Bleeding Cubbie Blue
Posted by Eric on October 3, 2008
Since it is that time of year, I’d like to tell y’all a little story and rant just a little bit, but only a little bit. My dad grew up on the North side of Chicago and (thus) grew up a fan of the Chicago Cubs. Being my father’s son, I too grew up a Cubs fan just like my daghter is starting to become. You see, true Cubs fans are born into it; they are born into a life of always falling short and “waiting for next year.” We Cubs fans have 100 years of futility and unfulfilled dreams weighing us all down and shaping our world views. It isn’t that we want to be pessimists, honest, we just can’t help it.
At some point during the soon-to-be-over baseball season my daughter discovered that if she asked me if she could “Watch Cubs,” that we could snuggle up in the recliner and prolong bedtime a few minutes while watching a little Chicago Cubs baseball. What father could resist watching baseball with his little girl? Along the way I’ve told her all about Theriot, D-Lee, Dempster, Soriano, Soto, and Zambrano (that’s her favorite but she insists his name is Ambrano, without the Big Z). I’ve tried to explain (as best I can to a 3 year old) the rules of the game but she simply likes to comment on guys running, throwing, and swinging the bat.
The Cubs were better than I thought they were capable of this year. There were even times when I has nothing to complain about and was actually a little giddy talking to people about my Cubbies. It was magical and to share that with my daughter made it even more special. It all (however) came crashing down like a house of cards this past Wednesday with the debacle that was game one of the NLDS. My daughter knows nothing about curses, billy goats, or Steve Bartman and doesn’t understand why I might yell at the TV when Ryan Dempster walks 7 batters in less than 5 innings (who wouldn’t). She doesn’t yet understand that the season is over (even if not offically yet) or that the boys in blue sometimes play day games, but someday she will. She also doesn’t understand how Cubs fans like me live and die with each win and loss but, like all true Cubs fans, someday she will.
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One Response to “Bleeding Cubbie Blue”
even though some of your story was about your frustration with baseball, the parts about your bond with hailey is just the sweetest thing! i loved reading this post and it really warmed my heart… i actually FELT in your post the love and adoration you feel for your daughter and that she feels for you. GREAT POST! (and sorry about your frustrations!)
By kristie on Oct 7, 2008