A Cubs Fan's rant over the hypocricy of Chicago right now

[polosprt009]

Why oh why can't the Astros pull off wins that are easily in their possession??? WHY must the other Chicago team be getting wins handed to them this easily?? :x I'm going to HATE the hype this brings to Chicago. If it weren't for the White Sox fans who absolutely love rubbing Cubs meltdowns in our faces, cars all over (even in Wrigleyville) with brand new White Sox stickers that haven't even seen winter grime yet, all the traffic signs saying "GO SOX!" every half block you drive in the city, and all the bandwagon fans wearing black and white apparell that doesn't even look to of been washed yet, I might be somewhat happy for the White Sox, but clearly I'm not at all. 3 months ago the south side couldn't even sell 10,000 tickets to their games. The hypocricy here in Chicago right now is just ridiculous and very very annoying.

 

Who agrees?

[UMFan83]

Amen

[OnTheBeach]

Having seen the legion of bandwagon fans that hopped on last season, I expect it will be even worse in Chicago. Most of these people won't know how to spell Konerko. The spanking brand new "World Series Champions" t-shirts won't be looking washed, that is true.

[Outshined_One]

If the past few years have done anything to Cubs nation, it's made us all a heck of a lot more embittered. This postseason has pushed us over the edge, to boot.

 

I have yet to determine whether or not this is a good thing, though.

[OnTheBeach]

If the past few years have done anything to Cubs nation, it's made us all a heck of a lot more embittered. This postseason has pushed us over the edge, to boot.

 

I have yet to determine whether or not this is a good thing, though.

 

I'd take red hot passion and bitterness over "lovable loser," anyday, but that's me.

[frostwyrm]

Judging from some of what I've read on this message board lately I guess we'll soon see "sour grapes" added to the list of stereotypes attached to Cubs fansl

[XZero771679666304]

Judging from some of what I've read on this message board lately I guess we'll soon see "sour grapes" added to the list of stereotypes attached to Cubs fansl

 

That may be, but you know the grapes would be twice as sour if the roles were reversed. Many of us just can't congratulate the Sox, and there's nothing wrong with that.

[OnTheBeach]

Judging from some of what I've read on this message board lately I guess we'll soon see "sour grapes" added to the list of stereotypes attached to Cubs fansl

 

That may be, but you know the grapes would be twice as sour if the roles were reversed. Many of us just can't congratulate the Sox, and there's nothing wrong with that.

 

I don't know if that's true. The Sox fans have never considered themselves cursed and had a whole mythology that they latched onto, have they? They may have had years of ineptitude but they were not "lovable losers," a term that is sickening to most baseball fans who care about W-L.

[XZero771679666304]

Judging from some of what I've read on this message board lately I guess we'll soon see "sour grapes" added to the list of stereotypes attached to Cubs fansl

 

That may be, but you know the grapes would be twice as sour if the roles were reversed. Many of us just can't congratulate the Sox, and there's nothing wrong with that.

 

I don't know if that's true. The Sox fans have never considered themselves cursed and had a whole mythology that they latched onto, have they? They may have had years of ineptitude but they were not "lovable losers," a term that is sickening to most baseball fans who care about W-L.

 

The Sox fans have been too busy hating about the Cubs to create a mythology. Cubs fans love the Cubs, while Sox fans love to hate the Cubs, and love of their team often seems secondary.

[Outshined_One]

I don't know if that's true. The Sox fans have never considered themselves cursed and had a whole mythology that they latched onto, have they? They may have had years of ineptitude but they were not "lovable losers," a term that is sickening to most baseball fans who care about W-L.

 

I know that was not your intention in this post, but I think almost every single Cubs fan I have ever met thought that the Curse of the Billy Goat was just bunk. Most Cubs fans know that this history of losing can be attributed to cheap ownership, lack of development of an effective farm system, and sheer ineptitude of players, management, and the front office.

 

The irony of it all is that the Cubs have had a better overall history than the White Sox. More overall wins. More World Series appearances. More playoff appearances. And so on. Yet, here we are today.

 

And, up until recently, I have come across an incredible number of White Sox fans that hated the Cubs more than they loved the White Sox. To them, the best days in Chicago are when the Cubs lose and the White Sox win. Do you want to know how many fun IMs and voice mails I got from White Sox fans after Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS?

