Last week, the Cubs played hard to win their division and move on to the National League Championship series. Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, and Steve Goodman all watched from above. Hope returned to the hearts of Chicagoans.
But this week is a different story. As of today, the New York Mets lead the series three games to one. They are one game away from advancing to the World Series, while the Cubs will go home.
So disgruntlement is replacing hope in the bleachers. We thought this was the year. At one time the Las Vegas odds makers thought so too.
But let’s face it: the truths about the Cubs are working against them in the clinch. The team is young and somewhat inexperienced overall. It has power hitters who can knock the ball out of the park, but that’s really only a distinct advantage when the bases are loaded. They rarely have been against New York.
Cubs fans are used to disappointment, and it won’t prevent them from filling the stadium again next year. Or the year after. After all, what would they have to look forward to if the Cubs actually won the World Series?
P.S. The fourth game starts in forty-five minutes; and, of course, I’ll watch. It I have to eat crow tomorrow, that’s fine.
So sorry…maybe next year.