Strike 3, Again

There are only a few things that I passionately care about in this world.

When I was in my middle school years, I cared about:

1. tennis

2. doing well in school

3. The Cubs

When I reached my teenage years, I cared about:

1. girls

2. doing well in school

3. The Cubs

As an adult, I care about:

1. My family

2. My friends

3. The Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have been constant in my life. They have also been a constant messenger of pain and disappointment every year. For the second straight year, they’ve been swept in the play-offs.

I can’t really explain why I love to cheer for these bunch of losers. Perhaps maybe because my Dad use to love them also. Watching the Cubs, talking about the Cubs, and going to the Cubs game a couple of times were the only things that I can remember that my Dad and I shared with each other.

My Dad use to love the Cubs, but he’s pretty much given up on them. I think the pivotal moment was when they lost the fated 2003 National League Championship Series, the Bartman Series. Since then, he doesn’t have the same passion anymore when watching the Cubs.

I remember when I was young when he would ask me to tape every single Cubs Game and I would watch the games again with him when he got home from work. While watching the game, I would keep my other eye on him and I would see him twitch with every swing of the bat.

Now, I have to remind him that there’s a game on and he would say “yah.”

It’s just as good that he no longer lives and dies with every single Cub’s Game. He has been through many disappointments in his life already. He deserves to cheer for a winning team.

Perhaps, I should do the same…

Posted October 6, 2008 by Wat Da Daddy | Digg | Stumble | 21 Wat Da Comments

  1. Vered - MomGrind Said,

    My dad used to feel the same about AJAX, a Dutch soccer team. After tons of disappointments, he no longer cares so much.

  1. Dot Said,

    I used to love the Yankees, when I was in grade school, middle school, high school and after. Then came George Steinbrenner, who sold all my favorite players to other teams. I lost interest.

    Now my team is the Nationals (formerly Canadian Expos). They finished last this year, but it’s only my second year with them. As Bill Clinton said, “I feel your pain.”

    Dot’s last blog post… Haiku Friday

  1. kbreints Said,

    Damn Damn Damn… Bad weekend!

    kbreints’s last blog post… Surprise 50th Birthday Party

  1. Marelisa Said,

    I think you should stay loyal to the Cubs. Who knows, somewhere down the road they could start having a winning streak and you’ll get to say: “I stuck by them even when things were bad.”

    Marelisa’s last blog post… The Hannibal Barca Approach to Achieving Your Goals

  1. storm Said,

    i don’t know what to say.

    love isn’t always fair……sorry they have disappointed you so very badly and continue to let you down.

    hang in there — there is always next year — LOL

    storm’s last blog post… sometimes

  1. Cath Lawson Said,

    Hi Chris - It’s a shame that your Dad has lost his enthusiasm. And I think it’s great that you still have yours. I know folk who seem to lose enthusiasm for stuff they used to be passionate about when they get older - and it seems sad.

    But at the same time, I would like to know why they feel that way? What changed that made them feel differently.

    Cath Lawson’s last blog post… Give Value If You Want To Survive

  1. ilinap Said,

    Cubs fans are the best, and there’s no better place to see a game than Wrigley Field. I feel your pain. Mac Daddy is bummed about the Brewers and Badgers.

  1. Momisodes Said,

    I’m sorry. I wish I had something more to say. But, I am sorry :(
    Momisodes’s last blog post… Weekly Winners

  1. Robin Said,

    I’m sorry they lost, Chris. But you know if you still love them, don’t you?

    Robin’s last blog post… Why We Want To Live

  1. Shilpan | successsoul.com Said,

    Chris - I don’t blame your dad. Every year Cubs prove him right. I’m sure that somewhere in his heart, he yearns to be proven wrong.

  1. Kelly@SHE-POWER Said,

    Chris

    I’m with Marelisa. Stick with them. Their luck will change some day and it will be one of the best days of your life! You can’t foster the love you have for them with another team. it won’t be the same.

    Kelly

  1. Aunt Becky Said,

    The Cubs are like a drug I just can’t quit.

  1. M Said,

    I hear ya! What do you do? Sigh!

    M’s last blog post… Yoga and Basil: A Common Thread

  1. B. Wilde Said,

    You’ve got to stick with the Cubs. It’s not about winning. It’s about the emotional connection with your dad and others. It’s about relationships. I say your remain true to yourself as you’ve demonstrated you do in your writing.

  1. Tara R. Said,

    You have my sincere condolences. but, you gotta stick with your team. It’s like a marriage, sickness and health, good or bad… :D
    Tara R.’s last blog post… What if I’m wrong?

  1. Grandy Said,

    Ouch! I know this was a tough one.

    Sorry Chris.

    Grandy’s last blog post… You want me to eat WHAT?!

  1. Lance Said,

    If it’s any consolation (I’m sure it’s not), your nemesis to the north lost too (the Brewers). It was really a bad sports weekend in Wisconsin (Brewers, Packers, and Badgers all lost). Does that make you feel any better (I didn’t think so).

  1. Bruno LoGreco Said,

    The Cubs… baseball right?

    Bruno

    Bruno LoGreco’s last blog post… Search Engine Optimization

  1. Natural Said,

    I feel that way about my NJ Nets. Not ready to dump them just yet.

    Natural’s last blog post… Filler Post

  1. Stacey / Create a Balance Said,

    Growing up in metro-Detroit, I loved the Tigers even when they lost. 1984 was heaven. Now I’m in Chicagoland. I still love the Tigers, but I feel your pain.

    Stacey / Create a Balance’s last blog post… Join the Life Balance Group Writing Project

  1. Sara at On Simplicity Said,

    Stay loyal! My husband swears that sports are an ideal emotional outlet for men. I’m not sure rabid screaming counts as a healthy emotional expression, but I do think it’s good for him. And maybe you, too.

    Sara at On Simplicity’s last blog post… Three Experiences You’d Like to Have

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