How Long Do We Have to Wait?
GT World Headquarters enjoyed a great season by the Philadelphia Phillies. As has been well-documented by the exuberant Kim Krol, the Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays to win the 2008 World Series. Meanwhile, GT‘s Chicago office felt the bitter sting of another disappointing season by the Chicago Cubs.
Why do Cubs’ fans keep cheering? Would I support any other company if the product was so continually substandard? I have a high degree of tolerance, but two bad meals at a restaurant pretty much takes that place off of my list. So why do millions of fans support bad teams?
I dismiss the argument that you should cheer for your hometown team. Why? Wrigley gum, Wilson Sporting Goods and RC Cola are all Chicago companies. Yet, when I go to the softball diamond, I chew Bubble Yum gum (Hershey, PA), swing a Mizuno bat (Osaka, Japan) and drink Coke (Atlanta, GA). The choices from Chicago companies are all solid, but I like the others better. Should I accept a less enjoyable product just because it is from Chicago?
I also dismiss the argument that these are “our guys.” They aren’t our guys. There are no local Chicagoans on the Cubs. Only two regulars and one pitcher even came up through the Cubs’ system. In other words, these are mostly out-of-town guys who relocated temporarily for their job.
What would happen if the entire Phillies roster was traded for the entire Cubs roster? I say nothing. The Riot (Ryan Theriot) would replace the Flyin’ Hawaiian (Shane Victorino) in the hearts of Phillies fans and vice versa. As Jerry Seinfeld asked, “Are we just cheering for laundry [aka the jersey]?”
I am not a bitter, fair-weather fan. I like baseball, and that baseball should be good. When I am thirsty, I reach for a Coke, my favorite beverage. So when I watch baseball, why should I continually watch and support a team which hasn’t been to a World Series in 100 years?
If there is room on that Phillies bandwagon in 2009, I just might be jumping on it. If anyone wants to send me a Phillies cap to seal the deal, I’m in for sure.
-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
about 1 year ago
Your fantasy baseball team only has about 85 more years of dissappointment..Have a Coke and a smile!
about 1 year ago
I’ll send you a Mets hat, but I don’t think that would help relieve your feeling of disappointment!
about 1 year ago
I am sorry that you are that disappointed in the Cubs. I have felt that way about my favorite basketball team.
I switched to college basketball and football. I like their passion and love for “the game” better than the pros.
about 1 year ago
In the old days, at least players stayed with the team for years. They sort of became our guys through adoption. Free agency and money have changed that. Now players move so much it is hard to keep track. I guess we are just cheering for the jersey.
Go Reds jersey!
about 1 year ago
I think more and more people are starting to think this way. Like you said, if a restaurant served bad food, you wouldn’t keep going there just because it is local.
It is a shame that money changed the game. When I was growing up, I never heard of small market teams or big market teams. We just had baseball teams. The Pittsburgh Pirates could win as easily as the New York Yankees. Now, if the Pirates even start good, it is major news.
Back to your point though, I dson’t follow any team specifically. I just try to watch good games, good matchups or good players.
about 1 year ago
Ron-I always have a Coke and a smile. Good hearing from you. Next year, Bashers will take at least 6th place!
Alex-The mets have a fine tradition, including 5 World Series appearances in my lifetime. That’s 5 more than my Cubs.
Brown Island Wahine-I never cared much for college sports and when players started to leave early, I cared even less. Maybe I will start checking out the Northwestern Wildcats and the DePaul Blue Demons. Still though, I need some team for my baseball fix.
Dave and Rick-I do like the old days, too. However, sometimes it worked against teams and fans. How long did the Bears suffer with Bob Avellini at QB? Of course, in this age of free agency, the ever-frugal Bears still haven’t had a decent quarterback since the oft-injured Jim McMahon.
about 1 year ago
I have cheered for the Detroit Lions since I was a kid. How much fun would it be if everyone only cheered for the winning teams each year?
about 1 year ago
You know you like the Astros. You even have the coveted rainbow jersey. Whats not to like?
about 1 year ago
Yes, I saw John wearing the retro ‘Stros jersey on national tv. Only a true Astros’ fan would wear that jersey. But I also saw the big kid wearing a Cubs jersey. I am not sure which is worse.
I cheer for the White Sox, so obviously I have no problem since they are winners!