When Ed Anzalone relinquished his role as "Fireman Ed" this week, he wasn't just hanging up his hat. He was leaving an exclusive group of fans whose passion is hard for many of us to comprehend. Through thick and thin, these people are in the stands, cheering their lungs out and often wearing extremely bizarre outfits.
"Diehard" isn't a strong enough word for these people. No, they're "superfans."
The Best Superfans In Sports Slideshow
Ashley Judd (Kentucky)
Kentucky basketball runs in Judd's blood. She spent the majority of her childhood going to basketball games at Rupp Arena, and she went on to graduate from Kentucky. Judd still attends lots of games, and she has even written at length about the Wildcats.
Jack Nicholson (Los Angeles Lakers)
Nicholson (center) has been a presence on the court at the Staples Center and the Forum for more than 40 years. He's been noted to get livid at the games, and was nearly ejected during a 2003 playoff game between the Lakers and the Spurs. He's often seen with his friend Lou Adler (left), a director and record producer.
Spike Lee (New York Knicks)
Lee has become so engaged in games that many Knicks fans blamed him for energizing Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller during the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. As Lee grew up in Brooklyn, some wondered whether he would switch allegiances when the Nets moved to his borough. Not to worry, Knicks fans, Lee has maintained his allegiance to the orange and blue.
Will Ferrell (USC)
A USC alum, Ferrell can be seen occasionally on the sidelines at the Los Angeles Coliseum. When Pete Carroll was still coaching USC, the two used to collaborate on motivational stunts during practice.
Ronnie Woo Woo (Chicago Cubs)
Named for his passionate "Woo!" cheer, Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers is a Wrigley Field legend.
Vinny Milano (New York Yankees)
Perhaps the most prominent of all Bleacher Creatures, "Bald Vinny" leads the pre-game introductions in the bleachers at Yankee Stadium. It's an incredible tradition, a must-see if you've never heard of it.
Darrell Bailey (Los Angeles Clippers)
Bailey (aka Clipper Darrell) has been a regular at Clippers games for decades, attracted to the team after sympathizing with their seemingly perpetual "down and out" destiny. He's been to almost every Clippers game since 2000, and if he hadn't spent a few nights in the hospital in 2010, maybe his streak would still be alive.
Jimmy Goldstein (Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers)
Goldstein's outfits fit perfectly in the group, even if his demeanor doesn't necessarily. He doesn't yell like Ronnie Woo Woo or Bald Vinny, but he attends as many games. A speculated billionare, Goldstein has received high praise from commissioner David Stern. "James Goldstein is our largest investor in NBA tickets in the world," Stern said.
John Adams (Cleveland Indians)
Adams and his rally drum have been through more than 3,000 Indians games together over the past four decades. He is practically a legend at Progressive Field in Cleveland, and he even threw out a ceremonial first pitch in the 2007 American League Divisional Series.
Thomas Phillips (Miami Dolphins)
A staple at Dolhpins games for 17 years, Thomas Phillips (aka Big Papa Pump) was in the headlines recently for ripping Fireman Ed after Anzalone relinquished his position.
The Sign Man (Philadelphia Flyers)
Dave Leonardi has been holding up humorous, 19-by-22 inch signs at Flyers games since 1972.
The Hogettes (Washington Redskins)
A tradition in Washington since 1983, these 12 guys wear snouts, dresses and garden hats to Redskins games. The Hogettes, several of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Hall of Fans, have made charities a significant part of their group. Over the years they've donated millions of dollars to charitable causes.
The Green Guys (Vancouver Canucks)
Adam Scott and Jon Hamm got the idea for their costume from the character Charlie Kelly on "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia." They've been wrecking havoc on players in the penalty box at Vancouver Canucks games over the past few years, and they've even received a warning from the NHL for their over-the-top stunts.
Banjo Man (Oakland A's)
Stacy Samuels is a Bay Area legend, having played his banjo at almost every professional venue in the Bay. Now he sticks mostly to A's games, where he's played for the past 28 years.