 

There are four reasons I'm cheering against the White Sox. First off, AJ Eyechart is one of the more despicable people in baseball from everything I've read. Every single controversial play that he's been involved in during the postseason has made me want to vomit. Secondly, Mark Buerhle is a classless tool. Way to accuse Greg Maddux of throwing a spitter, champ. I'm sure White Sox nation will love you when you bolt for the Cardinals in free agency. Secondly, Ozzie Guillen is an incredible jerk. He's perfect for the White Sox; a guy who will happily bully umpires, make the choke sign to opposing dugouts, and just generally acts like a tool.

 

But, most of all, it's their fanbase. You want obnoxious and classless jerks, visit the Cellblock some time wearing the gear of an opposing team. Take a gander over at White Sox Interactive, where they have an entire forum dedicated to Cubs bashing. Yes, there are people over there who are respectful, intelligent, and mature. But, from my experience, these people tend to be the exception more than the rule.

 

Using a comparison with the Red Sox, Yankees, and their respective fans, I liked Bill Simmons' use of having the Yankees being your top rival in high school who always got the hottest women, seemed to have everything easy in life, ended up going to a top college, and pushed you around at his leisure.

 

The comparison in Chicago is that the White Sox was the obnoxious jerk at your high school who was dumb as a box of rocks, was not particularly well-liked by most people in high school, and who made a habit of picking fights and stuffing people into lockers. After he graduated, he went into a dead end job, became an alcoholic, and now spends his days engaging in schaudenfreude, reveling in the misery of others despite being a drunken, fat loser himself.

 

Only now he's won the lottery.

 

That's pretty much how I feel right now.

 

Ugh.

[polosprt009]

Well put Outshined_One, I couldn't of put it better myself! I agree with everything you wrote. It's just way too hard to be happy for the White Sox when deep in my gut I pretty much dispise the thought of them. I started off being pretty neutral, not really giving a care about the White Sox because let's face it, before this season, they were never much of a threat, though after their success this season and seeing how classless some of their fans are (come on, a White Sox fan slapping Biggio's wife??? Unbelievable yet not surprising) and friends of mine who support black and white just enthralled by every opportunity to rub it in my face, I want to shove a sock in each and every one of their throats!

 

I cannot wait to see the first week of home games next year for the White Sox, and to see that only 15,000 fill the seats while the Cubs continue to sell out each game. So they have been good this year... Chicago won't care in a few weeks. The team on the south side will go back to being on Chicago's backburner once again until about September (this being if they pull the same magic they pulled this season).

 

Cubs fans: Bitter? Perhaps. Classless? Not in a million years.

 

--I'd rather be a bitter fan rooting for a .500 team over supporting a winning team with scum fans and callous players/management any day of the week.

[Larry Horse]

Why oh why can't the Astros pull off wins that are easily in their possession??? WHY must the other Chicago team be getting wins handed to them this easily?? :x I'm going to HATE the hype this brings to Chicago. If it weren't for the White Sox fans who absolutely love rubbing Cubs meltdowns in our faces, cars all over (even in Wrigleyville) with brand new White Sox stickers that haven't even seen winter grime yet, all the traffic signs saying "GO SOX!" every half block you drive in the city, and all the bandwagon fans wearing black and white apparell that doesn't even look to of been washed yet, I might be somewhat happy for the White Sox, but clearly I'm not at all. 3 months ago the south side couldn't even sell 10,000 tickets to their games. The hypocricy here in Chicago right now is just ridiculous and very very annoying.

 

Who agrees?

 

Yea, there were hardly any bandwagon-jumping Cub fans in 03'. I'm sure nobody ever bought their first Cub hat that year.

 

I don't live in Chicago so it's easier for me. It would have been much worse for me personally if the Cards had won it all.

 

I really couldn't care less if the Sox win it or not. They are a non-factor in my baseball life. But some of the things I've read on this board concerning them is a little embarrassing as a Cub fan. Sour grapes does not go over well on this board.

 

This actually makes me more embarrassed and angry at the Cubs. I am a fan of the team that is approaching their 100th anniversary of their last championship. How pathetic is that? That's what I'm angry and embarrassed about.

 

The Sox are going to be World Champs. The Cubs are at the top of the mountain of losing.

[FloridaCubbie]

The exact same thing happened in FL in 2003, after the Marlins beat some random team in the NLCS. I haven't seen a Marlins hat since.

[Backtobanks]

Why oh why can't the Astros pull off wins that are easily in their possession??? WHY must the other Chicago team be getting wins handed to them this easily?? :x I'm going to HATE the hype this brings to Chicago. If it weren't for the White Sox fans who absolutely love rubbing Cubs meltdowns in our faces, cars all over (even in Wrigleyville) with brand new White Sox stickers that haven't even seen winter grime yet, all the traffic signs saying "GO SOX!" every half block you drive in the city, and all the bandwagon fans wearing black and white apparell that doesn't even look to of been washed yet, I might be somewhat happy for the White Sox, but clearly I'm not at all. 3 months ago the south side couldn't even sell 10,000 tickets to their games. The hypocricy here in Chicago right now is just ridiculous and very very annoying.

