With nothing happening on the sports scene in Chicago, the Cubs and White Sox get ready to reignite their rivalry today at 1060 W. Addison. Yep, sports fans, it all starts today.
What normally is a highly anticipated series with plenty of side-stories, the weekend’s matchup will be overshadowed by the victors of Canada’s pastime along with the fact that the Cubs and White Sox are, well, not good.
And how do we tie this all together, you ask? Well, with a new trophy and a catchy new name for the series all brought to you by the most hated company in the United States of America. And here I thought all of the ire towards the Brits was due to an impending soccer game. (I know, I know, but the name is BRITISH Petroleum)
Yep, that’s right folks, it’s time … Let’s get ready to rumble! (Wait; do I owe Michael Buffer $500,000 for writing that?) Anyway, now that I have mocked a gigantic corporation and ripped off a ring announcer, let’s get down to the brass tax. This series has all the makings of a dud. Most fans in attendance today will be hoping to get a glimpse of Lord Stanley’s Cup (supposed rumor floating around) while enjoying an afternoon at the ballpark.
However, this weekend will prove why Chicago is the best sports town in the country. 40,000+ fans will show up each day, cheer like crazy, mock the other team’s announcers and hope like heck their team wins. Sure, if the Cubs lose, the Hawks triumph might soothe the pain, but it will still be there.
This “Crosstown Classic” has been less hyped than almost any prior Chicago series, but it will still make waves. The unpredictable still allows for the unbelievable. From walk-off grand slams to balls stuck in the ivy to the punch heard around town, the Cubs and White Sox always put on a good show. And put on a show they will, however, I will hold off on using the word good for now.
The season is not lost. I said I would give it until June 3rd, but that was only eight days ago. There are multiple examples of teams turning it around, coming from nowhere and winning. The precedent has been set.
I might be hopelessly optimistic, but watching Chicago’s fans celebrate a Stanley Cup victory outside of WRIGLEY FIELD tells you something about this city and many of its people. Yes, they were celebrating a Hawks victory, but I guarantee many there were also dreaming of another celebration.
Prior performance by 2010 Cubs provides reason not to believe. In a month from now the Cubs faithful could be scouring farm systems hoping to land a few top prospects for aging and/or expiring contracts. Or, we could be two games out just waiting a Cincinnati slide. In a few short weeks, the Cubs’ fate may be sealed, but just not yet.
The Cubs are at a crossroads, and the Crosstown Classic and its Cup could determine what road it will be. Here’s hoping that they choose the one less traveled by.
(And now I owe Robert Frost an apology as well.)
GO CUBS!!!!!
Feel free to comment below and until next time …
Stay Classy Cubs Fans!!