text: how can people still get into baseball? johnny damon's career was established with the red sox.  through his long hair and beard, red sox fans accepted and loved johnny.  they built him a hero overnight.  then...damon takes a contract with the red sox's arch rivals and polar opposites the new york yankees for a bigger pay check.    why do people still respect baseball and actually have a favorite team? well for the reason you just said. i am a s.f giants fan and one of the only main reasons i am such a fan is because of bonds. i have been a fan of his for 10 years, and i wouldnt know what to do if he left. i dont really mind all the steroid things, but thats besides the point. the point is that theres one aspect that you like about the team, and usually it is the player. i also like the stadium, which has one of the best atmospheres in all of baseball. i know the red sock's fans are crazy and exciting, so the best way to get back in is to go to couple games. just seeing others so excited will get you motivated as well. it works here in s.f. since a lot of people go to games and get excited over bonds. but i must say, when bonds leaves in a year or so, it will never be there same and it will be me asking your same exact question. :(