 

Who agrees?

 

I just hope that some of these "fans" stay caught up in hooplah and buy tickets to the Cell so that there will be more tickets available at Wrigley for the real Cub fans.

[sethuel1]

preach it

[RynoRules]

I think this is more difficult to swallow for those of us who live in Chicago. Having had a brief interlude in New England (3 years) which ended last March, I can tell you that had the Sox done in this in 04', I would have taken notice, but it would not have had the effect it has had now that I am back.

 

Its like a bitter taste in my mouth, and frankly, I am not sure why, other than the fact that I am at the peak of my frustration with the organization. I think that frustration is quadrupeled by the fact that: 1) we were so close in 03'; 2) we have, on paper, as much talent as any team in the NL; and 3) both Sox teams have ended their respective droughts in the last two seasons.

 

Of course, the fact that the ball has bounced the Sox way at every turn this postseason makes me furious also.

[Derwood]

I can only imagine what it's like in Chicago. I remember in 2003 when suddenly every middle aged woman in every office downtown was a Cubs fan in October. "Hey, I hope that Kenny Woods throws some good balls." Right.

 

Difference here is there were less Sox fans to start with, so the "bandwagon vaccuum" takes a lot more people to fill.

 

My guess is at the end of the day (or season), the Sox will have the same number of fans as before, spend the same (or less) money in 2006, and still draw less than 2 million fans.

[USSoccer]

I can only imagine what it's like in Chicago. I remember in 2003 when suddenly every middle aged woman in every office downtown was a Cubs fan in October. "Hey, I hope that Kenny Woods throws some good balls." Right.

 

Difference here is there were less Sox fans to start with, so the "bandwagon vaccuum" takes a lot more people to fill.

 

My guess is at the end of the day (or season), the Sox will have the same number of fans as before, spend the same (or less) money in 2006, and still draw less than 2 million fans.

 

I'm guessing that the Sox will spend a little more money, due to playoff revenue.

[Connor McConnor]

I'm surprised by my own lack of passion regarding the Sox success. I though it would bother me more. It hasnt. Im just not really interested. Similar to any other postseason that the Cubs are not involved in....which is most of them. It might as well be Toronto and San Fran playing the series. If the Cubs arent in it....I just dont care that much.

 

I hate the Sox. But....they are gonna win the series? Ho hum.

[CubbieRich]

I can only imagine what it's like in Chicago. I remember in 2003 when suddenly every middle aged woman in every office downtown was a Cubs fan in October. "Hey, I hope that Kenny Woods throws some good balls." Right.

 

Difference here is there were less Sox fans to start with, so the "bandwagon vaccuum" takes a lot more people to fill.

 

My guess is at the end of the day (or season), the Sox will have the same number of fans as before, spend the same (or less) money in 2006, and still draw less than 2 million fans.

 

I'm guessing that the Sox will spend a little more money, due to playoff revenue.

 

Jerry Reinsdorf is a shrewd businessman and most Chicago fans laughed at the Sox. He extorted a new stadium from the taxpayers and it was out-of-date within 10 years. He is extremely loyal to his players, GM's and employees. He sent 300 Sox employees and their families to Houston on hs dime for the Series. He refused to increase the budget for salaries and Kenny Williams had to sign injury prone players and castoffs. They caught lightning in a bottle this year and should get their due.

 

Sox fans are like Cards fans, the first thing they do is check the Cubs boxscore. They measure their new ballmalls by comparing it to Wrigley and copy the Cubs promotions(except 1/2 nights and dog nights at the Cell). There is a buzz here for the Sox but it is nowhere near the excitement of 2003.

[waffle]

The "I've been here all along! I deserve MORE" that some fans have against band wagon jumpers is pathetic. It should be a hug fest, YEAH! Our team is winning! You can congratulate yourself for being a "truer" fan, but don't bash those that get some joy from an unexpected source. This Me. Vs. Them mentality is childish. We'r better...

 

Sports is about competition. The winner gets to crow, rant, brag, stick their tongues out and go "phlpppttttt" to their heart's content. IT'S THEIR RIGHT to react however they darn will please cuz they won and you didn't

 

The other side of this is that when the Cubbies finally win one (hopefully in my lifetime) I reserve the right to be as annoying as I want. To feel as proud as anyone else, and anyone who wants to jump on the bandwagon is welcome. It doesn't diminish in any way the joy I will feel.

