Cautiously cheering: How sports superfans are adapting to COVID
/Andrew Hermida is a renowned artist based in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He has earned acclaim for his annual project illustrating the scene in the stands at Citi Field during every Mets home game. Illustrations by Andrew Hermida
Illustrations and interviews by Andrew Hermida. Text by David Brand
The country’s biggest professional sports leagues are finalizing plans to return to the field, the court and the rink for real-live competition in the coming months. It’s great news for superfans from Queens to San Francisco.
But there’s also an element of ambivalence. Spectators, including the famous fans who rally the cheering masses, will be shut out of Citi Field in Flushing, the Prudential Center in New Jersey and venues across the United States as leagues lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
That means “Patchman” Phil Merget’s intricately embroidered Mets outfit will hang in the closet for most of the summer. New Jersey “Devils Guy” will get all painted up with nowhere to go. And the Raiders’ famous “Violator” — aka Wayne Mabry — won’t be visiting the Black Hole any time soon.
Illustrator Andrew Hermida talked with seven sports superfans about how they plan to root for their teams this year, and what they plan to do when the gates reopen and crowds return.
Interviews and illustrations by Andrew Hermida. See more of Hermida’s work on his website, Hermsterms.com and on Instagram @hermherman
