Stuff You Should Know: Short Stuff – The Wave

Hosted by Josh and Chuck, with Jerry filling in for Dave.

Introduction

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, titled "Short Stuff: The Wave", hosts Josh and Chuck delve into the fascinating history, cultural impact, and scientific analysis of the iconic crowd phenomenon known as "The Wave." Skipping over the usual advertisements and intros, the hosts engage in a spirited discussion exploring the origins, evolution, and diverse opinions surrounding this beloved sports tradition.

Origins of The Wave

Chuck kicks off the conversation by expressing curiosity about the origins of The Wave:

"[00:48] Chuck: If you don't know what you mean. Yeah. It's now kind of all over the world in various places. But it started out as American thing that people would do in the stands at sports games..."

Josh adds to the explanation, highlighting the mechanics of The Wave:

"[01:17] Josh: Yeah. Because after they raised their arms over their head standing up, they would sit back down and the next section would do it and it would just move seamlessly when done correctly..."

The Wave, as described, involves spectators standing and raising their arms in sequence around a stadium, creating a wave-like motion that traverses the crowd.

Crazy George Henderson vs. Rob Weller: The Inventors' Duel

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unraveling the contentious claimants to the invention of The Wave: Crazy George Henderson and Rob Weller.

Crazy George Henderson's Claim:

"[03:08] Josh: Yep, 1984. Don't forget that part. So as wholesome as I think the Wave is, it turns out there's actually like a fair bit of controversy around it..."

Chuck recounts Henderson's attempt to popularize The Wave during an Oakland Athletics game in 1981:

"[04:28] Chuck: George Henderson is our first entrance into the wave invention sweepstakes because he was a San Jose State cheerleader who graduated college... He gets fans to do a version of the wave."

However, this early version was more of a "proto wave," lacking the fluidity that defines the modern Wave.

Rob Weller's Claim:

"[05:49] Chuck: The second entrant into the Wave sweepstakes is a guy named Rob Weller. He's from Tacoma, Washington, and was... he was known as the Yel King, AKA the greatest cheerleader in UW history..."

Weller introduced an alternative version called the "expandable cheer," which deviated from Henderson's approach. A pivotal moment occurred during a Halloween game in 1981, where band director Bill Bissell suggested adjusting Weller's expandable cheer to propagate outward rather than upward, leading to the refined Wave:

"[07:13] Chuck: So he did the Wave. He had people do the Wave, but it was section by section and it would go from bottom to top."

This collaboration between Weller and Bissell is credited with shaping The Wave into its recognizable form.

Adoption and Spread of The Wave

By the mid-1980s, The Wave had firmly taken root in American sports culture, albeit with variations across different stadiums. Chuck notes:

"[10:31] Josh: So, by the mid-1980s, the wave had really caught on, though. No matter who invented it, every stadium had their own version."

Notable adaptations included the "silent wave" at Michigan Stadium and creative twists like jingling car keys to accompany the motion. The Wave's popularity extended beyond baseball, embedding itself in various sporting events worldwide.

The Mexican Wave Phenomenon

While The Wave originated in the United States, it gained international acclaim during the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Josh highlights:

"[12:16] Chuck: Because it started in Mexico."

The term "Mexican Wave" emerged globally, as fans across the world witnessed and adopted this spirited crowd activity during the World Cup, cementing its status as a universal sports tradition.

Scientific Analysis of The Wave

Intriguingly, The Wave has attracted academic interest. In 2002, physicists from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences conducted a study published in the esteemed journal Nature, analyzing the dynamics of The Wave through computer models. Chuck summarizes their findings:

"[13:30] Josh: It was in America. In the United States, I should say, for the rest of the world, if you're talking about the wave, you might be listening and being like, I think I know what they're talking about. We don't call it the wave. We call it the Mexican wave."

Key parameters examined included:

1. Distance Between Spectators: The spacing of individuals influences the wave's propagation speed and continuity.
2. Number of Neighbors Visible: This affects how quickly the wave can spread across the crowd.
3. Readiness to Participate: The willingness of individuals to join in is crucial for sustaining the wave.

A notable discovery was that merely 20 to 30 enthusiastic participants could successfully initiate The Wave, especially in a receptive and jovial crowd environment.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite its popularity, The Wave isn't without its detractors. Critics argue that The Wave can detract from the game's focus and sometimes disrupt the atmosphere. Josh reflects on the mixed sentiments:

"[15:19] Josh: So there are people out there who are like, I don't like the wave. I don't like it if we're up 7 to nothing. I don't like it."

Additional criticisms include:

• Distracting Timing: Initiating The Wave during crucial moments of a game can be seen as disrespectful or disruptive.
• Authenticity of Sports Fandom: Some purists believe engaging in The Wave indicates a lack of genuine interest in the sport.

In response to these criticisms, a movement called Stop the Wave emerged, advocating against the practice. Even Rob Weller considered joining this movement but ultimately decided against it to preserve the joy The Wave brings to many fans.

"[15:39] Josh: So, yeah, some people who don't like it say that it detracts focus from the game... There is a website called stopthewave.net, which is now a Facebook group..."

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of The Wave

Despite the debates surrounding its inception and impact, The Wave has remained a cherished tradition in sports arenas worldwide. Its ability to unify thousands of fans in a synchronized display of enthusiasm underscores its significance beyond mere entertainment. As Josh aptly concludes:

"[16:52] Chuck: Do the Wave instead."

The Wave continues to symbolize the communal spirit of sports, bridging individual experiences into a collective celebration.

Notable Quotes:

• "For my money, it's one of the best things that could ever happen to you is to be in a really good wave. Oh, my God. I find them so thrilling." – Josh [01:17]
• "He had people do the Wave, but it was section by section and it would go from bottom to top." – Chuck [07:28]
• "Stop the Wave movement with bumper stickers and everything. And then he stopped himself." – Josh [16:34]

Podcast Production: "Stuff You Should Know" is a production of iHeartRadio, available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.

This summary captures the essence of the discussion between Josh and Chuck, highlighting the key points about The Wave's history, cultural significance, scientific interest, and the debates it has sparked among sports fans.