October 17, 2008

WHAT NOW?

There is nothing more devastating, for a fan (a.k.a. those of us with rooting disorders), than that day when the season ends, way too early, again. Especially when that season is filled with the promise of this past baseball season. The Cubs displayed over a 162-game season that they were the best team in the NL. Talking with fans at the bar, the feeling was that this was the team that would end the suffering. Talent, balance and “karma” were all aligned for the ultimate triumph. But, baseball is a funny game, (and not always funny ha-ha), as much as it can make sense, sometimes it doesn’t. My belief is, eventually, the truth will come through and your flaws will be exposed. There are no “fluke” division winners. The playoffs are a different story, but it’s apparent that there’s something missing from this group. What that is will be discussed all winter long, especially at 33 W. Kinzie. For right now though, there is a huge void. The energy and passion needed to be a true-believer is not there. People are confused and disappointed. How can something that seemed so right, end up so wrong?

So, it’s time to reflect and collect our thoughts. (I’m speaking as a Cubs fan; you know where my thoughts are right now.) For most baseball cities, this was a season that doesn’t come around often, and would be remembered for the fun and good times that it included. Unfortunately, this isn’t most baseball cities, and this isn’t most baseball teams. Only one ending to a season is going to be acceptable, and that will be the case until you-know-what happens. You only need to look across town to realize that. The untimely ending of the Sox season is easier to swallow when you know that your team over-achieved, and you can spend the off-season watching your 2005 collector-set DVD’s.

Cubs fans are faced with the prospect of another winter of what-if, and realizing that the Tampa Bay Rays could win the World Series before they do. THE TAMPA BAY RAYS! In fact, the post-season history of the last 4 expansion teams (Colorado, Florida, Arizona and Tampa Bay) is something that a Cubs fan could only drool over. Considering the Cubs had over a 100 year head start, makes it more appalling. If that doesn’t make you bitter, I don’t know what will.

Then again, that’s what makes a Cubs fan a Cubs fan. Always wishing for a better fate, but not thinking the end of the world is near, if it doesn’t happen. The Cubs are their team and they’re going to root for them no matter what. “The sun will come out tomorrow”. Kind of makes me jealous.
So, take a breather, my Cubbie brethren, relax, regroup and watch the World Series. It might be tough, but you need to stay positive and re-kindle the dream for next year. Opening-Day is only 166 days away.

P.S. Don’t be alarmed, this has been a “feel-good” Frankie O. My scathing, bitter, sarcastic explanation for what happened to the Cubs will come next time.

Healing is a process.