SAN ANTONIO – Game 1 of the Spurs’ playoff run tips off Sunday, and the team’s fan base is louder — and more united — than ever.
What began as a single, spirited supporters’ section has grown into multiple groups inside the arena, each bringing its own style and energy. Among them are the longtime “Baseline Bums” and the newer, high-energy “Jackals.” Despite early differences, both share the same mission: fuel the San Antonio Spurs with relentless support.
For Jacob Esquivel and his father, Pepe Esquivel, that passion is a family affair. Jacob is a member of the Spurs Jackals while Pepe has proudly held the title of Baseline Bum for over 20 years. Their connection to the Spurs runs deep, as Pepe raised Jacob on game nights, instilling a love for the team from a young age.
“He’s come with me to the games, and it’s pretty much how he’s grown up,” Pepe said, reflecting on the many memories they’ve created together at the AT&T Center.
Last season marked a turning point for Spurs fans. The excitement surrounding star rookie Victor Wembanyama propelled the formation of a new fan group — the Jackals. This emergence allowed Jacob Esquivel to carve out his own identity within the Spurs culture.
Now a key member of the Jackals, Jacob plays a vital role in leading the section’s energy. “I’m the drummer,” he shared enthusiastically. “We have a big bass drum, and I like being the heartbeat of the section. It keeps everybody together and amplified.”
As the Jackals gained traction, some tension surfaced between the newer group and the established Baseline Bums, reflecting generational differences among fans. “There was probably a little bit of animosity,” Pepe acknowledged. “A little turf — like, ‘This is ours, we’re the original supporter group.’ And then from the Jackals, ‘We’re newer, younger, louder.’ But we wanted to bridge that.”
That bridge is already taking shape, as members of both groups have begun collaborating, even creating Spurs-themed friendship bracelets that symbolize unity as they head into the postseason. “One team, one city,” Pepe Esquivel emphasized. “We’re not just the Baseline Bums or the Jackals. We’re all Spurs fans.”
Their shared goal transcends sections or labels: to transform the entire arena into a true “sixth man.” “We want the whole arena supporting our team and booing the visiting team,” Jacob declared with conviction.
Different sections. Different styles. Same passion. As playoff basketball returns, Spurs fans are determined to make their presence felt — together.
