So, I think the difference is the games were still played in 87... In fact the Rams probably did OK. I remember my mom calling me at college after the Rams beat the Redskins that season.
And I didn't stop watching because I was mad at the players... although I was a bit probably. I stopped watching because the games weren't played and something else filled the void. But I wasn't a rabid fan of baseball anyway... it was really the hockey strike in the mid 90's that ended it for me. I think... that was a long time ago. lol But I was a pretty big hockey fan for a while.
The only sport I watch is football and even then its almost only the Rams that I watch. And other than the Triple Crown races I don't think I have watched any other sports at all.
I did go to a local dirt track last year and watch late model and modifieds tear it up for a few hours... that was fun. Still a rarity.