There were two historic milestones in 1908. The world saw the Ford Model-T for the very first time, and the Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the very last time. Even my beloved Wrigley Field was not built until six years later, 1914. Could this be the year? Could this be the end of the curse? Was the 20th century simply a rebuilding century? As many diehard cub fans know, we’ve been down this road before.
The last time that I was this excited about the prospect of the Chicago Cubs entering the World Series was 1969. I was eight years old, and with childlike curiosity and glee I watched as the season unfolded and the Cubs continue to rack up victories. Ron Santo. Billy Williams. Don Kessinger. And of course the beloved Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks. George Will said that the golden age of baseball was whenever you are 10 years old. In my case he was off by two years but I certainly understand his point of view.
Those of you that follow baseball may remember that 1969 was also the year of the so-called Miracle Mets. What seemed like a miracle to the rest of the world seemed like a nightmare to me as my first place cubbies continue to lose game after game after game, all the while the Mets — who had been in the cellar all season long continue to rack up late-summer victories. My Grandfather, one of the greatest Cubs fans that’s ever lived, tried to warn me that fading in the fall was something the Cubs were known for. You can guess – or remember how the story ended. The Cubs didn’t go to the World Series, they didn’t win the National League pennant, they didn’t even win their division. It was also when I became familar with the Cubs mantra “There’s always next year”.
It’s now almost 40 years later and the Cubs are once again poised to go all the way. This could be the year, and what a way to end a century of losses. As I write this, the Milwaukee Brewers are four games behind the Cubs and have a better won / loss record in the last 10 games. The only thing worse than losing to the Mets again would be losing to the Cheeseheads from Wisconsin. The fact that the Milwaukee Brewers are even in the National League (vs. American) is surely a sign of the coming apocalypse. If you see a Packers fan of horse, run for cover.
I’m over 2000 miles away from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field now, but if the Cubs managed to make it, I will find a way to get back home and see at least one game. This is one that simply can’t be missed. However, if they fade, I will do what all true Cub fans do; I look forward to next year. Being a Cub fan from an early age has taught me to both deal with adversity and have faith in the future. Eamus Catuli. Go Cubbies!
– Carl Melville / Blogvious
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