Chicago Cubs fans are a loyal bunch; I'll give them that. After 100 years without a championship they are more confident than ever that this is their year to win a World Series. But as most baseball fans are familiar, this is not a new trend. Yes, they currently have a great record and are leading the National League Central over the St. Louis Cardinals, but this year is no different than any of the past 100.
The Cubs do not have what it takes to win the World Series. Period.
I have no intention of concealing where my loyalties lie. I am from St. Louis, I bleed Cardinal red and always have. I made the trip over the Fourth of July weekend to Busch Stadium in St. Louis and had the pleasure of witnessing the Cardinals beat the Cubs on Saturday afternoon. During the bottom of the ninth inning, the Cubs led the Cardinals 4-2, and with the bases loaded and two outs, Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel stepped up to the plate to face Cubs closer Kerry Wood. The whole stadium was buzzing, and I knew what was going to happen. The interesting thing about the situation was that the Cubs fans on either side of me also knew what was coming. I could see the defeat in their eyes before the pitch was thrown.
With one crack of Ankiel's bat, the Cardinals won the game with a single up the middle. Call it home field advantage, but it's more than that. The Cubs do not possess winning character, and in big moments they have choked for a century. And please do not blame Steve Bartman, because that's just as ridiculous as hilarious.
I appreciate a good baseball rivalry, and the Cubs and Cardinals have one of the best in the game. Being proud and supporting your team is an essential part of being a fan, but placing a team that has lost for 100 years as "God's gift to baseball" is just plain ignorant. I completely understand sticking up for your team, but choose your battles wisely.
Here is some friendly advice for you Cubs fans: Take one day at a time and don't look too far into the future. Predicting big wins and championships probably isn't a good idea. Historically, this plan hasn't worked out too well. This article is not meant to be hateful or malicious, but rather to help the Cubs and their fans come to the harsh realization that this year has a GOOD chance of ending like the last, oh say, 100.
The Cubs were heavily favored to win the NL Central while the Cardinals were projected to finish last by many baseball experts. With a roster hampered by injuries, the Cardinals are still a close second behind the Cubs in mid-July. A roster that boasts few major stars has carried the Cardinals through the season. That is winning character.
The point being, the Cubs have a large, dark, 100-year cloud of failure that will follow them for another century. Wearing your Cubs gear, bragging about their winnings and proclaiming the Cubs "greatness" to the world will not clear the skies, my furry little friends. The best thing Cubs fans can do for themselves and their team is to keep quiet until they actually win a World Series (this century). A few months from now this article might come back to bite me, but at least then Cubs fans will actually have a platform to boast from.
Write to Taylor attmorf@bsu.edu
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