As any diehard Cubs fan knows, September typically means nothing to us. The Cubs are usually so far out of playoff contention that none of the games matter. They haven't won the World Series since 1908, when they were the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles. We know all about the Curse of The Billy Goat and, of course, we still physically feel pain anytime Steve Bartman is mentioned.
Each spring we talk about "you just gotta believe" that this will be THE year. Every fall we tell ourselves "wait 'til next year" as we lick our wounds from our current and latest disappointment.
This year, the Cubs have had their ups and downs. But the great moments have outweighed the bad ones: Winning the Crosstown Classic against the White Sox 5 games to 1 game and beating the hated St. Louis Cardinals so far this season 7 games to 4 games with five games left to play.
But today is September 2nd and the Cubs are solidly in first place of the National League Central Division. Ok, I'll admit that they're in first place in the weakest division in Major League Baseball, but first place is first place. And I know there is still a month left in the season and a lot can go wrong. And then we still have to get through the playoffs.
But they are on a roll. Just the other night, they had a lead of 2 runs over Milwaukee in the 9th inning. For some dumb reason they let the bases get loaded by intentionally walking a batter. And then Milwaukee scored when the next batter walked too. But the Cubs pulled it out. That was great baseball. A nailbiter to the end. Today, they were down 5-1 against the Astros, and then Derrek Lee knocked a two-run homer in the bottom of the 8th to give the Cubs a 6-5 lead that the Cubs held on to.
And now I'm starting to believe. Because heck, if the Red Sox and White Sox can overcome their curses, why not the Cubs?
Check out the YouTube video below for a great version of Steve Goodman's "Go Cubs Go!"
UPDATED 11/1/07: Who knew? Steve Goodman went to Lake Forest College, class of 1969. Just like me (except class of 1993). Small world.
Good to see your post about "Go, Cubs, Go" by Steve Goodman. He often doesn't get his due. Thought you might be interested in an eight-year project of mine that has come to fruition -- an 800-page biography of Goodman published in May, "Steve Goodman: Facing the Music." The book delves into the origin of "Go, Cubs, Go" and Steve's other Cubs songs. Please check my Internet site below for more info on the book. Just trying to spread the word. Feel free to do the same!
ReplyDeleteClay Eals
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