In recent days, two people who post here who I have great respect for -- drewishdrewid and Shanghai Badger -- have made these two posts describing the nature of being a fan, how and why they became Cubs fans, and offered some of their thoughts on why the discussion here at BCB occasionally becomes contentious and tempers flare.
The latter is to some extent understandable. As was noted in those posts, "fan" is short for "fanatic". That's how most of us feel, I think, about the baseball team that brings us together on this website.
So I thought this morning I would post a few (OK, many) words on how I became a fan of the Chicago Cubs; many of you have been around here for a while and have a pretty good idea of who I am and the nature of my "fanaticism" about the Cubs. But if you are new here, this will give you a better idea of just who this guy is who runs Bleed Cubbie Blue.
I'm 52 years old. In sports blogging terms, that's ... well, let's just say that I'm the oldest blogger among the now more than 200 SB Nation sites. I like to think that being around all the twenty and thirty somethings who make up the bulk of the SBN bloggers helps keep me feeling young and plugged in to what's going on in the modern sports world. But I also believe that my age and the length of time I've been a fan helps give me some perspective on the Cubs and their long history... of failure, which will make the ultimate success, winning a World Series, that much sweeter when it happens.
I saw my first game at Wrigley Field on July 6, 1963; I was not quite seven years old. My dad took me, as do so many fathers with their young sons (and daughters, too). Perhaps preparing me for a lifetime of Cubs failure, they got shut out that day on two hits. But upon finding out that I could come home from school and watch the Cubs every afternoon on TV, I was hooked. WGN-TV created at least two generations of Cubs fans with daytime TV and Jack Brickhouse, and then another one with Harry Caray on national cable in the 1980's. And the Cubs were just beginning to become a good team after two decades of being awful. The late 60's baseball heroes my generation had -- Banks, Williams, Santo, Jenkins et. al. were supposed to be the ones to bring the Cubs back to victory. (Shameless plug: if you haven't purchased the 2009 Maple Street Cubs Annual, I've got a long article about the 1969 Cubs that will give you a good feeling of what it was like to be a fan that year, if you are too young to have experienced it yourself.)
The epic fail of 1969 only brought my friends and I who were Cubs fans closer together. In my college years, as happens to many, I set the Cubs in the background (good thing, too: the 1974-76 Cubs were awful) only to return in 1977 when that team raced out to a 47-22 start; that team finished at .500.
And so the story goes, familiar to all of you: tantalizing teases of potential triumphs in 1984, 1989, 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2008, all ending in disasters of varying types.
And yet we persevere. Why? Perhaps it is in part because of the years, decades, of losing -- it brings us together to support each other; we all know how every other Cubs fan feels, how generations have lived and died without knowing the taste of a title. My dad, now nearly 88, isn't as big a Cubs fan as I am, yet I know he reads this blog and follows the team so we can discuss them from time to time; many of you have family connections with the Cubs going back two or three generations. Wrigley Field connects families in that way, too; I know there are varying opinions on what should be done with Wrigley in the future (check out another article in the Maple Street annual for my take on it), but there is no doubt that the ballpark is part of the attachment to the team for many, myself included -- and for me, for the people I have met there and attend games with. They, too, are like family. When the Cubs do win, I'll get to celebrate in the bleachers with so many of my close friends.
Though I do understand statistical analysis and advanced metrics, I don't do a lot of such analysis, leaving that to others who know the numbers better. What I do believe is that there is more to winning baseball than numbers on a spreadsheet; it is played by human beings on a field, not on a computer, and that play can be only forecast by numbers. It can also be affected by a myriad of other factors, including personal troubles; we need only look at the recent revelation of the heartbreaking trouble that Ryan Dempster's young daughter has suffered to understand that such a thing could easily affect Dempster's on-field performance. In any work endeavor, each of us tries hard not to bring personal problems to the workplace. That's not always easy.
And that brings me to the discussion of "can't we all just get along". I have had numerous back-and-forths with statistically oriented posters who disagree with me on the effects of non-statistical factors in baseball. Most of those discussions are civil; some haven't been. All I ask of people on this site when you are disagreeing with someone else is to be nice -- stay clear of profanity and don't namecall. This shouldn't be that difficult. When you sign up for this site, you agree to the following (boldface added for emphasis):
When posting at this blog, please follow this one simple rule: Before hitting "post" to post your remarks, ask yourself: "Would I be embarrassed to say this in front of strangers who were physically present in the room with me and could respond to my face?" If the answer is "yes," then don't post. BCB encourages and welcomes all opinions, no matter how strong; however, personal attacks, vulgarity, and other uncivilized forms of expression are not welcome.
I don't think it should be that difficult to do that. Though some may disagree, I think I have been extremely tolerant here of people who haven't always kept that rule. If you break it, expect to be asked to leave. If your purpose here is to disrupt the site, make it about me rather than the Cubs, or to troll, expect to not be allowed here. Otherwise, this site is open for discussion, though I have asked and will continue to ask that religion and politics be left out of it. Those are polarizing topics and there are plenty of places on the interwebs to talk about them. We can get polarized enough just about our baseball team; let's leave those even more contentious things out of it.
So let's go on and focus on our ideas and thoughts on improving the status of this Cubs team, which despite its injuries, bad construction and other foibles, is only 3.5 games out of first place. Perhaps out of all this turmoil will come the ultimate victory this fall. Go Cubs.
4 recs | 374 comments
Well said. I will definitely keep these things in mind when posting.
BleedsbluinMI - June 9, 2009
Good, I think we needed one of these, at least I did.
Third generation here. Grandfather and father grew up in Gary, Indiana, and before my grandfather passed, he gave me his Cubs hat and told me I had to see a World Series. That was enough for me. Hooked for life.
Dan
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
I’m the same age as you and been through the same things. I still cherish the late 60’s teams (or at least the players on those teams). It’s been tough being a Cubs fan in St. Louis the last 26 years. It probably would have been smart to switch my allegiance to the Cards back then, but I just couldn’t do it.
I did take my boys to Wrigley field for a games the last two years and the younger one decided he’d rather be a Cub fan. I hope he’s rewarded for that.
Spartan1979 - June 9, 2009
I'm a touch older than you and Al (54) but I echo the sentiment of this post.
Well said Al and hang in there. The good people who participate in BCB far outweigh the “not so good”. And your story of growing up to be a Cubs fan mirror’s mine with the exception that I grew up in SW Michigan. Heck, I was probably six before I knew I didn’t live in Illinois. With only a small transistor radio and 5 VHF channels on our TV (2, 5, 7, 9 & 11), all our media WAS from Chicago. ;)
Zeke - June 9, 2009
Nice Post
cubsluver22 - June 9, 2009
Nice job Mr Word Smith!
I agree Al.
sidenote—my first game experience was similar to your own—Sept. 2, 1962—-soon to be 8 years old..my dad took our family to see Ken Hubbs set a fielding record for either consecutive chance or games—can’t recall—met Jack Brickhouse in the concourse before the game—Lou Brock and my soon to be hero, Ron Santo each had two hits for the the Cubs.
cubfever7 - June 9, 2009
Hey Al.
I saw a kid named Yellon playing catcher for the Wrigleyville Eagles yesterday up in Loyola Park. Any relation?
I live across the street and sometimes watch an inning or two.
SackMan - June 9, 2009
You watched that game?
I was there. That’s my son. They won the game 8-6; that was the league championship. You should have stopped by to say hi!
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Yep.
I looked around, as I can recognize you by face, but didn’t see you. Perhaps you were in the stands along the 1st base side? It was kind of hard to see who was sitting up there from where I was standing.
I just watched a couple innings, as I often do, and kept moving along. I saw the 1st catcher blow up in steam, and throw his gear everywhere. LOL. Was kind of funny. Then I saw your son get a pinch hit walk, and sub-in for him.
SackMan - June 9, 2009
I was sitting in those stands for a while, yes.
Sorry you didn’t stick around!
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Oh... and congrats on the Championship Win!
If I knew it was a championship game, I would’ve stayed till the end.
SackMan - June 9, 2009
Those Yellons... they're everywhere!!
Very exciting. :-)
Allie - June 9, 2009
That's great for .
Mark and his team.
sue369 - June 9, 2009
Congratulations, Mark and Al!
From another father with a catcher in a youth league. (We lost the league championship game this year, though, by a run.)
Fraggin Judge - June 9, 2009
He also pitches, though he didn't yesterday.
He’s on one other team that’s still playing. I’ll see if I can take some pics of him pitching later this summer.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Really enjoyed your sharing of becoming a fan
I’m from the same era, and I didn’t become a Cub fan – I was born a Cub fan. I remember my Mom taking me every week during the summer to Friday "ladies day". She got in free, I was half price, we brought our lunch, usually the upper deck was closed, but the enthusiasm, even for terrible teams, was unforgettable.
When I started to go to games with my friends, and sit in the bleachers, it coincided with the fantastic ride in 1969. Looking back forty years, I remember that team not so much for the success and ultimate failure, but for the individuals. Not just the HOF’ers, but also Beckert and Kessinger, Hickman (he was my favorite that year), Selma (remember his signal to the bleachers) … so much more. There were no FA’s, no mercenaries, these were the guys we grew up with for a long period, and it created a bond that is hard to recreate in the current era.
Today, I can get mad, frustrated, and be critical; I think any fan that cares does that. But, never to the point of giving up, that part was locked in long ago.
BTW, I picked up the Maple St. Cubs Annual, and your 69 artticle was first rate. Really enjoyed it.
BatCubFan - June 9, 2009
Al, your site just might be the best sports-oriented thing on the web...
I read it every day – usually several times a day. I’m a long-time journalist and author and have written extensively about the Cubs. I made an initial comment here last off-season, suggesting the Cubs consider a deal for Jose Reyes. The response, if not overtly hostile or threatening, was smart-assed and snarky. To be honest, I’m never in the mood to be sniped at by anonymous types. I decided at that moment it wasn’t worth posting comments here. Too bad – I really, really want to engage in smart discussions with knowledgeable Cubs fans. I will keep reading, though. Keep up the great work!
copingwiththecubs - June 9, 2009
Like I said....
… I strongly encourage those sorts of smart discussions, as you put it. I hope this post will lead to more of those, and less snark.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Don't get me wrong...
The entire Internet is filled with people who express passive aggression. BCB is no more guilty of it than any other site. You have a ton of thoughtful people who post and comment. Sadly, though, when you lie down with dogs…. Anyway, this exchange might cause me to reconsider. Maybe I was being too sensitive. We’ll see.
copingwiththecubs - June 9, 2009
The FanPosts or Game Recaps are usually a good place to start.
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
Stay. Away. From. Game. Threads.
If things are going well, they are actually a fairly pleasant place to spend your afternoon or evening. I love nothing more than having my TV tuned in to the game while i hang out in the game threads. But the second things go awry, there are those here that lose sight of reality and boil over. And then, its no place for anybody interested in civil discourse.
AndrewJStone - June 9, 2009
Give it a shot again.
More input makes things more interesting.
FWIW, I don’t remember the comments you’d posted, but I’d love for the Cubs to get Reyes . . . .
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
As in Jose Reyes?
That would be awesome!
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
We already had him...
see
Oh…wait a minute…do you mean the OTHER Jose Reyes?
Never mind
Kasey
kaseyi - June 9, 2009
Boy, I wish we had him 5 years ago
“We did.”
