You see, for the first time since 2003, victory unfurled it's mighty baton over Wrigleyville last night and Cubs fans are basking in the glory of heading to the next round of the playoffs. While northsiders and Cubs fans alike are accustomed to going to Wrigley for a kick ass time and more than enough beer; we are less accustomed to the night ending in such a huge victory. There is a better than likely chance the person you are speaking too mayyyy have overdone it last night or may have been amoung the revilers surrounding Clark and Addison last night.
However, the victory is not limited to the northside of Chicago, or even the state of Illnois...the Cubs fan base stretches both far and wide...and we're willing to let anyone join the party.
Yes, that's right sports fans, if you'd like to jump on this Red and Blue bandwagon, we've got a seat with your name on it.
Articles like this are popping up everywhere. http://www.si.com/cauldron/2015/10/06/chicago-cubs-bandwagon-fan-application ...and I see the humor...
Wrigley didn't gain it's reputation as "the World's greatest beer garden (oh and sometimes they play baseball too) without reason.
Our "victory" song is fairly illogical and any number of people (including your author) can only name a handful of players. (ASC, try not to be too mad at me about that.)
We have our fair share of colorful fans and strange traditions and no one is trying to admit that the bathrooms don't have a distinct odor and depending on the day, temperature and amount of beers in your system. These things are either a) charming or b) annoying.
But isn't just about every victory song at least a little illogical? Show me a professional sports team that doesn't have it's own charming/annoying fans and traditions. Ballclub rosters change often, so give a girl a break.
...that does not stop me from very enthusiastically celebrating the Cubs successes...
...and it shouldn't stop you either.
The fact is the Cubbies are playing some great ball and it's exciting. The excitement is compounded by the large gaps between bouts of being a respectable ballclub. Give us the nod, it hasn't been October in our calendar for awhile.
For years now, we've cheered on your teams in the post season. Maybe our cousins are your fans or our father was born in your city. Maybe our favorite Cub was traded to your team..and without a dog in the fight, we've added our voices to yours and passionately backed your playoff run and appreciated your silly fight songs and strange traditions.
So now, as we move into the somewhat unfamiliar territory of not only being in this series, but having a strong team, playing great ball...join us! You can be a fan of another team or a fan of nothing. You can have a deep understanding of the nuances of baseball strategy or not know the difference between a ball and a strike. We won't hold it against you. Can't find Chicago on a map? Blame your junior high social studies teacher, but we'll be happy to point it out.
It's no big deal to us who you cheer for during the regular season or if you cheer at all. A team with a storied history and exciting future makes no distinction. We won't hold you to being a fan next season, unless you want to be.
The Friendly Confines are just that...friendly. Welcoming. We'll offer you a seat on our bandwagon and a beer to go with it. Some peanuts too if you're lucky.
Why? Because its good for baseball and any true Cubs fan, at their core, loves baseball. We love it and throw a fit when it's bad. We love it and throw a party when its good.
And thanks to Sensi Epstein, we're starting to be able to throw those parties.
So while Sports Illustrated or disgruntled fans of other teams might throw jabs at the "new Cubs fans", we're excited to have you with us! Welcome to the bandwagon, here's your Old Style. Now, let us teach you how to say "Holy Cow" just right.
Because it's Root! Root! Root! for the Cubbies...and we're thrilled to have you rooting with us.
Now, Play Ball!
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