The fair-weather fan has a challenge. He has to figure out how the team is performing to know how to cheer. He has to know that the team is winning in order to wear the team colors. He has to check the numbers to set his allegiance.

The true fan cheers from the heart. She loves the team no matter the score or the record. She roots for the team whether they’re up or they’re down. It’s about the team, not the stats they’re posting this week.

And perhaps there’s a metaphor here. Strong families ... enduring relationships ... they’re built with the spirit of a true fan. Better or worse. Scoring or scoreless. Their commitment is through and through ... and the weather’s not a factor.