This guy here is dead.
“Cross him off, then.”
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Look at this f'n guy.
SackMan - June 9, 2009
Well, you may run like Hayes
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
But you hit like s*@t.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 9, 2009
What is...
…MAJOR LEAGUE??
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
Sh#t, I've been cut already?
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Too high, too high...
slcathena - June 9, 2009
What does that mean?
Who gives a s$#t? It’s gone.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Let me personally mention that is the kind of fan posts I am missing
Someone posting something that can teach me something.
Madison Cub Fan - June 9, 2009
There used to be more of those
SouthernCub’s new one is interesting
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Exactly.
Those are the fanposts that would draw me and then I would ponder these things w/ some of my real life baseball buddies.
Madison Cub Fan - June 9, 2009
Is that a picture of Lou practicing to eat his Whoppers?
lswaidz - June 9, 2009
Well said my friend.
What distinguishes this site is Al. Not only do you do such a better job than newspapers or other internet accounts of games, you bring your personal affair with the Cubs into consideration. You are not a faint of heart fan. I know if I personally go to a spring training game or a game in Chicago, I can find Al, share a conversation and usually get some information. I read this site every day, sometimes two or three times a day because I know if it happens, I’ll “hear” it here first. Being a couple of years older than Al, I like his perspective and knowledge because I normally agree with it. I like many posters opinions too! Al doesn’t take many days off….if any! I can count on this site being up to date and informative and we have one person to thank. As far as I’m concerned, let’s leave it that way. Follow the rules and follow the Cubs and let us know what you think. Al does this better than anyone.
mrcubsfan - June 9, 2009
+oo (infinity)
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: thank you Al for all your hard work.
chilango2 - June 9, 2009
Thanks to both of you for your kind words.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Al, I was remiss in not saying thank you for the kind words in the main post
So, “thank you”.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
You're welcome.
I liked your post and thought it was worth adding my own thoughts.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Great Post
Thanks, Al.
Its unfortunate that this is perhaps the 3rd or 4th posting you’ve made on etiquette and such so far this season, but its is always appreciative that the moderator takes a responsible role as parent and gaurdian to the rest of the family.
Also, there’s no question that the success of last year has led to high expectations and subsequent increased (f)analysis on this year. Its more than likely just been tough for the rest of us to express that disappointment in a civil way after last year’s success.
Ah well, the ups and downs are certainly a part of cubdom…onward and upward!!!
The Ryno and I Know - June 9, 2009
Rock on.
My mother raised me to be a baseball fan. 2003 made me a Cubs fan, although I’d been watching them for years before that.
BCB made me a Cubs fanatic. :D
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
exactly my story
I had been watching every summer growing up, but I never REALLY cared. It was just sort of something on the side. But 2003 It hooked me like nothing else. I knew then I was a Cubs fan. Then the Red Sox/Yankees Series of 2004 made baseball my favorite sport by a wide margin.
Great post Al, Go Cubs!
heine41 - June 9, 2009
I have
however, already indoctrinated my son. :D
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
Good For You Drew!
My kids are still just figments of my imagination, but someday in the not too distant future :)
heine41 - June 9, 2009
I'm very similar to you
In that 2003 made me a Cubs fan.
But where I differ is that I was a baseball fan before that, except that my mother did not raise me to be a baseball fan. Before 2003, I watched whoever I felt like. That year, my grandfather rubbed off enough Cubs on me to make me a Cubs fan.
I am also trying to indoctrinate someone I know into Cubs nation, though the person really does not understand baseball that much. I’ll keep at it, though!
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
Al, you and I have similar experiences
My first game was when I was 8, and the Cubs got shut out by the Phillies. I was in upper deck in right field and the only player I could actually see through my binoculars was Ron Cey.
I went to college during the mid 90’s and put the Cubs in the background, which was also probably a good thing (the strike year was the year I graduated from highschool).
daeviant - June 9, 2009
I view us all as one big Corleone family
Al is Vito.
We squabble. We despise each other at times, like Connie and Michael despised each other, or Michael’s kids despised him.
But when the Cardinals (Barzinis) or Brewers (Tattagalias) come calling, then it’s all hands on deck.
Even BLou, who is the closest thing we have to a Fredo, is part of the family. (Until he breaks our heart and we have to kiss him on the lips and send him fishing)
You NEVER speak against the family to others. When those wayward Cardinals fans stray in here, I change my tune.
Yes, I just recently re-read and re-watched Godfather. I may have to post an OT about how it’s the greatest movie in the history of the universe at some point.
Worf - June 9, 2009
+1 from anaolgy police
mrcubsfan - June 9, 2009
analogy (sorry)
mrcubsfan - June 9, 2009
GREAT MOVIE....MAYBE THE BEST EVER....
Kids got it for me Christmas about 10 yrs ago..then hit it and the book as they knew that all I would do on x-mas day……Still a classic isn’t it ???
cubs north - June 9, 2009
actually, I would have pegged BLou (or the old Worf) as Sonny... ;-)
What BCB really needs is a Luca Brasi for the game threads to help “keep the peace”.
As for who is Moe Green… well, there’s no shortage of choices that drift down from evil BCB. ;-)
ballhawk - June 9, 2009
I'll be Sonny
Coolest death scene EVER!
Al can choose his own Luca Brasi.
Worf - June 9, 2009
A Brewers fan came in here recently, after the Cubs lost to the Reds last week. I followed your example when he came in here, so it’s not just you.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
I did, too - unfortunately
I should have just ignored him. That particular one only comes here to stir up trouble. TedSimmons’SpeedCamp is capable of having a discussion; FlagUp just likes to taunt.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Why I'm a fan
I’m even older than Al, and grew up in NYC as a Yankee fan (sorry). The first five years I paid attention to baseball, they were in the World Series, and I’m still paying for that karmically. My family moved around and I changed allegiance to whatever team I could follow on tv and radio (and occasionally in person). I saw Bill Singer’s no-hitter for the Dodgers in 1970 and Jim Essian’s inside-the-park grand slammer for the A’s in 1979 (the outfielder fell down; that’s not on Retrosheet). Then I moved to Urbana and the local cable picked up the Cubs and Harry Caray in 1983, and I’ve been with them ever since. I saw the last home game of 1987, when Andre Dawson got a thundering reception before his last at bat, homered and I thought the ovation would never stop. Even then, when Lee Smith came out to earn the save, he was heartily booed by the Wrigley crowd. He was traded that off-season and only had 298 more saves left in his arm.
Look, it can be incredibly frustrating to support the Cubs, even when they’re doing well. You have to assume that a team is composed of players who are doing their best on any given day. So’s the other team. They are human. I’ll admit that last fall’s postseason made it hard to get me interested in this year’s team. I’m not a dead-ender on bad games the way I was last year.
There are a lot of unavoidable bad things in life that you have no control over: health, family issues, economy, war, etc. Following the Cubs (or any sports team) is a choice. If it adds to your life, go for it. If it takes away from your life, do something else. Frustration at the events will be inevitable. Personal sniping and negativity help nobody.
BruceR - June 9, 2009
That kinda made me cry, and laugh at the same time. Good story.
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
Rec'd for:
Perfect. Just perfect.
AndrewJStone - June 9, 2009
Excellent, I agree +1
Grockcubs - June 9, 2009
Lee Smith
Believe me in 1991 and 1992 when the Cubs didn’t have anything resembling a solid closer, I was disgusted looking at Lee Smith atop the NL in saves with the Cardinals. His 12 blown saves to go along with his 36 saves in 1987 in Chicago didn’t look bad at all to Cubs fans in the early 1990’s. To make matters worse, the Cubs could have had Bob Welch for Lee Arthur. Instead, they ended up with Calvin Schiraldi and Al Nipper from Boston. That was one of the worst trades in Cubs history.
memphiscub - June 9, 2009
Smart discussions often get derailed around here by Drewish and a handful of instigators
Until you are prepared to stop instigators from posting horseshit remarks to literally every post of certain others then problems will prevail.
BLou - June 9, 2009
Amazing.
You managed to violate everything I wrote about in one sentence.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Because you refuse to stop the practice of Drewish posting crap remark to literally every one of my posts
BLou - June 9, 2009
Give it up man. You sound like a five-year-old.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 9, 2009
My perspective of your posts...
Usually i dont respond to your posts mainly because i dont have the energy.
But a tip – your postings are usually only one way and that is it. You except no one elses thoughts, because you are right and they are wrong. If you knew so much about the team, the players, and MLB, you would not be on this site, you would be in the front office or something.
I am just saying maybe being a little more open to other peoples ideas, and more open to the idea of discussing and not telling us how bad the team is and how much you know about the team. it gets old and tiring.
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
By definition, an anonymous message board is about sharing of PASSION and OPINIONS for the subject matter (in this case the Cubs)
I have never held myself out to be the world’s authority on baseball or the Cubs. Everything that I state (and everybody else states) is an opinion colored by perspectives, knowledge of the game, etc. If you need the qualifying term “this is an opinion” attached to every one of my posts, then sorry I can’t help you. It’s implied of course.
BLou - June 9, 2009
That's exactly right.
Others’ opinions are just as passionate as yours and colored by the same perspectives and knowledge.
Respect them, and you might be surprised to see you’d get that respect back.
If you can’t do that, ignoring those you don’t care for is the next best thing. I will NOT tolerate any further personal attacks from you.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
I have not personally attacked a single soul
If you can point out specific examples then I would love to see them. Just one in fact.
BLou - June 9, 2009
Instead of that...
… why don’t you just vow right here, right now, that you will not personally attack anyone on this site.
In return I suspect they’d do the same for you.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Here you go:
Its not a far stretch to say you called Drewish an instigator, and his remarks “horseshit”. And even if you think i’m stretching to call this a “personal attack”, you’ve STILL violated the “vulgarity, and other uncivilized forms of expression” rule. I’ve followed your commenting enough to know that you are an intelligent guy with the ability to occasionally add insightful things to add to this site. You just can’t manage to figure out how to do it without alienating everyone else.
You are like the cute girl in high school who KNOWS she’s cute and takes it as a license to treat everyone else as lesser beings. Knock that off, and you may be amazed at the different tone you receive from Drewish or Worf or whoever else you feel is wronging you so.
AndrewJStone - June 9, 2009
Rec'd
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Wow, this is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard...
coming from a guy who has been banned six times specifically for repeatedly attacking other posters.
SouthernCub - June 9, 2009
NOT TRUE
and you know it.
sue369 - June 9, 2009
You just proved my point....
Clearly this is all opinion, but you come off as telling people their opinions are wrong and yours are right.
All i was doing was making a suggestion, as an outsider who stays away from your postings.
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
Personally if I got banned even once (or 4 times)I won't come back to BCB
Thankfully I don’t think I ever have to worry about that.
Al I think your site is great. It is different from so many of the other sites out there
Madison Cub Fan - June 9, 2009
Thanks.
You always add positive contributions. Good to have you here.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
yeah, like that cardinals site
holy jeez, have you ever read the the post on the main page?? the guy doesn’t even realize who could be reading it
heine41 - June 9, 2009
Really? You have to do this right after Al warned us not to?
Seriously, grow up.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - June 9, 2009
This isn't going to go over too well...
