Here comes the bandwagon

You're dead wrong.  The Rays have had a small but vehemently loyal fan base for 11 years.  But to expect everyone to immediately get on board when all we've dealt with is pure misery is not remotely realistic.  You build your fanbase by winning.  This is the first time in the HISTORY of the franchise that they've been winning.  That's how you win over the skeptics.  But remember it has NEVER happened before. 

It's not fair to call every Rays fan "bandwagon" now because people are getting excited and attending games in greater numbers.  There was NOTHING to cheer for before, EVER.  That's the difference.  We don't have 100 years of history to look back on - just 10 years of total crap.  So give us locals a break.

If the Red Sox had never in their history had a winning record, would anyone care about them?  This is their first time in history that they are doing well so why shouldnt people be excited?

Also, people like myself, whose hometown team is sucking a$$ right now (Cleveland Indians), I am going to get on board with a feel good story.  Why would I root for the Yankees or Red Sox?  I am pretty sure I have seen them in the playoffs and World Series for the last 50 million years. 

I am an Indians fan and I still root for them, but since they certainly aren't going anywhere, I am pulling for the Rays.  I would rather see a young upstart team in the playoffs than to watch the Sox/Yankees again. 

I dont think people are fans because they are winning.  The Angels are winning, so are the White Sox and Diamondbacks.  People are on board with the Rays because its something new and exciting.  There is a big difference between a fairweather fan and fans of something completely new.