A few summers ago, I swore that I was finished with the Chicago Cubs. The team broke my heart too many times, and I was determined to end the cycle of baseball fan abuse once and for all. Despite my pledge, I half-heartedly cheered for them in the playoffs last summer. Since I didn't follow them all season and had no idea who the players were, I was only half-committed to rooting them on, it didn't bother me when they were (predictably) quickly eliminated. Plus, I had emotionally exhausted myself watching the Mets - my new top team - self-destruct before the playoffs even arrived, squandering a season-long lead. The Cubs' defeat was nothing.
This baseball season marks the 100th anniversary of the Cubs' last World Series victory. Although I am convinced that any future Cubs World Series glory marks the coming of the Apocalypse, I think I am going to again pay attention to the team. There's some good potential there. (We all know where this is headed. Hit it, Elivs: the Heartbreak Hotel...) I viewed the end of yesterday's game, in which the Cubs blew a two run lead over Philly, but won it in the 10th. I hadn't the foggiest idea who the hell was on the field other than Derek Lee, who I at first failed to recognize, but it was fun to watch.
However, my commitment to two teams is going to cause my brain to explode. It is hard for me to learn so many names, and as it is, I am overwhelmed with remembering who the new Mets players are. (LoDuca is out; Schneider is in - or is it Church who is catching? No, Church is in the outfield replacing someone, maybe Millege? And where did Pagan come from?) Next step is to learn to connect the names to the faces, which is extremely difficult for me. If I am truly going to get back into the Cubs this year, that means I also have to learn their team from scratch. It's like taking on a full time job.
Fortunately, Husband is patient with my limitations, and no matter how many times I ask who's on first, Husband reminds me of the guy's whole back story. As any true fan knows, baseball sometimes requires sacrifices to be made.
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i think pagan was w/ the cubbies for a bit a couple years ago. i lost track of the players last season, but i'm planning to catch the wgn games (d@mn sox were on yesterday-how i loathe their announcers) i cannot keep track of the pitchers besides big z & kerry wood is quite recognizable as the new closer. gonna have to start paying attention to names as they sent my redheaded boyo-matt murton- down to the minors.
ReplyDeletealso, i wanted to let you know that my 'by 30' list of seeing a w @ wrigley was only an any game statement. seeing them actually do a century-peat would be beyond my expectations.
Which Pagan? That's the other problem - there are like 900 players with the same last name. The Mets have at least two Reyeses, although I definitely know who Jose Reyes is. The Mets guy is Angel Pagan. So far, he seems to be OK. Can't picture what he looks like, though.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure who Big Z is. Kerry Wood, I definitely know. I also know Matt Clement from that patch of mold growing on his chin. Is he still with the Cubs? So much to learn, so little time...
You know, you should come to Chicago while I am there in July (last weekend in May - July 7), and we should go to a game. My sister is coming in at some point during that time (I think), so she can even give you a ride and you can stay at the wacky Reisman homestead.
OK, I just learned about two more players whose names I recognize: Aramis Ramierz and Alfonso Soriano. Very exciting.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I see that Clement is gone, and I fucking HATE Carlos Zambrano. Why is he still there?!?!
ReplyDeletegrrr, my last comment didn't post!
ReplyDeleteyeah, i missed mentioning that clement is gone.
z is a big whiny crybaby most of the time, but an above average pitcher. unfortunately.
could i handle the reismans? i assume you mean end of june-july 7. my boss always takes the week of the 4th off, but it's a definite mebbe!
off to pick up my new laptop in an hour. yay for some actual possible blogging from home now!
I'm a Royals fan deep and true. And a KU basketball fan (who Finally FINALLY stopped breaking my heart this year.) And a Chief's fan (but it doesn't run as deep.) Huh - can you guess where I'm from originally?
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid we used to go to 3or 4 Royal's games each summer. Man, I loved baseball games. With my daughter being so peanut allergic - she can't go to baseball games - which is such a dang shame because she is a great softball pitcher.
My hubby is a gigantic Bear's fan. And they have broken his heart for many many years. But, he is definately extremely loyal (which is good for me) and has stood by his Bears for as long as I've known him - through sickness and health - good times and bad times. He continues to love his Bears.
Yay for baseball!