…but Mike, you don’t bother me, and frankly, I don’t really see why everyone cares more about what you say than others. Not to demean you or your comments, but I think people attack you much more than you attack them. Your comments may be blunt and to the point, but they RARELY call someone names, but if I had to tally name-calling, you would be on the receiving end much more than the dishing out end. My $.02.
Dan
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
Count me in, Dan.
I think the truth is somewhere in the middle.
There are posters that do, indeed, automatically attack everything that Mike says simply because of who is posting.
However, he worked hard to get that reputation. And, while the attacks are unfair, it will take a long time to change the perception – and responding in kind is not the way to change it.
The way to change it is for him to self-moderate his comments. And if he feels that he is being attacked unfairly, the best response is an unemotional, civil reply – not, “he started it!”
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Agreed...
BLou (or, more accurately, his previous incarnations) worked very hard for a long time to earn the wrath he’s getting now. You don’t get banned multiple times for nothing. And now that he’s earned the reputation, he’s doing very little to avoid perpetuating the problem.
SouthernCub - June 9, 2009
And the onus is on him to change that rep
That, IMO, is fair. He made the bed . . . .
However, I think that Al’s right in that BLou would be surprised if he kept it above board how much the perception could change. It’s got to start with him, though.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I am on a very unrelated forum.
I am on there under a very different name.
There is a poster there who consistently threadjacks, and goes on at mind-numbing length about his pet peeve – which may on rare occasion be somewhat related to the topic at hand – and has recently found himself piled on, in fact nearly mobbed. He then began playing the victim, beginning a very lengthy private pity party – at the metaphorical top of his lungs.
Needless to say, serious attempts by some of the other posters to point out to him that a more temperate approach, seasoned with a bit of friendliness, and a willingness to let others have their say, could moderate his negative reception were not well received.
Things there are still reverberating.
That is not good.
It’s about give and take. We all have ideas, sometimes we’re right, sometimes we’re not. And sometimes hindsight is the only measure of that we have.
Still, when anyone presents as a pure antagonist, or even nearly so, expecting a positive response is wishful thinking.
MN exile - June 9, 2009
Well said and good example
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Good thoughts Al.
This was nice to read. Refreshing. And you know what being a fan is just that, we throw everything that we have into this team, well everything that is left over from, kids, work, and other family things. Basically whatever life leaves for us we put into this team, and that is the fun part about it! That is what being a fan is all about. The Cubs lose a game, we lose our minds. The Cubs win a game we celebrate as if we are going to the world series. That is what makes it fun, and this site does too.
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
I think posts like these are often important to post and repost over and over again
I think recently with all the success they’ve had in relatively recent years, it’s often to forget that most of us came into Cubs fandom when they Cubs were down. Being born in the 80s, I would argue that I’ve seen just as much success as my grandpa would have seen before he died after the 2003 season. That’s a sad, but also somewhat true as well and open to interpretation.
The point is that I came into this world a Cubs fan. I don’t remember my first Cubs game. Before 1998, it was all about the promotions with me. I liked keeping score with my batting helmet on my head, oversized baseball cards in my pocket, or my beanie baby on my lap. Before 1998, I don’t think I saw them win a game. I didn’t care though. Our family has only started going on vacations recently because I’ve been traveling to do marathons. Instead of blowing money to go to Disneyland, my dad would take us to where he could be a kid again: Wrigley Field. To this day my brother (mjk83) and I go to Wrigley with our dad and can see the transformation as we walk up to the gate. He remembers being brought to the games by our grandparents. Only difference now is that he’s the one dishing out the green for some dogs and soda. I stopped asking for the malt years ago (I pony up now). Win or lose though, for three hours our family goes back to when we were all younger. I still keep score at every Cubs game and still try to see if I can lose my voice during an exciting game. Win or lose though, our family still can at least enjoy a day at the ballpark.
I think we all have similar stories and have similar goals for the Cubs. There’s no reason to challenge people’s beliefs and fandom on here. Like Al, I’m not crazy about the numbers. I get confused by all the different stat lines. At the end of the day though, I’m just like everyone else: a Cubs fan.
TkGoUWGB - June 9, 2009
Well said
I wrote many articles for InsideTheIvy in 2003-2004 that received positive feedback from likely many of these posters. I really enjoyed covering the team – and this Board has been a great extension of that passion since I stopped writing. There were a couple Summers in the late 80s/early 90s when I spent as many as 60 games a year in the RF bleachers and certainly wish I could get out there as often. But all of that is neither here nor there.
I’ve found it disappointing that certain people on the Board have annointed themselves ‘super fans’ and labeled some frequent cynics as ‘trolls.’ The term troll is about as demeaning as it gets, implying these people aren’t real fans and do not sweat out each game as others do. I think most of us know that is not the case.
Another individual on this board recently has, and I assign no blame, gotten enough of a rise out of me that I did something a few days ago that I’ve never done in thousands of posts which was use improper language. It is one thing to be a person who rips on the team non stop, it is another to offer educated criticism based on baseball knowledge. I always felt that I fell into the latter category.
If this Board had me to the point of using bad language because this other poster feels the need to single out my negative posts then perhaps I think the best thing is for me to root for the Cubs just by watching them and leaving the Board. I apologize to the Board for that language and figure my last post should be a civil one – as I believe all my others had been. I don’t believe by ‘leaving’ the other poster has ‘won,’ but it is clear that poster would not allow any comment I made to go unattacked. Wish the Cubs and all the great fans here a great rest of the season.
BeltwayCubsFan - June 9, 2009
Don't let one person force you away from here.
That’s one person’s opinion, and your right, in fact your duty, is to ignore it and stick around.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
"Super Fans"
I agree with this….i usually like to call them know-it-alls. They know the inter workings of the Cubs better than the Cubs do.
In reality they dont have a clue as to what is going on. There is a lot that goes on that we as fans or “superfans” dont even know about.
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
Exactly.
And you, for one, should know.
(For those who don’t, HIGGY was a Cubs BP pitcher in 2006.)
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Holy crap, that's awesome!
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
I agree
Thats really neat.
Madison Cub Fan - June 9, 2009
LOL!
Thanks for the plug Al! I am starting my decent in my career – some would call it washed up!!! HAHA 2006, was 3 years ago!!
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
That's awesome!
Do you have stats on how many BP home runs you gave up and to whom?
daeviant - June 9, 2009
I wish!
I didnt throw too much on the field really, mostly in the cage, so it was tough to gage. I think the onion though (the satire paper) wrote an article one time that i almost threw a no hitter until, i think it was Cedeno broke it up because i could not get around the L screen in time. Pretty funny stuff.
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
My Lexis-Nexis account is not working until next week, but I'll look again then.
This is all I could find.
chilango2 - June 9, 2009
LMAO at this one
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Here is the one i saw...
http://lukateake.blogspot.com/2006/05/higgason-no-hits-cubs-in-bp-debut.html
And no i did not get interviewed for it, it was all made up.
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
Oh man, that's priceless
chilango2 - June 9, 2009
Beltway
I have been around the threads and have seen some of your comments. I, for one, do not mind the cynic nature of your posts. What I do mind is saying after we are down 1-0 in the 2nd inning that this team has no chance of winning. That’s all I object to really.
But please stick around, I think this site is more enjoyable with a wide variety of opinions, both from a sunshine perspective and from a frustrated fan perspective. Hey haven’t we all suffered through these seasons, I can understand how different people will react differently. Complain about the bad play from the team, from the player, just don’t give up on the game nor the season. And don’t go away.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
Revisionist history
Comments like this (among others)
aren’t very endearing.
Here’s a good metric I go by when evaluating myself (because there’s no way for me to be objective about it). If one or two people dislike my posts, then probably it is just those people with a problem. But if several users, especially people who frequently contribute to the community, are responding negatively to my posts, then the problem most likely lies with me.
dr stabbingworth - June 9, 2009
What video game is your sword from? It's bothering me.
Zelda?
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
Good eye
It is from the original. I forget whether it was referred to as the Master Sword at that point or the Magic Sword.
/massive video game nerd
dr stabbingworth - June 9, 2009
Proclaiming the game over when we are down 1 or predicting bullpen failure is not going to go without response
sorry
heine41 - June 9, 2009
Well, especially when the game threads are akin
To sitting at a bar watching the game. Most people don’t want to hear that.
A big reason why I rarely go to game threads.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I know exactly what you mean
Half the comments wouldn’t be said if we were all in a room together.
I stand by everyone of my comments (except for one profane post). I bleed blue. This is the ONLY sports franchise that I live and die with. If someone is going to tell me its over when we are down by 6-1 with two outs in the ninth, im going to tell them otherwise :-p
heine41 - June 9, 2009
My last game thread was the Big Z blowup...
Doubt I’ll join another game thread this year. Just too much… Sensory overload.
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
I was asleep in China
I can only imagine what those threads were like…I think we saw a little carry-over.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
It was horrible.
Anger like that should be reserved only for tragedy and wronging of epic nature. And no, the cubs losing does NOT count in either of those categories.
AndrewJStone - June 9, 2009
If MLB monitored the thread...
Z most certainly would have got suspended for inciting the thread.
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
I explain this to people several times a year
My dad used to play trumpet at Wrigley Field – not every day but maybe once or twice a year – and I’d sit with the band behind home plate and watch the balls roll down the net over our heads. Almost every year my elementary school and my summer day camp (Portage Park) had a field trip to Wrigley and I spelled “Go Cubs” with paper cups in the fence on Waveland. Don Kessinger came to my cub scout meeting and signed autographs. WGN, Jack and later Harry were the soundtrack of my summers. As much as they drive me nuts – I still watch them or keep track of the score for every game. Its sick.
tedinSoCal - June 9, 2009
And
This has been a frustrating season so far, though compared to others its nothing. Its too bad some folks just come here to spew when things are bad and attack other posters.
I appreciate this site.
tedinSoCal - June 9, 2009
TRYING TO BE POSITIVE ....
At times is hard with bonehead trades, injuries ect . During the off season I stick in the Cubs Legends DVD’s ……THen and only then resort to the Godfather …….( Have to admit I saw it three times the first week it was released )…..
cubs north - June 9, 2009
Thank you for sharing, Al
it was a good read, and nice to get a little bit of insight on how you became a fan. Thank you for all the time you spend on the site also, it’s my main hub for anything and everything Cubs related, and I really appreciate all the work you put into the site.
ambrosiadreams - June 9, 2009
Well put, Al.
I feel like I’ve been in my own personal sophomore slump on BCB this year (my comment rate is definitely not where it was in 2008), not posting as frequently or appearing in game threads (coaching high school baseball is pretty time-consuming).
There have been days where I’ve missed popping into the threads, and days where I’ve definitely thought to myself “Boy, am I glad I’m not in there today,” and I find that kind of sad as being part of the Cubs’ fan community in good or bad times is truly fun.
Anyways, I’ll do my best to break out of this slump, and thanks for reminding me of why I became a Cubs fan and eventually joined this site, Al.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
What school do you coach at?
What level too?
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
I coach at a high school in Indianapolis
By day, I’m a sports information director, and then I head to practice in the afternoon/evenings. I coached JV until their season ended, then I was with the Varsity for a month, and now it’s on to the Incoming Freshman Team.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
How did your teams do this year?
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
JV was 18-4 and won their end of year tournament
Varsity was 26-0 before Saturday, losing in the Regionals of the Indiana High School Tournament (sweet 16).
