The Toronto Blue Jays’ push for a World Series appearance is undoubtedly attracting new fans. But whether you’re a new Jays fan or not, research at the U of R is examining the influences at play that make a person cheer for one team over another. Research shows parents, especially fathers, play an influential role in you becoming a sports fan. But that’s not the whole story. There’s growing evidence that children can have a huge impact as well, which can have marketing implications for professional sports teams.