 

GO SOX, spoken as a lifelong cubs fan.

[J.R.]

It wouldn't shock me to see Reinsdorf sell now that he's lived his boyhood dream. With a fresh world title (puke), solid TV contract and revamped park, the franchise likely won't be this attractive to buyers again for some time.

[USSoccer]

The "I've been here all along! I deserve MORE" that some fans have against band wagon jumpers is pathetic. It should be a hug fest, YEAH! Our team is winning! You can congratulate yourself for being a "truer" fan, but don't bash those that get some joy from an unexpected source. This Me. Vs. Them mentality is childish. We'r better...

 

Sports is about competition. The winner gets to crow, rant, brag, stick their tongues out and go "phlpppttttt" to their heart's content. IT'S THEIR RIGHT to react however they darn will please cuz they won and you didn't

 

The other side of this is that when the Cubbies finally win one (hopefully in my lifetime) I reserve the right to be as annoying as I want. To feel as proud as anyone else, and anyone who wants to jump on the bandwagon is welcome. It doesn't diminish in any way the joy I will feel.

 

GO SOX, spoken as a lifelong cubs fan.

 

That's called bad sportsmanship, and should be taught as something to avoid at the little league/pee wee/AYSO and Park District levels.

 

Win with class. There's no reason to be a obnoxious jerk if your team wins.

 

Maybe it's a uniquly american construct; "trash talking" after a win. Certainly the Boo-Ya Network doesn't help kids grow up to be good sports-it teaches them how to come up with a creative dance or soundbyte.

Edited October 26, 2005 by USSoccer

[Cubfanintheknow]

I'm surprised by my own lack of passion regarding the Sox success. I though it would bother me more. It hasnt. Im just not really interested. Similar to any other postseason that the Cubs are not involved in....which is most of them. It might as well be Toronto and San Fran playing the series. If the Cubs arent in it....I just dont care that much.

 

I hate the Sox. But....they are gonna win the series? Ho hum.

 

I feel the same way.

 

Just this morning, my wife said, "You're taking this all a lot better than I thought you would." And I think it's because I've finally resigned myself to the fact the White Sox are going to win the World Series. I'll give them credit for this.

 

And maybe this sounds like sour grapes, but I will say this; The White Sox are about to win a championship playing in the weakest field of playoff contenders in a long, long time. There isn't a single team that made the playoffs this season--including the White Sox--who make you say, "Wow, they're a great baseball team." Don't get me wrong, no team is perfect. But it seems the other teams are finding ways to lose to the White Sox rather than the Sox are finding ways to win.

 

After watching the first three games of this WS, I'm still trying to figure out how Houston made it.

[waffle]

The "I've been here all along! I deserve MORE" that some fans have against band wagon jumpers is pathetic. It should be a hug fest, YEAH! Our team is winning! You can congratulate yourself for being a "truer" fan, but don't bash those that get some joy from an unexpected source. This Me. Vs. Them mentality is childish. We'r better...

 

Sports is about competition. The winner gets to crow, rant, brag, stick their tongues out and go "phlpppttttt" to their heart's content. IT'S THEIR RIGHT to react however they darn will please cuz they won and you didn't

 

The other side of this is that when the Cubbies finally win one (hopefully in my lifetime) I reserve the right to be as annoying as I want. To feel as proud as anyone else, and anyone who wants to jump on the bandwagon is welcome. It doesn't diminish in any way the joy I will feel.

 

GO SOX, spoken as a lifelong cubs fan.

 

That's called bad sportsmanship, and should be taught as something to avoid at the little league/pee wee/AYSO and Park District levels.

 

Win with class. There's no reason to be a obnoxious jerk if your team wins.

 

Maybe it's a uniquly american construct; "trash talking" after a win. Certainly the Boo-Ya Network doesn't help kids grow up to be good sports-it teaches them how to come up with a creative dance or soundbyte.

 

Was the smuggness of the Red Sox nation bad sportsmanship? Just because they seem classier? What is so attractive about having lovable losers as fans? Wow! Look at the IVY! It's PRETTY.

 

I am not saying I condone their behavior, but how they behave is not relevent. It is about WHO WINS. Whether you get grief in the office the next day, the next week or for the REST OF YOUR LIFE are simply details. it doesn't change the binary nature of sports. Winner/Loser.

 

I now live in Philly, reportedly the worst fans in sports. Wrong, they just CARE more. I wish Cubs fans cared more, in fact this last year is one of the first where I actually felt a level of irritation. THAT IMHO is a good thing....