The incoming kids, let’s just say they’re a work in progress – though they’re competitive against kids 2-3 older than them, so it’s promising.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
Nice work!
With an 18-4 JV, your varsity should be just as good next year.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
We'll see.
We’re losing 9 seniors, but if some of our JV kids step up, we’ll be alright.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
Nice...
I coach at Loyola Academy. JV as well. It is great, personally i think JV is the best level to coach because that is where the kids learn the most about life, and baseball.
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
Yeah, I'm lucky enough to be coaching at my alma mater
and we really try to focus on teaching baseball and life at the same time. The JV kids can be frustrating at times (I try to avoid the “when I played here…” spiels, but can’t help it sometimes), but I really enjoy watching them learn throughout the year and apply it with the Varsity.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
Same here...
I coach at my alma mater which makes it even better.
I also agree with the applying it to varsity, that could be the most fun!
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
Yeah, I hadn't coached in about 4 years
so coming back was nice – every March I missed it too much to pass up when I got the opportunity this year.
Plus, with all this high school baseball talk, I think I’m breaking out of the comment slump.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
You Bet, Al!
I’ve had my anti Cub friends all pestering me about, “what’s wrong with your boys”. I tell them 2009 will be for the Cubs like 2006 was for the Cards. As crappy as we’ve played, we’re right in it. Bring it on home in August and Sept, get in the playoffs, and then stand by. No magical season like last year, no insane pressure like last year, just get in and win. It’s too early for any negative stuff. My wife bought me an Aramis jersey for my birthday in May. I haven’t put it on yet cause he’s hurt. I can’t wait for Captain RBI to come back! Milton, you can come back too.
Fully Kreusened - June 9, 2009
Great post, Al
I’m not a huge poster, but I’ve been around the site for a few years now and I’ve been shocked recently more times than before at the over-the-top vitriol of some of the responses. There’d be a relatively innocuous post and then followed up with a hate filled diatribe from someone else. That level has to be tuned down.
As for my Cub fan past … I grew up down Addison. I can’t remember my first Cub game as I was problaby 2 or 3. My earliest Cub memory though was with my brother sitting with my back against the outfield wall on Sheffield waiting for the bleacher ticket sales to begin. I was reading the Sun-Times and the big news from the day before was the death of Elvis Presley. That would have been Aug 17, 1977. That day, Rick Reuschel, in a CG, beat Jim Rooker of the Pirates 4-2.
jerry morales rules - June 9, 2009
I totally agree
I feel like we are becoming better prepared for a playoff run through adversity rather than kicking the tar out of everyone
heine41 - June 9, 2009
Great post, Al. I am a year younger than you and it sounds like we became Cub fans
at about the same time. I grew up in southwest Michigan and every year our little league would sponser a trip to Wrigley. That trip was one of the best times of my childhood. We would ride on school buses and the whole bus was a madhouse the whole trip. I don’t see how the coaches made it. They weren’t allowed to drink beer and we usually went in July. I suspected they would grab on cold one on their “bathroom and smoke break”. I remember listening to Pat Piper announce the starting lineups and me scrambling to write down the names. My brother finally gave me the secret, just write down the numbers and then match them to the names on the back of the score cards. I thoght he was a genius.
We grew up listening to Jack on TV and listening to Lou and Lloyd on the radio. We would go crazy when Ernie or Billy or Santo would hit a home run. I loved to here Jack give his “Atta boy Ernie!” as he rounded the bases. We were die hard Cub fans from day one and would fight anyone who said the Cubs weren’t the best team in baseball. I was a fan from day one and my devotion has never wavered. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 9, 2009
Al, Looks like you just beat me, by a few weeks for Game 1
As far as I can remember — I have no actual proof, my first game was probably just a few weeks later , in 1963 — in a 3-game series against the Milwaukee Braves. I am pretty sure of the year….I have no idea of the outcome of the game, I remember we (father & brother) were in a field box behind 1B, and it was warm. Just too young for other details.
I probably had a Frostie Malt.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - June 9, 2009
I once had a scorecard from that game that my dad kept.
It got lost in a series of moves. But I had remembered the score of the game and the opponent — from that, years later, it wasn’t too hard to find the boxscore.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Al, solid as a line drive in the gap.
Great words, I wish I had the ability to do the same. Married to an English teacher for 25 years you would think it would help, no such luck.
I have been frustrated this year more than the past, and it can show. I can’t stand the Bradley and Miles signings, however that does not take away from the fact I want them to perform at a high level and help this team win a World Series.
The point you make about the “human side” of the game is a good one. Numbers, stats, OPS, OBP, SLG, WHIP, and the rest are useful and can be a good indicator. But who knows what goes on in 180 days and 162 games. It is a grind, and these players have lives beyond the field.
Great post Al.
Grockcubs - June 9, 2009
Great post
And, as someone already suggested, it would be great to frequently repost this to remind people of the importance of treating other. sometimes divergent opinions, with maturity and respect.
As for me, I’ve been passionately devoted to this team since I was eight years old in 1971. I didn’t choose to be this way; the Cubs were basically encoded in my DNA thanks to a Cubs crazy father and two equally passionate grandfathers.
Personally, I’d love to see empty buzzwords like “troll” and “ledgejumper” disappear completely from our lexicon. I can understand how excessive negaivity can be annoying but, at the same time, when a simple, non-confrontational post questioning a move the Cubs made, etc. is immediately met with comments like “You’re an idiot and ignorant about baseball” or “people like you should be banned from this site” it gets more than a little bit ridiculous. I might criticize but I also cheer (which is what I’d much rather be doing). Just because some of us might criticize something doesn’t mean we love it any less.
As the great Studs Terkel once said, “There’s no such thing as a cock-eyed opinion”.
bluekoolaide - June 9, 2009
Well said.
Maybe I’ll add this post to the sidebar.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
I grew up in...
the Sandberg, Dawson, Grace, Dunston, Domingo Ramez era… okay, maybe not so much Domingo Ramez.
I also have fond memories of watching the Cubs after school as a kid. I loved the Shawn-O-Meter.
This was a great post… I think that being a Cubs fan is as much about the memories growing up as it is about wanting them to win so badly today.
Scruff0082 - June 9, 2009
Domingo! The 1989 Cubs' secret weapon!
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Man, all along I thought...
the secret weapon was Mitch Webster!
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
I thought it was Vance Law's glasses.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
My next door neighbor actually got glasses like his...
So when we would practice turning double plays in the yard. He was Law and I was Sandberg. Hilarious… Probably not too many other styles of glasses than the ones Law had.
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
Those glasses were all they had in the 80's
Though I never understood while he didn’t just rock the RecSpecs, a la Chris Sabo.
Law is now the head coach at BYU – looks like he’s ditched the glasses, though.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
Awesome!!!
Check out the picture to the right though… Above Couger tv… Looks like he just picks and chooses when to wear them!
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
Nice.
It looks like they might be on in games, which would make sense.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
All part of putting the game face on for V. Law
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
That was the 1988 team!
Always liked Vance – too bad he had his career year one year before the Cubs overacheived as a team.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Vance saw 130 games for the '89 Cubs
though his overall badness that year did pave the way for Luis Salazar, so we need to be grateful to him for that.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
Yeah, but he had such a great 1988
I was really hoping he’d repeat.
Of course, I was 16 at the time and maybe not the best talent evaluator. But he was nice to me at the Cub Convention . . . .
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
His 1988 was ridiculous
He was one of 6 Cubs on the all-star team, too. He went from an OPS+ of 117 to 80 in a season.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
Just wondering - do you know what Kirk Gibson's OPS+ was in '88?
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
148.
Those new Baseball-Reference pages are nice for finding that information right off the bat.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
Cool - thanks
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Not a problem.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
There was a kid on my dad's little league team that had those glasses.
slcathena - June 9, 2009
Actually, I suppose he was, too
It’s amazing to think about how they were able to piece together ridiculous runs by Webster, Smith, McClendon and to a certain extent, Dascenzo.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
McClendon had a pretty good year in 89 though...
12 bombs and 40 some RBI in limited playing time. Not bad for a utility guy.
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
Not bad at all
Everything just fell into place, when you look at the careers of the major contributors of that team.
On the pitching side, how about Lancaster? Even Pat Perry had a good run before they released him.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I always liked Lancaster...
I got to meet him and thought he was a cool dude.
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
One hell of a season in '89
One of my favorite moments from that year was a Monday night ABC game where he doubled in Curtis Wilkerson to beat the Giants, 4-3 in extra innings.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Yes!!! I always smile looking back at that team...
Our family vacation was to SF that year to watch the Cubs play at Candlestick. Dad always had a knack for scheduling vacations around the Cubs. Went to spring training one year. I’ll never forget that. Even though I was little. We still have the pictures of Dad with Buckner. Me with Murcer and Mom and Dad with Lou Boudreax.
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
I've had a few of those Cub vacations
Went to Montreal and saw a very bad 1991 Cubs team sweep a decent Expo team. Game tied in the 9th by Ced Landrum, IIRC. A knowledgeable Expo fan in front of us just turned and said, “Ced Landrum??”
Lots of pics of Cubs in their hotel lobby from that trip.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Do share
chilango2 - June 9, 2009
I'll have to see if I can find them first!
But I’ll share a story that I may have posted a while back.
Was walking downtown, when my mom saw someone walk across the street, and she said, “Isn’t that Shawon?” Sure enough, Dunston gave a friendly wave as he went on his way.
We continued walking, and saw the aforementioned Luis Salazar walking with Ivan Calderon and, well . . . I forget. (Hey, it was 18 years ago.) I asked Salazar if Dawson would be able to play, and he answered in the affirmative – Andre was feeling much better. (Knee issues, IIRC – safe assumption, anyway.)
Followed the trio to the hotel, and waited in the lobby. Got several pictures as players walked in. Santo was eating lunch and we waited for him to finish eating, then asked for a picture. He was very gracious and friendly.
Assenmacher was stand-offish, Bell was too cool for school – but they both took pics. Vizcaino (Jose, not Luis) was there, McElroy (I think) – but the best was Chico Walker.
Walker was so surprised that someone recognized him that he nearly fell over when I yelled, “Chico!” After the picture, he thanked me.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
That's great
Chico Walker… Hadn’t thought of that guy in years.
The Stadium in Montreal is removed from downtown and there are, IIRC, no hotels near there. Where did they stay?
chilango2 - June 9, 2009
I don't remember what the hotel was
But I think it was a chain – Hilton, Hyatt . . . if I remember, I’ll dig up my old media guides when I’m home and see if it lists the hotel.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I love this stuff
You think it would be worthy of a post for all those fans to tell about meeting any player in public?
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
Yeah, I think it makes for a good story forum
And I agree – it’s fun stuff.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I however, am going to lunch
So you could post one with a story of your own and I’ll read it when I get back!
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I'm in California...
so mine would only be the story of drinking with James Worthy. It should start with a Cub’s fans story. It can wait til tomorrow or whenever you or someone else has the time.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
Where in California?
I’ll be out there for Cubs games in August and September?
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
In Santa CLarita, it's NE of LA.
I usually go to a game when the Cubs come out to play the Dodgers. This year they come out August 20-23. Are you going to the one of those games?
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
Possibly the game on Thursday night.
Friday night is impossible, because I need to get back to San Diego. I leave SD early on Saturday morning, so Thursday night is the only game I can go to in LA.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
I prefer the weekends obviously.
