Can anyone remember the last time the Cubs won the World Series? That’s why being a Cubs fan isn’t easy. I would know. I’ve been a Cubs fan all my life, thanks to my dad.
For as long as I can remember, my dad has had his transistor radio, which I call Sunny, tuned to AM 1650. He takes Sunny everywhere with us during the summer. This includes my softball games and when he works on the farm. My first recollection of listening to the Cubs is when we planted two rows of 100 fir trees along the pasture on our farm. My dad sat in a lawn chair, listened to Pat Hughes, and took care of the new trees. I was right there listening, too. I didn’t quite understand what was happening, but it was intriguing.
My dad has taught me everything I know about the Cubs, from Ernie Banks, Mr. Cub, to the goat curse. For you non-Cubs fans, here’s the fast version of the goat curse. A Russian deli owner bought a ticket for his pet goat to attend a game at Wrigley Field. Upset that the goat wasn’t allowed inside, he cursed the Cubs so they would never ever win another World Series. So far they haven’t, and I’m wondering if we let a goat attend a game, will the curse be broken?
Another lesson I’ve learned is loyalty. My dad’s been a Cubs fan his whole life, which I think is amazing because the Cubs have had some crummy seasons, and most recently, outstanding seasons, but then only to disappoint me in the playoffs. But like every other Cubs fan, every year I’m back listening in my red and blue. It’s the Cubs fan’s mantra -- there’s always next year. I think these are words to live by.
To me, the Cubs are more than just some professional baseball team. They are my heroes. Even though it’s been 100 years since they last won the World Series, new players and teams continue to show a tremendous amount of heart. They are all working towards a World Series for the Cubs. This makes me happy because they know that to win, they have to have heart, determination, and talent. These are the kinds of athletes I look up to. Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez are my favorite players because they are both excellent athletes and they show good sportsmanship, even when they lose.
Being a Cubs fan is about believing, even when Bartman decides not to. Thanks to my dad, I know that winning isn’t everything, but it sure is fun when you do. The Cubs sure know that.
Another reason the Cubs are cool is Wrigley Field. I have been lucky enough to go to a game at the Friendly Confines with my family and cousins. My dad caught a foul ball hit by Aramis Ramirez, and we saw a home run by Alfonso Soriano. As soon as I passed through the gates, I instantly had a feeling that this is what baseball is all about - not a fancy scoreboard or tabloids blaring about the players, or fancy lights, and definitely not shops to build bears. Just good old family fun. I will never forget that day with my cousins.
Wrigley is an old fashioned stadium, and through it and the Cubs, my dad has taught me a lot about life and old-fashioned values. Wrigley is exactly what it looks like on TV. It’s bricks, limestone, grass, and ivy. Nothing more and nothing less.
Eight years later, the trees are a little taller, my knowledge has expanded, and I still love the Cubs. I hope one day that I can be like my dad, not only the kind of person he is, but also his love for the Cubs. It’s great to have something to believe in, so Cubs fans, is this the year?
Abby Schaefer, 12, is a sixth-grader at Immaculate Conception and was the winner of the Cedar Valley Athlete magazine’s first short story writing contest (see Cedar Valley Athlete, Spring 2009).
|
