This is the final game of the 2024 season for the Chicago Cubs. It began in the spring with high hopes, but early summer swept them away as the Cubs dug themselves into a hole. Sure, there was time to climb out; but it didn’t happen until late in the season when the team got close but never caught up.
So what will I remember of this 2024 season? Most of my memories aren’t about the games; they’re more about special things that happened this year. For instance, Anthony Rizzo, a stellar member of the 2016 World Series, returned as a Yankee to Wrigley Field for the first time this summer. He was greeted with a standing ovation even though he left the Cubs five years ago.
Earl and I bought a “W” flag and had great fun flying it whenever the Cubs won at home or away. I’m not sure if we’ve gotten our money’s worth from it yet. But we loved seeing the home team fly the “W” at the end of each win.
Then there was Kyle Hendricks, the last man on the current Cubs team who was also on the winning World Series team. Yesterday he pitched his final game of the season but also possibly his final game as a Cub since his contract has expired. He was interviewed at length during today’s game, and I was impressed with his confidence, humility, and graciousness.
What I wasn’t impressed with this season was Craig Counsell, the field manager. I don’t believe he is a good fit for the Cubs even though he is the highest paid manager in all of baseball. It remains to be seen what the 2025 season offers; just know that the Milwaukee Brewers, Counsell’s former team, advanced to the 2024 playoffs without him.
And so I’m rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers in the playoffs.
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