But I could do that Thursday. It would be cool to meet a fellow BCBer.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
I would like to meet a fellow BCBer too
If you think you can make it as the time gets closer, we could exchange emails add figure out how to meet up.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
And figure out how to meet up*
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
Just have to figure out how to exchange emails without displaying for all to see.
The game will be easy, I can buy the tickets and we can meet there since we are coming from 2 different directions.
But we have time to figure it all out.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
you can put your email address
in your profile. Then you two can set up your date. :D
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
Okay you just made it icky and awkward. :)
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
Hey!
I’m going to visit California, and see ballgames. It will be my first vacation since what happened over the last few weeks in my family.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
That sounded bad, I hope it wasn't too serious in your family.
My email address is posted now on my profile.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
It was bad, we had two deaths within days of each other.
My email address is also listed now.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
Sorry to hear about your family.
I’ll be in touch.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
too much of that going around these days
please accept my condolences as well.
ballhawk - June 9, 2009
Ok, I'll try to remember to do that later this week
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Awesome...
My wife and I are going to start our tradition of heading out to see games in visitor parks next year.
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
Also have been to Cincy and St. Louis a couple of times
The old parks, not the new ones.
Went to two Cubs games at Shea as part of a larger baseball trip 10 years ago.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Oh, and my first Cub game was at Chavez Ravine
I don’t remember much – I was 4. I think they lost, 4-3 and Reuschel may have homered.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I'm going to see games 3, 4, and 5 in visitor parks this year.
Game 1 was in San Diego in 1989 (Cubs won), and game 2 was in Milwaukee in 2007 (Cubs also won).
The games this year are in San Diego and Los Angeles in August, and San Francisco in September.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
Me too!
The earliest games I remember (very vaguely) were in 1984. The 1989 season is vivid, as are most of them since. :)
slcathena - June 9, 2009
1984 = good year.
Cubs nearly made the WS, year I was born too!
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
Thanks Al
for the post and running this great site. I came across this site last November looking for some hot stove info for the Cubs and their off season. I was wowed by the intelligent conversation and the many learned fans that you have here. I decided to participate during the season. Occasionally this site does have it’s flareups, alot lately, but for the most part it is a great place to talk about our beloved Cubs and baseball in general.
I would only ask the posters that try to keep this site respectful, as the unofficial policemen of the site, that you would not only keep the posters that you disagree with civil but also the posters that you agree with civil.
Thanks Al, you do a great job here.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
+1
As always, great job. And GO CUBS!!!
malicedoom - June 9, 2009
Well said
Al, excellent post, as usual. I was eight when my dad took me to my first Cubs game. The things I remember were that Fergie was pitching and the ivy was so green! B&W TV didn’t do it justice. But I was hooked even before I stepped into Wrigley. It just sealed my fate as a lifelong fanatic. However, unlike you, I did not put the Cubs on the back burner when I left for college in Ohio or when I lived in Atlanta for 20 years. In fact, those Cubs became more important to me. In college the guys who were all Reds, Indians and Pirate fans, really respected me for my knowledge of baseball and passion for the team and the game. When I moved to Atlanta, I have the Cubs to thank for being able to make friends so quickly and easily! It’s all going to be in my book, whenever I get it fiinished.
My biggest regret is that my dad was not able to see his beloved team win a World Series. I thank the Cubs for bringing my dad and me very close together — especially after I moved back to Chicago.
Also, being part of a number of online communities, and being a former Community Supervisor at a non-sports related site, I have seen the very best and worst of people. I’ve been personally attacked by people over actions I had to take because of their flaming. I’ve also very recently been personally attacked by someone after posting one of my own Cubs columns elsewhere. I love the passion I see here for the team and have learned so much from reading many different opinoins. I may not agree with everyone, but those opinions are helpful in giving me greater insight into what makes a Cubs fan tick.
Keep up the great site!
No Southern Belle - June 9, 2009
My Cubs Fandome...
… started in Des Moines, where i grew up. My grandparents started taking me to Iowa Cubs games as a member of the Knothole Gang. Sec Taylor Stadium (Principal Park now, i guess) is amazing for a AAA park, and I was lucky enough to attend maybe a dozen or so of the games during the iCubs 1993 American Association Championship. I continued to attend during high school (my younger brother was also a Knothole Gang member, and i got to tag along), and even in to college when i returned home for vacations. I also was fortunate to see various members of the big Cubs (Corey Patterson, Carlos Zambrano, Kyle Farnsworth, Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Derrek Lee, Daryle Ward, Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Dempster) as they came up through the system or made rehab stops. My grandfather followed the cubs religiously on WGN, making sure every game was on in the barbershop he started after returning from WWII. Grandma was a bigger basketball fan, and loved the MJ / Pippen era Bulls, and i can truly thank them for my membership in these fan groups.
That made bringing them to their first game at Wrigley all the more special. My grandfather was beside himself, finally getting to see in person what he’d watched on TV for so many years. He wanted to circle the field, see it from every angle, take in everything he could, even though at well over 80, the stairs and the walking and the drunk kid dodging was stressful for him. He loved being there, he truly appreciated the chance to see it all.
And that is the frame of mind i try to keep as i root for the Cubs. This is something to enjoy. This is something that generations before me have loved without seeing a World Series. This is supposed to be fun, and the second i stop having fun with it (as a few posters here seem to have done), i’m out. I suspect that won’t ever happen in my case, but it breaks my heart to see those who it has. Ultimately, this is a game. One we are all invested in, sure. But a game none the less. And if this game, this contest of using a stick and leather glove to knock and toss around a tiny ball, become so horrible for you, such a detriment to your happiness, you should just step away. When you are to the point that you are belittling your fellow fan, literally ruining the fun others are having because you can’t have any yourself, you must step away, reevaluate, and consider why you are here at all.
AndrewJStone - June 9, 2009
My "origins"
My dad grew up pre-Milwaukee Braves, so the Cubs were the closet team. He would follow them on the radio, driving trucks for the Kenosha News.
I’m the youngest of 4 children, and the other 3 never caught the disease as badly as I did. I have to think that a big part of it was having a teacher in elementary school who was over-the-top in her love for the Cubs.
I was crushed in 1984, but a few weeks short of 12. I was really upset in 2003, because for the first time since about 1984, my dad really allowed himself to get excited about the Cubs’ chances – and I was old enough to understand it better. Last year was as disappointing, but in a different way – and tempered by the health problems my mom had and losing my job hours before game 1 of the NLDS.
Some of us have lost family members/friends that played a big part in our love of the Cubs…my dad’s in his 70’s, and I really want him to see them win at least once. If it happened later, I think I’d need to be alone instead of celebrating with a group.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
*closest, not closet team
We’ve never been ashamed of being Cub fans…
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
No Shame Ever
As a fellow Wisconsinite, I’ve never backed away from my origins either. But I also grew up south of Madison, back when the Crew were Junior Circuit. There was no discernible Cubs-Brewers rivalry then, so I spent my formative years more or less free from my classmates’ scorn. That’s got a lot to do with it being southern WI. In fact, then there was even a split between the Packers and the Bears in that part of the state, owing to the Bears’ Spring Camp in Platteville.
No, the only thing that I’ve ever been ashamed of is my mother’s unfortunate condition: she’s a Cards fan.
wallrock - June 9, 2009
Aren't the Brewers still Junior Circuit?
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
Ha!
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
It wasn't THAT funny . . .
Don’t know why that posted twice.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
It's not showing up that way to others.
A comment of mine just looked the same way. I closed the tab and re-opened and it went away.
N Oakley - June 9, 2009
Ok, I'll try it
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Much better
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Are you doing drugs again Badger?
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
he stopped?
How can I be this outta the loop on things. hehehe
Madison Cub Fan - June 9, 2009
Not out of the loop
Just loopy :)
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I'm trippin' maaaan
It was so weird. The subject line was multiple-posting. I think N Oakley had the same issue. I exited and went back in a couple of times, but it kept happening.
Freakin’ me out, dude . . .
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
The Brewers were in the A.L. when I was a kid, too
But I still heard about it from them. Of course, Kenosha is a lot closer to Milwaukee than Janesville/Fitchburg or wherever you’re from
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Make it stop!
What’s with the multiple posts?
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
There's a glitch on the site...
… that makes it LOOK as if you have duplicate posts. It happened to me a couple times, too. If you reload the page you’ll see the duplicates aren’t really there.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Its funny,
my first post shows up PDT then the duplicate shows up as CDT. I thought someone got my password in Chicago. lol
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
Thanks for the PDT/CDT note...
… that might be helpful. I’m sending this on to support.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
another glitch I'm having
is clicking on a post that says it has unread comments, but then there’s nothing unread when the post comes up.
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
Glitch I'm having
I can’t seem to post comments all of a sudden.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
that's because Daver stole your quota of comments
sheesh… that guy will do anything to be the number one poster here…
ballhawk - June 9, 2009
DD: 30752
DCD: 23614
He’s a piker. :P
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
My reply function doesn't work
Oh, wait.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Just throwin this out there for discussion...
It’s not really fanpost worthy…
Josh Fields. The White Sox just demoted him to bring up Beckham, and we could use a real fill-in while A-Ram is still out. Fields value has been lessened heavily by the demotion. Any chance we can deal equal spare parts with the Sox?
SackMan - June 9, 2009
Two questions
What would the Cubs give up?
Would Kenny Williams help the Cubs?
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Jake Fox.
Thome has to retire sometime, and Fox can DH. I think it might take more than just Fox, though.
Hendry and Williams have dealt before – Aardsma for Cotts was basically a wash, so it could happen, I suppose.
Bill Potter - June 9, 2009
Actually... when I think about it...
If Fox works on it for a couple of weeks, he might be able to play 3rd base as poorly as Fields can. LOL.
Ehhh… forget I mentiond Fields in the first place.
SackMan - June 9, 2009
Well, we've dealt with Kenny before in the past.
If Feilds is gonna ride the pine and make way for the Beckham era… there’s gotta be some inquiries along the way by someone. Might as well be us.
BTW… I said “demotion.” I should have just referred to it as a benching. Not to be confused with being sent down.
Myabe they have a need for Cotts again? Or Fox as a DH
SackMan - June 9, 2009
I'd give them Cotts and Fox straight up if they'd do it
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I don't know...
I was thinking more along the lines of a straight up 1 for 1 deal. Fields really isn’t a very good 3rd baseman. But, sadly he’d be an upgrade over Fontenot (who just started playing 3rd base 3 weeks ago).
SackMan - June 9, 2009
Cotts, though . . .
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Ugh. I dunno Badger.
Career -10.8 UZR/150, and career OPS+ 85. Fox is better offensively than that (assumingly), and you can’t get that much worse defensively.
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
I'd say Cotts for Fields straight up...
but, the numbers don;t match up well for the Sox. Fields is making the minimum $410,000. Cotts is making $1.1 mil.
SackMan - June 9, 2009
Maybe not, I was considering Cotts as a throw-in
I know he makes me want to throw up
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Yeah, I was a bit hasty
Just thinking of getting something for Fox, and not really looking at what it was.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Josh77 says
he pitched pretty good in Iowa last night.
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
Cotts? Well, ok, but
He may be a 4-A pitcher.
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Usually I don't pay a lot of attention when fans propose trades...
