I think you're way off. The fanbase, if anything, has changed for the better. They expect more from the Cubs, and aren't just happy to sit there, and enjoy the beer and sunshine, regardless of the on field income. If someone is booing Latroy Hawkins, that means they paid enough attention over the past few years to actually know that Latroy played for (and sucked) with the Cubs. What you're saying is that you liked the stupid fans that weren't even watching the game. Booing is part of the game. It has been for a long time. Don't suck, and you won't get booed. What did Rusch and Hairston do to deserve it? Hawkins, sure, but not those two. Just mediocre players being exactly what you would expect them to be, I don't see the cause for angst. I think some fans are doing it just to do it. My point wasn't to say that the fans booing them are intelligent. Just that they're more attentive than the fanbase was pre-2003. If you dislike booing, fine. But to say that the fanbase has changed for the worse? I think that's just not true. But personally, I think booing is just part of being a professional athlete.