars every year. There's more factors than just attendance.

Because of the Vancouver Grizzlies, Vancouver's not even being considered when it comes to moving a team and nor is any other Canadian metro area.

Nicely put.

Basically, Vancouver had its chances and 'twas time to move on. Remember, Winnipeg, Quebec City, Halifax etc don't even have any NHL teams, well not anymore, What is the chances of Canada landing another NBA franchise ?

I would bet you that it's slim to none. Be happy and thankful that we still got the Raps!