I don't know about the rest of you but I grew up in a family that was pretty much not into sports so I had to kind of pick my teams as a kid for whatever reason grabbed me.
My first love was the Reds. Where I grew up football wasn't that popular and the BRM was in its prime. The 1990 WS was by far the biggest thing in my sports life up untill 2002. Its amazing how much passion I still feel for a team that sucks so mightily and has minimal prospects of ever getting better.
My second love was the Steelers because like I said, no one in my family had any interest to tell me different and they were awsome in the late 70's. I guess you could say thats bandwagon but if you jump on the bandwagon at age 9 and stay the rest of your life I think your ok.
The OSU attraction was always there but really took off once we moved from Ohio when I was 10. From that day to this one, I have lived among enemy fans and my support for OSU has as much to do with the school as it does with being a symbol of where I am from. You fellow expatriated Ohion's know what I'm talking about. I couldn't be prouder of where I am from and the people I grew up around.
This is the the reason I get so pissed when I sense a condescending attitude from OSU alums towards those who support OSU but never attended. I believe 100% that it means more to me than it does to them.
The last team I chose was actually the Lakers in the early 80's. There was no natural team to gravitate towards and I simply liked Magic more than Bird. Again, a bandwagon type decison but I was 13 or 14 and never strayed from my loyalty once it was given. By far the most rewarding team to follow as far as championships go.
Sorry I got off topic but the reason why people choose a sports team and if they stay loyal has always intereseted me. It comes up a lot down here when people scratch their haed and wonder why the Jags don't have a hardcore fan base.
Rat Bastard.