…but this one actually makes a certain amount of sense for both teams. Personally, whether I was Kenny or Hendry, I’d do it in a minute.
bluekoolaide - June 9, 2009
Brandon Allen is the heir apparent to Jim Thome
Next year the Sox would like to have Konerko and Allen split duties between 1st base and DH. They are very high on Allen.
BLou - June 9, 2009
Thanks Al
I mostly lunk, but post once in a while. But I’m here several times a day to check out the news. Great site.
Ihatethecards - June 9, 2009
And did anyone mention, that after all the angst
and bad blood in the game threads here and mediocre play on the field that doesn’t meet our expectations, that this team that we care about and anguish over is only 1 game out of second place and 3 and a half out of first?
I like our chances this season boys and girls.
As that corny, overplayed cliche of a song goes, “Don’t stop believing!”
JFCubFan - June 9, 2009
Sorry had to do it.
Don’t stop Believing!
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
I heard a lot of that song over the last few years.
Lots of Red Sox fans here in Vermont.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
May be the most overplayed rock tune in history
next to “Stairway to Heaven”.
JFCubFan - June 9, 2009
And worse...
… White Sox fans used it as a theme song in 2005. Best left there, I think.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Hey, it worked for them. :)
I’ll start liking eminem if that means more Cub victories.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
I’d listen to Barney music if it helped the Cubs. Barney songs sung by Jim Belushi wearing a Barney suit.
puckishcubsfan - June 9, 2009
Forgot about that
I was thinking of the famous blackout scene form the last episode of The Sopranos when I made the above comment.
JFCubFan - June 9, 2009
Further, any song that has people in
South Detroit is flawed anyway.
N Oakley - June 9, 2009
Best site for Cub news
Long-time Cubs fan. First game for me was probably in late 1950s, with my dad, and I’ll always remember the bleachers’ bouquet of old men sweating in the sun combined with the aroma of cheap cigars. And Smoky Links.
Now out in Colorado, but still follow the Cubs as if I still lived on Wellington and Clark……
chucolo - June 9, 2009
I love the stories this post brought out.
I’ve been coming on this site every day for about a year, at the suggestion of my die-hard Cubs fan father. I’m a relatively young fan (at 23), compared to many of the other members in this community, and I think that fact deters me from posting on here sometimes.
I really enjoyed reading your Cubs history, Al, as well as the several other stories your post inspired. My dad, the 3rd child born to an English war-bride and a GI of Italian descent, grew up on the North side of Chicago and spent many childhood days listening to and watching baseball games. He occasionally tells me the story of his initiation into CubFandom, and I can’t help but laugh. When he was 8 or 9 years old he followed the Cubs, the Sox and the Cards all pretty religiously, but that year he decided he needed to pick one team to follow. He turns 53 this year and has been a Cubs fan for over 4 decades. His biggest reason for becoming a Cubs fan? His dad.
I think that’s the best thing about being a Cubs fan. The history. My grandfather passed away in 1999 and almost all of my memories of him somehow involve the Cubs. I now have a 4-month old son who we are already priming for a long history of indigestion, heartbreak and overwhelming joy (he currently owns more Cubs paraphernalia than both my husband and myself). Now he gets to share Cubs wins and losses with his grandfather just like I did, and that’s the most important thing.
CubsGirl - June 9, 2009
Don't let your age keep you from participating here!
Daver and I act like junior high school girls all the time.
santoswoodenlegs - June 9, 2009
Ha!
I’ll try not to let it get me down! Thanks.
CubsGirl - June 9, 2009
Are you kidding? Have you ever seen a bunch of crybabies like this? Maturity is defintely not a
common trait among poster to this site!
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 9, 2009
I think it's more because
of what Al said about the stats and the numbers. I care more about the game itself than the numbers or the draft, so sometimes I get lost in the analysis.
CubsGirl - June 9, 2009
Don't let the stats freaks keep you away either.
There are plenty of people that just like the game played on the field rather than just on paper. All are welcome.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
+1
People say that baseball is a game of numbers, but I don’t buy that. Baseball is about the feeling you get when you see you favorite player get a hit or strike someone out. Kids don’t care about numbers, they just want to see their heros play the game. Sats are for the eggheads amoung us to compare player performance, but it’s not a substitute for the feeling you get of seing one of you favorite player stretch a double into a triple, hit a game-winning home run or rob someone with a diving catch in the gap. Baseball is about passion. As long as you have that passion, you will be one of us. feel free to express that passion at any time. We all will be the better for it.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 9, 2009
I could not agree more
While i understand stats and value the information, I trust my eyes more than anything
heine41 - June 9, 2009
It's not so much that I trust my eyes more
It’s just that I enjoy watching the plays unfold and know the whole time that anything can happen
carolinacub - June 9, 2009
Right
Plus, stat books don’t tell you Jacque Jones hit all his doubles with two outs and nobody on
heine41 - June 9, 2009
Actually, stat books CAN tell you that
SouthernCub - June 9, 2009
hahaha touche
heine41 - June 9, 2009
True,
But baseball-reference can say that.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
Well said.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
Well said Willie.
Couldn’t agree more.
sue369 - June 9, 2009
I understand I get lost in it also.
But what this site needs is get back to people who care about the game and are interested in discussions about that. Bring to the table what it is about the game it self you care about.
PS we can also use a few more females here:)
Madison Cub Fan - June 9, 2009
I think we can say
that we’re all in favor of more women around here. :D
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
Im sure all you guys would....
but I should have said being female, I think we can always use a few more females around here. :)
Madison Cub Fan - June 9, 2009
I don't know about the rest of the guys, but
I like the sound of that!
;-)
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
especially when they're utility workers!
bow chikka wow wow
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
Time for a repost of the dumbest joke ever overheard at Wrigley Field
What are the two sexiest farm animals?
“Brown chicken, brown cow”
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I had to say that out loud before I got it.
slcathena - June 9, 2009
;-)
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
I'm glad I took a second look at your comment...
because at first glance I thought it said “Daver and I like junior high school girls…”
And no, we don’t need to see any pictures associated with that. ;-)
ballhawk - June 9, 2009
Giggle giggle tee hee! lol
BigJohnAZ - June 9, 2009
Hey, I'm young too!
I turn 25 in September, so I know what it’s like for you.
Congrats on your son, by the way! I hope he turns into a Cubs fan!
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
25 here as well.
Been in Chicago for two years, but as details above, been a fan since i can remember.
AndrewJStone - June 9, 2009
I'm hoping to go to Chicago
For graduate school. Political science is the field I’m hoping to study. So you might see me around Chicago if I can make it.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
Hopefully we will!
I work for a concert promoter, and have no desire or need for another degree… but my friends that have gone that route have informed me of just how hard it is to get in to a good grad school here. Best of luck to you. There isn’t a better place to live IMHO.
AndrewJStone - June 9, 2009
Ageed
I live in a college town about 60 miles west of Chicago proper but my husband works in one of the ‘burbs. If we ever had to move, I would want to move to the city. Every time I’m there, whether it be for festivals, rehearsals, concerts or ball games, I never want to leave.
CubsGirl - June 9, 2009
Me neither.
I always try to make it to a ball game whenever I’m in Chicago. Wrigley Field is a great place to be.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
Thank you!
He is certainly on his way, we just have to hope that when he’s old enough to actually decide for himself he picks our boys in Blue.
CubsGirl - June 9, 2009
Hey, I'm only 22 so don't let the age be a barrier
Passion for your ballclub is all that is required here
heine41 - June 9, 2009
Very true.
The only problem I have is why I didn’t join this site sooner than I did.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
well at first it took a little digging to find
i just stumbled upon here one day, can’t even remember how.
This site is truly a gem on the net for me
heine41 - June 9, 2009
For me,
It was a co-worker at my job who first told me about this site. I read this site for almost a year before I joined.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
yep. I read everyday for the 2007 season
finally got up the courage to give my input at the beginning of 08
heine41 - June 9, 2009
I joined midway through '08
And posted in the game threads in a win over Washington. However, I really didn’t start posting a lot until earlier this year.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
yeah i think i had all of 200 posts my first full year
I’ve got like 1300 since lol
Its just nice for the conversation and being mentored by older, more seasoned cubs fans
heine41 - June 9, 2009
You're right
Just yesterday, a more seasoned fan told me that although base hits are great, walks also count as successful at-bats.
And I went over 1,000 comments earlier this year, too.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
I also didn't join for a while
I came across this on a recommendation from a friend, but kind of fell out of habit last year when I got very busy. Once the season started my Spring Fever was as strong as ever, and I felt like I needed the outlet so I joined up. I don’t always have the most to say, but I like the game threads when I’m stuck at work.
wallrock - June 9, 2009
Al
Hey Al:
I’m 65 years old (yes, female) and have been a Cubs fans almost since you were born, so watch it! I remember riding the El to the park, buying general admission tickets and sitting in the first row , by the bullpen, because the park was nearly empty. The only problem was that the vendors didn’t go that far to serve one customer, so I had to track them down to get a soda. It’s marvelous, today, to see Wrigley being full to capacity, these days, and the team deserves it. As you always say, "Go Cubs, Go)
uniquepat - June 9, 2009
Awesome. Recommending this just cuz that's a great story.
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
Soda?
I thought us Chicagoans called it Pop!
:)
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
Hi Higgy
You may, very possibly, be right, now that you mention it. Guess I’ve been in Virginia, too long. However, Chicago will always be home.
uniquepat - June 9, 2009
Great story.
Glad you’re here!
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
I also like this site a lot.
It’s possibly the only place I can come for discussions with Cubs fans about baseball. Going to college in a Red Sox-heavy area, I often got a lot of grief about cheering for the Cubs. This is a great site.
If I ever got banned (which I likely don’t have to worry about), I’d probably just read this site only, but not return. I’d do that because this is a great site for Cubs fans. Thanks, Al!
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
I dont have any great Cubs story of becoming a fan
Cause’ I popped out covered in blue blood.. sorry for the visual. I was born into Cubs fans, ironically living on the Southside. My grandparents are diehards, as well as my mom. My dad loves the Cubs as well, but cheers for the Sox over the Cubs, so his opinion is null.
I do have a good story of a friend who became a Reds fan. Hes from Indiana, and loved baseball but didnt know who to cheer for back in about 1988 when he was 4 years old. He told his dad he would cheer for whatever baseball players card was in his lunchable, and it was Barry Larkin. Jake has been a diehard Reds fan since that day… I like his story. Now he has an autographed ball with Griffey and Larkin on it with him holding the card he took out of the lunchable years ago for a great photo op. Fan stories are great.
SouthsideCUBSfan - June 9, 2009
You as a baby??
heine41 - June 9, 2009
About the waving "W" flag I make,
It came out of a conversation with slcathena about Northsider’s old “W” flag (where is he, by the way?). The flag is a tribute to him and his flag.
After the conversation, I looked around, and found the song player link on this website (I don’t remember where, but it was somewhere here). The original link to the song was from Northsider. Right after posting a stationary flag which linked to the song, I asked for a waving “W” flag, and sanantonecub got me one.
So now, I post the “W” flag after every Cubs win. It is both a celebration flag and a tribute to Northsider. I hope you BCB’ers like it, as I will continue to make it every time the Cubs win, just like Northsider used to.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
Isn't Sclathena a woman?
