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Okay, okay...I'm a Cubs fan. I don't blame Bartman when Prior and Wood (two of the most dominant pitchers that season) couldn't get the job done. I don't think it's a curse or worse. The Tribune company is content to place a playoff contending team on the field every five years. Wrigley sells out because it is a fantastic place to see a ballgame and doubles as a terrific beer garden. The surrounding neighborhood is fun, safe and offers a variety of entertainment. The lovable, laughable Cubbies are adored by the legions. The Cubs convention is living proof that once you wear that uniform, you are immortalized. (For godsakes, Henry Blanco signs autographs!)
Nearly one hundred years of sarcasm, scorn and mockery have been heaped on those of us who bleed Cubbie blue. We do not have a World Series ring and probably won't have one in the next decade. But one thing is true, the Cubs still own Chicago. The South Side deserves their revelry, but next year, US Cellular will be sold out when the Cubs come to play and when the rings are handed out. Otherwise, those tickets are like easier to score than Paris Hilton.
I remember 1984 and the grief I felt when they took the pipe from a team that dressed like they were selling fried chicken. Dwelling on that Padres squad is almost as pathetic as my friends who worship the 1985 Bears. At least the Bears won it all.
The White Sox are rightfully celebrating. Cub fans will claim that they could have won if they had four outs in the playoffs. I say, a great season is done and I'm ready for the next one to begin soon. Baseball is still a fantastic game - umpires don't win or lose and we've got great seats for the action.
Wait until next year...decade...century!
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