After the most recent post-season disaster, the Cubs seem to have fallen under harder scrutiny than usual from critics and Cubs fans alike. I understand the critics bashing us, it’s their job. They believe we didn’t support our team during the playoffs. There have been knocks on the Cubs fans for booing their own players. Critics claim this flop is different from past year’s close encounters. The consensus feeling is that this loss has created a bitterness among Cubs fans. From this year’s mantra, “It’s Gonna Happen,” to “It Will Never Happen.”
Now what I don’t understand is why some Cubs fans are validating these critic’s claims. For example, a Cubs fan recently attempted to sell his loyalty on eBay before it was closed down because it violated eBay’s policies. The potential winner of the auction was willing to pay $7,100. Why? He was a White Sox fan.
Then most recently, Bill Murray appeared on this SNL skit mocking the most recent presidential debates. Fast forward till there is 3:20 left in the video to see the part I’m referring to. But to summarize Bill Murray, a life-long Cubs fan, asks the candidates what they would do as President to ensure such playoff losses never happen again. “Obama” responds by telling him the Cubs may make the playoffs next season, but they won’t win. He goes on to say that as a nation, we need to find a new team for Cubs fans to cheer for. “McCain” agrees with “Obama” adding that the Cubs will never win.
Had I watched that skit even a few days ago I would have been enfuriated. But I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. The critics need to understand that there is a new breed of Cubs fans who have only come around once the Cubs were in first. Those fans can sell their soul. They can change their allegiance. But the real fans have endured too many years of getting their hearts broken that they can’t stop now. I’m one of those fans. And in Chicago, loyalty is spelled C-U-B-S.