And I love all the pictures posted after Cub’s games, I hope to see more and more of them.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
Slcathena is a woman, yes
The guy I’m referring to is Northsider, every time I say “he” or “him” it’s a reference to Northsider.
And I don’t post many pictures here. It’s usually Drew who posts pictures after we win.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
I just post the flag.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
me and SWL
and a few others. I have my three — the traditional CUBS POWER, the one of Max at the game we went to for my birthday, and, of course, the wonder that is Unicub.
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
You can't forget Milton either.
He’s a fixture after the Cubs win.
As I recall, you and I once posted him simultaneously, so he appeared twice.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
true
but I only post Milton if Sue says “where’s Milton”? :D
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
I loves me some Milton.
He has to be posted after every win. :D
sue369 - June 9, 2009
Ohhhh noooo!
Not the unicorn!!!!!
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
Don't mess swith the unicorn, my friend.
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
hahahahaha
Cubbie-Tim - June 9, 2009
Robocop rules.
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
When I am on during games
I like to post the wonder hampster picture, I use to have more, but I dont frequent as often as I use to on here during games..
SouthsideCUBSfan - June 9, 2009
Don't forget the Charlie Brown one!!!
It’s my new favorite, although I hope to see it less and less. ;)
slcathena - June 9, 2009
ah, yes
There’s a happy Charlie Brown one that I think I have. I need to find that, and make it available to post. :D
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
I can't find the strip without an attached article
But I’ve always liked this one
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
hmmm
too bad it’s not bigger. I might be able to do something with that.
drewishdrewid - June 10, 2009
Sorry misunderstood, see you should reread every post to make sure you don't read it wrong.
KaliCub - June 9, 2009
I usually try to do that,
But I messed up here. Sorry about confusing you there.
The conversation I had with slcathena about the flag occurred some time in April, and after talking with her, I began searching the site. Northsider’s flag itself is no longer here, but I found the link to the song player by chance.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
I was SO glad you made that flag!
It’s my favorite thing, to click on after the game. :)
slcathena - June 9, 2009
I wanted a waving "W" flag
So it could be as similar to Northsider’s flag as I could make it. Glad you like it!
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 9, 2009
I love it too.
So many of the pictures, flags etc. posted after wins are becoming traditions for me.
sue369 - June 9, 2009
Heh
I had to explain to a friend what the “W” flag means the other day.
All over town(Iowa City) he saw these “W” flags and thought these people were fans of George W. Bush.
salparadise23 - June 9, 2009
ha thats funny
SouthsideCUBSfan - June 9, 2009
I've gone through the same discussion
I ended up taking my flag down at work during the election season because I kept getting lots of quizzical looks considering who I was pulling for in the election.
Craig in South Bend - June 9, 2009
He thought that in Iowa City?
not quite :-)
chitownhawkeye - June 9, 2009
Thanks so much for this Al
And, I feel lucky to be a Cubs fan. My grandfather wasn’t alive when I was born, my dad didn’t follow baseball, nor did my mom, but I was blessed with having a tremendous grandmother, 3 uncles, a half-brother, and as a kid, my neighbor’s 2 older boys who were die hard Cubs fans. I know a lot of people pickup their fandom from their parents, or grandfather, but I was pretty fortunate to have those people in my life. I was too young to even remember my first Cubs game, but I remember it being in the nosebleeds. Every year I would make it to one or two games because the neighbor’s kids or my brother would take me to games. Anytime I went to my grandma’s house, she would have a Cubs game on, and my uncles were always talking about them. Throughout the years, I’ve picked up on a lot of Cubs history from those individuals.
They’re all getting older now. My grandma, unfortunately, passed away in the summer of 2007. At her wake, we managed to sneak a Cubs magnet in and placed it on the hood of her casket. At her burial, after the final prayer, my family all joined together in singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame. For such a small thing like baseball, it was a huge part of our lives, and an important one. It was something that bound the random Cubs fans in our family together, and kept us there for the really important moments. Since then, two of my uncles have beaten cancer, and even in recovery, right there on the TV was the Cubs. Even in the darkest of times, for what is sometimes a hopeless team, they’re a symbol of hope. It makes me wonder what will happen when they do win a World Series. For many, what will happen to that beacon of hope? I hope they don’t lose it or ever forget.
So now, as I prepare to journey into marriage, I look forward to the day my wife and I are able to raise a little girl or boy, and I’ll have the opportunity to do something my parents never did, which is to share something like the Cubs with them. I hope they appreciate them as much as I do, or at least I hope they understand what they mean to many. And for my uncles who are aging, or anyone else’s uncle, aunt, grandparent, parent, brother, sister, nephew, neice, friend, son, daughter, or friend, I hope they all get to see this team achieve what sometimes seems like the impossible. Until then, I will always remember who created this in me, and I will always be hopeful, for the Cubs, and anything else that may come my way.
Craig in South Bend - June 9, 2009
Great Post
Rec’d
heine41 - June 9, 2009
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
is the only song that will calm my son down when he’s in a fit. At my grandfather’s funeral, the organist played Take Me Out to the Ballgame after the service and that was the first time I had seen my father cry. Baseball is everywhere.
CubsGirl - June 9, 2009
You bet it is
While there were no baseball songs played at my Dad’s funeral, I did place a copy of a picture near and dear to our hearts in his casket. It was of him, me, my grand-dad and great grand-dad at my first Cubs game.
So many of us here have these kinds of stories, I would almost bet that everyone here has one particular story about how the Cubs affected their lives, profoundly one way or another.
blackhawk24 - June 9, 2009
When my sister-in-law...
had their first child, i told them, no matter what i wanted to take their boy to his first Cubs game. Sure enough we did and that was definitely a huge highlight for my life.
Now with a baby on the way, i am looking do do the same thing – unfortunately with a due date of November 19th it appears it will have to be a bears game. Just kidding guys, a Cubs game is perfect timing. I am thinking a June game next year!
HIGGY - June 9, 2009
Excellent post.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - June 9, 2009
Great Post.
Some say that baseball, unlike other sports, imitates life. Born in the spring, matured through a summer, culimnating in the fall and sleeping through winter only to rise again the next spring. The circle of life is amazing and baseball seems to follow that circle as each new generation realizes it’s beauty and simplicity and passes it on to the next. You should feel fortunate that you had family to sheperd you through this journey and as you prepare to pass the love affair on to your own, cherish the feeling. Feel good in the knowledge that you will pass the torch and experience the joy with your children.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 9, 2009
We sang TMOTTBG
at my dad’s funeral too. He was a huge Cub fan.
sue369 - June 9, 2009
My Dad has been talking about his wishes and such because his best friend just passed. He wants that sung too.
I performed a Dying Cub Fans Last Request at my stepdad’s funeral.
puckishcubsfan - June 9, 2009
OT: Mike Cameron got suspended for 2 games for contact with Ump...
Wonder if Ol’ Pete thinks there is some injustice there. Basically, the same incident to Bradley happened to Cameron. Ump moved forward brims touch… Very incidental… Just curious as to how Ol’ Pete thinks about this scenario now.
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
No! Don't bring him up, we were doing so good...
cubswynn - June 9, 2009
True... Wrong thread for that.
I don’t dare go to evil BCB because I will get kicked out for merely asking how he feels about the situation.
Fishbone2 - June 9, 2009
somehow Pete will blame it on MB
Dye, Maggs, and Z, but it wont be Cameron’s fault
Cubbie-Tim - June 9, 2009
I doubt you'll see him here to discuss that.
And if any of us go to the “other” BCB even to discuss it rationally, we’d likely be banned.
Maybe I should go over there myself to see if they’d ban a fellow SBN admin.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
ARE YOU READY
TO RUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMBLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEE!
drewishdrewid - June 9, 2009
I'll give you free BCB Store Points if you get banned. Your BCB Snuggie is awaiting.
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
You really should.
He certainly doesn’t mind sharing his biased opinions here.
sue369 - June 9, 2009
You mean Prickly Pete?
Or is it Slippery Pete…
The Ryno and I Know - June 9, 2009
My first sentence
was “GOD DAMN CUBBIES” i have heard it so many times.
Entire family is a long line of Cub fans, and we are all just as goofy as the previous generation.
Cubbie-Tim - June 9, 2009
lol that does not surprise me
heine41 - June 9, 2009
Sounds like my Grandma and uncles :)
Craig in South Bend - June 9, 2009
I'm a Cubs fan because of Sammy Sosa
and Kerry Wood. They were on TV everyday after school when I first moved to Chicago. That 1998 team also introduced me to Cubbie heartbreak, something that I fully understood after 2003 and 2004.
I think after these past two seasons, I just laugh when this team loses. Despite all the heartbreak, I still think I have some optimist in me, because I come back year after year thinking we have a shot to win it all.
nji232 - June 9, 2009
To Everyone That Cares About BCB
I’ve probably spent more time on BCB during work hours than on work during work hours and for that, I say thanks to Al and everyone else that contributes for the great entertainment and insight that it brings to me about the team I love most. I hope that everyone tries their hardest to put aside any preconceived notions about other posters and just takes every day on here as a new clean slate. I’ve seen it myself, guys that go crazy in a game thread and come back the next day to apologize and everyone seems willing to move on. Some are extremely opinionated in a negative manner that it makes me wonder why they are even Cubs fans, but still, I’m willing to believe it’s just things said in the heat of the moment.
We’re all here for the same reason and doing our best to contribute in a positive manner to the discussion will only make it better for everyone including ourselves. Sometimes we have to see this as a relationship of sorts…. we have to listen, agree to disagree, and at times, simply bite our tongue. We have to also take responsibility for the things we post and do our best to make nice for things said that may be offensive to others. BCB in my opinion, is NOT an anymous type place, many of us follow others on Twitter, have posted about our jobs, family, seen pictures on Flickr or Fanshots, or simply posted for a long time so we’re more of an actual community. Something many other websites/blogs have tried to be for a long time. Let’s try to stay classy and intelligent and keep this place going strong for years to come.
tony412 - June 9, 2009
Thank you Tony.
I’ve seen others mention many times the anonymous chat room line defending poor behavior.
Many of us have met Al and/or others. BCB is many things, but for the most part it is not anonymous and needs to be treated as such.
N Oakley - June 9, 2009
yeah!
everybody just hug it out!
tony412 - June 9, 2009
Love entourage
“Hug it out b**ch”
N Oakley - June 9, 2009
Rec'd.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Ugh. Is it seven yet?
I’m ready for a ballgame
heine41 - June 9, 2009
+1
sue369 - June 9, 2009
+1
CubsGirl - June 9, 2009
Relatively new here
I’ve been reading BCB for over a year but decided to join in April or so. Only posted a few times in one of the game threads back in April but have chosen to just be a lurker….makes it so much more interesting for me. Plus I wouldn’t have to break any rules by being a lurker……..lol
FWIW I’ve been a Cub fan since the late 60s. when I was a teen………….tho the first baseball game I went to was a Sox game in 1962. I love the Cubs but do appreciate good ball players, no matter what team they play on. Now if the Cubs could just find a way to get all those good players…………lol
Swoosie - June 9, 2009
Ms. Kurtz? Is that you?
Shanghai Badger - June 9, 2009
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.............I wish
Thought her name was unique and I always liked it so chose it as a nic. Have used it in many forums, blogs over the years. Much more interesting than my name…………lol Kind of interesting how she got her name too.
