Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way (Out?)
The Cubs’ recent struggles, when you factor in their non-recent struggles, is a burden that is simply too much for any rational person to bear. I’m still trying to figure out exactly why a late-inning home run by [INSERT RANDOM PIRATES, REDS, OR MARLINS PLAYER HERE] feels like a playoff-ending loss. Whatever the reason, all I know at this point is the accuracy of that description. It took some prep time even to recall the word “playoff” since the word is so distant from my reality as someone that has seen nearly every Cubs game this season so far.
We’ve been receiving some emails from fans that have had it. They’re on the verge of quitting the Cubs. I’m having a harder time than usual answering them. When this happens (and typically it does at least a couple times a year during a prolonged losing streak), my normal thought process goes as follows:
Frustration/anger
Curiosity
Theory
Encouragement
Right now I’m just filtering sadness. Santo-sad like after the Cubs blow a 1-out scoring chance. Hurley and Jack-sad. To be enraged is to think that the Cubs weren’t putting in their all to arrive at a 14-20 record. Sadly, now I’m dealing with the theory presenting itself as a fact that they were and this was the result. I don’t have any secret way to encourage you right now if you love the Cubs like I do. But I would suggest sticking it out awhile longer despite the odds.
Some suggested reading:
Take a Good Look in the Mirror, Cubs Fans – A League of Her Own
I’m Ready to Fire Lou (Not Cubscast Lou) – Cubscast Message Board
Tonight’s Forecast Tweet by dat_cubfan_dave
Feel free to comment or send us an email voicing your frustration and/or angst. We’re all in this together.
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5 Responses
Ralph May 12th at 11:47 am
If you are a real cubs fan you should all be used to this by now! I mean, did any of you seriously think that this rotation was that great. As a Cubs fan since 1986, I have thought that this could be the year every year, and I will go on thinking that. When my friend makes fun of me because the Cubs lost, I just say, well, they are the Cubs. But when they win it someday, and they will, it will be a great day.
Caeb May 12th at 6:10 pm
Carlos Silva is 4-0. Milton Bradley is off getting his head examined by professionals and is on the “restricted list.” I’m encouraged that this contract swap is one that may really end up working out for the Cubs. D-Lee and A-Ram will come around at some point (preferably NOW, PLEASE), but they will finish the year batting somewhere around their career averages. I think Castro and Colvin are going to be very solid, once they get a little more settled in. Soriano, Byrd, Theriot, Soto, and Fukudome are all hitting for respectable averages. The middle infield defense will improve when Castro and Theriot play together a little longer and get their timing and ranges worked out, etc. The bullpen needs a serious overhaul–not even I can sugarcoat that. But, I think the offense is going to take off soon, so hang in there Cubs fans, it will all get better soon.
Stevo-sama May 17th at 1:08 pm
Quitting the Cubs? I heard this on the Podcast, and I’m not really sure I understand. Don’t forget 2007!
I may be misguided, but I’m a little sympathetic of fans of teams like the Orioles, Royals, Mets, etc who haven’t got as much fan support as they might deserve…I think this team is a little rocky right now, but I am not ready to write them off yet and either way, this season is going better than some seasons of the past! Ask the Pirates, 17 consecutive losing seasons…quit the Cubs? What the heck for?!?
Lou May 17th at 1:31 pm
Hey Stevo-sama,
Just to be perfectly clear, I only mentioned some fans *thinking* of quitting on this team. I’m not aware of any Cubs fans that have actually thrown in the towel. Sheps and I certainly aren’t going to no matter what happens.
I think the losses to the Pirates and Reds were extremely difficult to watch since most of us think this should be another playoff year.
We shall see, we’ve got 3/4 of the season to turn it around
Have a good one and thanks for listening!
Lou
Bigknock67 May 25th at 7:22 pm
This year is my 35th year of being a Cub fan (I started at age 7). I can understand why some fans’ faith in our team can waiver. I can not honestly say that mine has not in the past.
The primary difference for me is that I can recall all of those years back in the mid ’70′s, right after I became a Cubs fan, through that wonderful 1984 team and how bad things were. Ironically, my first year of cheering the Cubs, our record was 66-96. I went 10 years of seeing the Cubs finish no higher than 3rd (once in ’78).
What it has given me is perspective, cheering the Cubs all of those “lean” years. The up-side of being a Cub fan all these years is that I have had the honor of seeing some great players come through as well as the hope of possibly this year being “THE” year.
There have been times when I think to myself that I will never see the Cubs win it all in my lifetime, but, I know that the odds are that it will, and even if I have to see it with Harry and Jack, that will still be good enough for me. Maybe I AM a masochist.