I have been a fan of the Chicago Cubs for as long as I can remember. I was born in Chicago but my family moved back to California when I was three years old. I don’t remember anything from my time in Chicago but I was always proud to have been born in the Windy City. I may not remember much about living there, but I definitely took with me a love for the Cubs.
Loving the Cubs has never ended well for me. The best seasons have ended with frustration or indifference. The worst seasons have ended in soul-crushing heartache.
In 2003 the Cubs were five outs away from their first World Series since 1945. In the 8th inning, though, the Marlins scored eight runs after Steve Bartman interfered on a play and Alex Gonzalez booted a double play ball.
In 2007 and 2008, the Cubs were unceremoniously swept out of the first round of the playoffs. In 2008 the Cubs had the best record in baseball and couldn’t do anything in the playoffs. After that 2008 season things went downhill quickly. They had been trapped in a six-year slump, but that has all changed this year.
This year the Cubs are having their best season since 2008. They’re currently on a 21-4 tear, a run that hasn’t been matched since the 1930s. They have the fourth best record in baseball and are poised to make the playoffs. I literally haven’t been this excited about baseball in seven years.
There are a lot of great things about the Cubs playing well. I enjoy watching their games, which is good because I paid for MLB.TV at the beginning of the season. Also, when the Cubs get behind in a game, I believe that they will actually come back and win.
Everything isn’t great, though, with the Cubs winning. In recent years I stopped watching the Cubs by the middle of May. Even though I loved them, why would I want to submit myself to so much pain? This season, though, I am compelled to watch every game. Instead of reading comic books or playing video games, my free time has been consumed by Cubs baseball.
I knew that the Cubs were going to get good eventually, but I’m surprised they’re this good this soon. I thought they wouldn’t really hit their stride until next year. Even though they’re taking up a lot of my time, I’m still really happy to care about my favorite team again.
The Warriors already won the NBA Championship this year. Maybe the Cubs will add to my happiness in October.
What’s your attitude towards sports?
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