Antidote To A Naughty World

To the Editor:

In the jangling, frightening world in which we live now, as we rush headlong toward God-knows-what, it is necessary sometimes to pause. To look in another direction, if only to gain some perspective. This would seem to be an appropriate time. The Chicago Cubs are in first place in their division (the Central of the National League) for the second consecutive week.

Unlike fans of teams like the New York Yankees (so often terrorized into championships by their megalomaniacal owner), the Atlanta Braves (regularly present in the playoffs thanks to their almost embarrassingly vast wealth of pitching) or the Anaheim Angels (those unlikely 2002 World Champions — where did they come from? — were they drunk on orange juice?), as fans of the Cubs, we are far-flung, devoted, and relatively few — do not expect to win. We want to — oh so badly — but like the fans of the Boston Red Sox, we know in our hearts it’s not going to happen. The Sox are thwarted by the Curse of the Bambino — their owner sold Babe Ruth so he would have the money to back a Broadway musical. What did we Cubs ever do? Perhaps it’s because we have the most beautiful ball park in the major leagues and that is supposed to be enough. In any case, it is not only winners who have lovers. Who can explain love?

Despite the support (read, ownership) of the mighty Chicago Tribune, despite the formidable talents of players like Sammy Sosa* and Kerry Wood, the Cubs will most likely wind up the season where they usually do, at or near the bottom rung of the ladder. We fans don’t like it, and we would change it if we could, but we accept. They are still our Cubs. And this year Dusty Baker, who has winning ways, is our new manager. Who knows? Maybe this is the year. Or maybe not. That’s OK, too.

After all, did Juliet ask Romeo if his team was winning? Did Heloise ask Abelard? Did Mrs Loman ask Willie? No, love is deeper than winning, although I’ve got to admit that being in first place, no matter how briefly, is a welcome antidote to a naughty world.

*If Sammy Sosa were to retire tomorrow, which is extremely unlikely, he would still rank 17th among all home run hitters, living and dead.

Clarence Fischer

Taunton Hill Road, Newtown                                      April 25, 2003