People that know me, even the casual acquaintances that I see during my workday, know that I'm a Cub fan. To some of them, I'm sure that's my sole identifying characteristic.
"There goes that lady that's a big Cub fan" as if I walk around with a big red 'C' on my forehead.
But lately, with my team exiting the post-season with nothing but a whimper, I've been the recipient of many concerned looks.
"Are you okay?"
People, please! It's not like someone ran over my dog. As a longtime Cub fan, I've learned to temper any raging enthusiasm, any urge of "we're gonna win it all!" with memories of past disappointments. I've learned that Cub fans have thick skins. At least they should.
The cashier at my lunchtime spot gave me that mournful look of sympathy and it triggered a thought.
The Cubs last participated in the World Series in 1945, but since 1984, the Cubs have played in the post-season five times. FIVE TIMES!! Okay, they haven't won "the whole thing" in my lifetime (yet), but I've felt that rush of seeing the red-white-and-blue bunting hanging from the brick walls of Wrigley.
It seems that many so-called baseball fans are defining success in very black-and-white terms. Hey! Only one team wins the World Series. One! Does that mean that the other 29 teams in baseball are utter failures?!?!
Winning a pennant doesn't mean anything? How about taking home a division title? Or going from last place to first place in one year? Can you honestly say those aren't terrific accomplishments?
It's not all-or-nothing for me.
Would you tell your child that if they don't collect straight As on their report card that they must be stupid?
I think not!
Opening Day for the Cubs is March 31, 2008.
Save me a seat.
Friday, October 12, 2007
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