Swoosie - June 9, 2009
This is a great board
No doubt about it. Sometimes you need to cut through the crap and call it like it is and that unfortunately upsets too many who wear rose-colored glasses. But that’s okay.
BLou - June 9, 2009
Seriously...
… go ahead and call it as you see it. That’s what this site is there for. All I ask is that you eliminate the profanity and NOT personally attack others. They are entitled to their opinions, just as you are to yours.
Be nice to others and I think you’ll find people will be much more willing to listen to what you have to say.
Al Yellon - June 9, 2009
Yep
It’s kind of an art form but it is possible to phrase your opinion in a way that is neither confrontational nor rude to those that disagree with you. My husband’s a Libertarian and I’m about as liberal as they come, yet we’ve been together for almost 6 years. We’ve gotten pretty good at it.
CubsGirl - June 9, 2009
I might add quit the personal attacks on the players
That isn’t cutting thru the crap, that is being mean and petty.
Madison Cub Fan - June 9, 2009
Please, say your piece.
I believe you’re right many times. Just remember, don’t attack anyone personally, including the players. They are people too. And when you reply to someone else’s opinion, do it as you would like others to reply to your’s. In other words, address the message, not the messenger.
Fraggin Judge - June 9, 2009
My first Cubs game...
That I can remember watching was Opening Day of ’94 when I was 9 years old. Tuffy Rhodes hit 3 home runs that day, Harry Caray and Steve Stone had the call and I was just glued to the TV.
I lost some interest for a few years, until Sammy drew me back in during the late 90’s. 2003 was when I really started to live and die with this team, and so it continues…
CubsBullsBears - June 9, 2009
Good and the bad
Two of the greatest things about this site can be sometimes two problems.
1. We all feel extremely passionately about this baseball team and the players that make up the team. This is great 99 percent of the time but when things get tense things go nuts.
2. We have a nice variety of backgrounds and ages here. Again a great thing but sometimes that’s where clashes come in. PLEASE don’t think I’m putting younger people down but I have to remember how things have changed.
puckishcubsfan - June 9, 2009
Age has little to do with it...
as one of the most egregious offenders of etiquette is among the older posters.
SouthernCub - June 9, 2009
There's no fool like and old fool.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 9, 2009
get off my lawn!
N Oakley - June 9, 2009
What I meant by that comment
What I meant by that comment is younger people have grown up in the info first Paris Hilton age. Not a bad thing always but that changes perspective. I didn’t even mean it as a put down but as a reminded to myself I have to remember that sometimes.
puckishcubsfan - June 9, 2009
If I was in my 20's, I'd be pretty insulted to have my generation and my values linked with
Paris Hilton. As I’m almost old enough to be her father, I’ll just be glad I’m not.
N Oakley - June 9, 2009
Well I am in my 20s
but I understand what cubstoseriesby100 was getting at. There are a lot of people in my generation who choose not to use their heads (“That’s that lump that’s 3 feet above your a**!”). But yes, it is just blatantly wrong to lump ANYONE in with Paris Hilton. That’s what happens when Daddy gives you whatever you want and doesn’t teach you to love baseball!
CubsGirl - June 9, 2009
Paris Hilton? Really?
That’s the constant you’ve decided to use to judge my generation? Errrrrr…….why not Speidi?
dtpollitt - June 9, 2009
Ugh
-1 for using that moniker.
DamonBerryhillsMitt - June 9, 2009
I probably should have left it just at the first comment which was my main point.
puckishcubsfan - June 9, 2009
I agree....
The two posters that in my opinion are the most problemic are from what I understand in their 40s
Madison Cub Fan - June 9, 2009
My own story
There is a picture of me at 6 weeks old with the beautiful family heirloom christening gown with a Cubs hat on.
My parents were divorced when I was 5. My Dad really had know idea what to do with us so Cubs games, Bears games, Blackhawks games and we were the 3 that went to see the Bulls back then were our time spent with our Dad.
Then my mom met my stepfather. My brother and I got to know this wonderful man during a summer at Wrigley (he was a college professor at the time so had the summer off).
So the Cubs are so closely associated with family and my relationship with the 2 men that I both consider to be my fathers.
I’ve seen this team win and lose more than 95 games and everything in between. I have seen so many prospects overhyped and big disappointments than the beauty of a gem like Maddux or Wood.
Even my charities I am involved with are Cubs related. JDRF and Family Rescue are 2 for example.
I have gotten to see a HOFer like Ryne Sandberg play his entire career here (except for 13 games) but on the flip side the disappointment of seeing the greatest pitcher of my generation be let go because of a flipping idiot GM and management pitch most of his career elsewhere.
The Cubs have an influence on so much of my life. My youngest’s middle name is Santo for goodness sake!
I have cried so many times over this team I lost count. But on the flip side those tears haven’t been always of sadness. I cried every playoff clinching, I cried watching the retirement ceremonies of Sandberg, Santo and Maddux/Jenkins. I cried when Kerry hit that homerun on the first pitch he faced after the surgery. And when the day comes I will bawl like a baby. that’s why the line from Eddie Vedder’s song “And when it comes to that last winning run and I’m crying and covered with beer” gets to me all the time.
Through the toughest time of my life, the Cubs have been there to provide a respite from it all. For 3 hours I could forget a family illness, job trouble. romance trouble, school trouble or whatever and for 9 innings watch baseball and only think about whether they should take out the starter.
There’s where my passion comes from.
puckishcubsfan - June 9, 2009
Great Post, Al
The Cubs are the team we chose, or sometimes we didn’t have a choice (I was a Cubs fan in the womb) lol
I have been lurking a lot lately because the team has been doing so poorly. Don’t get me wrong, I am cursing and ranting like I normally do, but I decided to back off and leave it off the blog. Typically, I don’t vent too much on here when they are losing, but I felt it better for me to read the comments and walk away from time to time. I am in no way calling anyone out if they do vent or rant on the blog, I just found that if I get involved in a “discussion” based on anger, it serves no one. Yes, You may feel better about yourself afterwords, but it doesn’t really matter at the end of the day.
I think we all agree that Hendry and Lou have made some mistakes this off season, so we as fans have to deal with it in some fashion. I chose to back off, and my blood pressure thanks me!
I love this blog and how it brings us all together. One day when the World Series trophy sits in honor at 1060 W. Addison, we will all rejoice and enjoy what it feels like to be World Champion Fans.
BigJohnAZ - June 9, 2009
My story...
It seems like I have always been a baseball fan, so much so that for a while all my friends called me Mr. Baseball. My grandfather was born in 1891, and died in 1984- he was a HUGE baseball fan; and his team was the White Sox. I remember sitting on the back lawn with him listening to Sox games, and him explaining the intricacies of the game to me, teaching me what a DP was, etc., etc. So, Grandpa Al gave me my love for baseball.
It was my step-mom’s family that gave me my love for the Cubs. Shortly after my Dad married my step-mom, she decided to take us all to a Cubs game. I had to have been about 4 or 5 yrs. old. I remember we had to leave early because my brother fell and cut his head, and that I didn’t want to leave Wrigley… In the late 70s my family got cable TV, and from that point on I watched the Cubs EVERY SINGLE DAY. On days I couldn’t watch at home, I would go over to my best friend’s house to watch… Jack, and then Harry brought me my favorite team every day, it was the best thing ever for a young guy that was playing little league. I always loved Chicago, from when I was a wee lad, so falling in love with the Cubs was easy; thereby making the decision to move there 30 yrs. later even easier.
I have been lucky enough to have, comparatively speaking, so many good Cubs teams to follow in my lifetime. ’77, ’84, ’89, ’98, ’01, ’03, ’04, ’07, ’08, ’09… So many great players to root for; Santo, Ryno, Sarge, Jody D., The Penguin, The Bull, Lee Smith, Bruce Sutter, Kingman, Dernier, Dunston, Grace, Walton, Dwight Smith, Maddux, Trout, Sutcliffe, Sammy, Woody, Moises, Rami, D. Lee, Prior. Now Soto, Fonzie, Dome… the list could go on and on.
So now, as I approach mid-life, now living in a far away land, (SoCal), with my Dad approaching the end of his days, (and our dream of attending a Cubs WS game at Wrigley; like he did in ‘45 with his Dad, the last time the Cubs were in the WS); I cling to my Boys in Blue even more, praying that they will finally win it all, and bring our world a great joy. I know without a fact that Cub fans are the most loyal, largest, and most long suffering fan base in the world. It is one thing to be a fan of another team, it’s another thing entirely to be a fan of the Cubs, (as all of us know). When the Cubs do finally win it all, it won’t only bring tears of joy; it will change the world.
That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
Jimmyeatworld - June 9, 2009
My story
How does someone in Philadelphia who has no ties to Chicago become a Cubs fan? Here’s how?
I was born in Philadelphia and except for 4 years I spent at college, lived in the area my entire life. I was 4 when the Phillies won in 1980. My family tells me that I wanted to show everyone how Pete Rose knocked over Bruce Bochy in Game 4 of the 1980 NLCS.
The manager of that Phillies team was Dallas Green. He came to the Cubs in 1981 as the GM. He brought over a LOT of ex-Phillies so my dad and I started following the Cubs along with the Phillies. That’s how I got started with the Cubs. I was 8 in 1984 and couldn’t understand how the team in the ugly brown and yellow jerseys could beat the Cubs.
The team I remember is the 1989 team I’m going into 8th grade that year and it was my first trip to Wrigley. I went out to Chicago with my dad and younger brother to see 2 games in August against the Phillies. The first game was a Thursday afternoon game with the wind blowing out and the Cubs had a 10-3 lead after 3. They lost 16-13. The Cubs won the Friday game. I was hooked. In school, I was reminded all the time how the Cubs lost to the Giants in the NLCS.
My cable system didn’t have WGN, so the only Cubs games on TV I saw where if they played the Phillies, the Mets on WOR, the Braves on TBS or the national game of the week. Only way I could follow the Cubs was by reading the boxscores and watching Sportscenter for the 30 second highlights of the Cubs game.
I was glad I was on a business trip in SoCal when the Phillies won it this past October. Talk about a kick in the groin!!! I couldn’t take dealing with the Phillies fans and all the stuff that went around the Philadelphia area after they won.
I’m glad that I can read the Chicago papers and Daily Herald online to get the news about the Cubs. I have the Extra Innings package on my cable system so I can watch every Cubs game except those on Saturday when the Cubs aren’t the Fox national game. And I’m glad that this blog is here so I can read different opinions about the Cubs and the direction the team is headed.
With all that’s happened this past off-season and during the first few months of the season, the Cubs are only 3 1/2 games out of first.. There are a lot of games left!!
PhillyCub - June 9, 2009
Super post Al.
What do you mean ‘like family’ by the way?! We are family ;)
Since I live in like Eastern IA now I expect to keep my seat warm for me.
By the way, are the pennies I stashed under the seat still there? I’m going to need them to pay for tickets this year! Haha
Anyway, you know I love reading your stuff & like when you write about more personal stuff like this.
I don’t read the game threads and have sworn off of the fanposts but I will give the fanposts a shot again although I can’t promise that I will post much. I hope that the attacks, the snarkiness, & the know it all attitude will diminish somewhat. When that stuff disappears I really enjoy reading them otherwise I just skip it.
cubsgirl2 - June 9, 2009
TL;DR
rok - June 11, 2009
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