I have enjoyed the life-long social experiment of watching Cubs fans emotionally collapse in the "good years" as the team inevitably destructs as the days get shorter. Sometimes it is injuries and bad play. Other times it is running into a hot divisional rival or playoff foe. And occasionally it is a blow from some other unexplained science like goats or cats or...who knows what's next. My friend Beth writes in a comment to another post: As a youngster, I was a die hard Cubs Fan. After watching virtually every game in the 1969 season, the disenchantment began. For the next three decades I limited my viewing to post-season games only, because there is truly some great baseball in the fall. Needless to say the northsiders were not part of this. I watched my son go through the disappointment of rooting for the Cubbies only to have to endure the post-Bartman collapse. My father and my brother are rabid fans of the boys in blue and are always painfully involved...I think they are somehow related to Ron Santo.
I have been watching at arm's length throughout this season, and have been repeatedly surprised by their ability to win and in so many different ways. I believe in ways unique to teams that go on to play in October. I have been contemplating taking that leap of faith and diving into Cub Nation, heart first. Reverting to those immature beliefs in superstition and empty rituals. Despite all this, it's 8/29, they are 5 1/2 games ahead. They are 34 games over 500 with the same amount of games left to play. I'm thinking that the time has come to join Lou's Crew. Any thoughts?
I thought this captured the decades of anguish in our generation very well, and now the Cubs are losing consistently in September. I have warned several newcomers to our city about the ravages of being sucked into the Cubs' vortex. They are clearly the crack cocaine of professional sports. Unfortunately, I have saved few (Ryan, are you out there?).
I'm looking for opinions on the subject, and advice for Beth? What do you think?
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3 comments:
Dave,
Apparently I was not as well adjusted as I thought!. As you know, as soon as I sent this to you the historic, collapsible, loser Cubs showed up and have now lost 7 of 8. Is it because I let that thought leave my head or because I sat in someone else's chair to watch the game or because I have been wearing polka dot undies????? All thouse northside youthful superstitions and insecurities have returned. I feel like a goat!!!!
I understand the whole thought process behind the "bad karma" superstitions right now. I feel the same and have wondered if it was something that I have done (wearing my red Cubs shirt as opposed to the royal blue one!?!?!) to change their destiny this year.
Thankfully, Milwaukee and St. Louis are also doing poorly and helping us to dig out. Let's hope they continue on this road.
I suppose as this year comes to a close (with whatever happens/and how it will end up), we just have to be thankful for the thrills. One cannot argue it has been a very exciting season and have given Cub Fans much to ponder--just thinking of all the possibilities.
It is time, the pull is too great to resist any longer. Even if the joy in muddville is short-lived, I have to make that leap of faith. I have the fan clothing ready and I've locked up all superstition demons. It is time, GO CUBS GO!!!
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