Baseball is America's past time and Chicago's great divider (not Madison street). The battle between the Northside and Southside is fought out six times a year when the Chicago Cubs and Sox play at Wrigley and U.S. Cellular. Both teams have been around since baseball's inception and both teams have endured a title drought of at least 85 years. Prior to interleague play the only time these two teams stepped on the same field was during spring training, as an exhibition. But for some reason this rivalry has survived the 90+ years between the last meaningful game (a World Series match-up) and interleague play. But why? In a city known for taking care of its own it is hard for me to swallow the fact that half the city can so easily turn its back on and hate one of their own. I am a fan of BOTH the Cubs and the Sox and have been since around age eight when I started following the sport of baseball.
My generation (born in 1985) had two teams worth watching, doesn't mean both teams were good though. The Sox were the better team in the 90s, fielding a team led by franchise great Frank Thomas, that could have made a run at the championship had it not been for the strike. The Cubs gave you Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Famer, Mark Grace, most hits of the 1990s, and Sammy Sosa. So as a kid, why choose one or the other?
Being a fan of both teams is much easier than you would think. Infact coming up with reasons to hate the crosstown rival is harder than you would think (concrete reasons). Both teams have owners who are passionate about baseball and above all else want championships for their team (once the Cubs are sold this will be true). Our involved owners care, evident in the fact that they shell out over $100,000,000 annually for their payrolls. The general managers care about the product they put on the field, meaning not only do they seek high talented players but in doing so there is no lack of star power on the field whenever either team plays. And each stadium provides an experience unique to Chicago. Wrigley Field is tradition and the Cell is blue collar, though different both are vital in one's experience of the city of Chicago.
Now me writing this blog does not make Chris de Luca right, who wrote the rivalry is dying between the North and Southside, because it's not. This is merely just one Chicago fan's opinion. The rivalry is alive and well as seen when fans of the Cubs take it personally when Carlos Zambrano says he could pitch on the Southside because he grew up a Sox fan and is friends with Ozzie Guillen. But in this fan's opinion it's hogwash. Go to Wrigley and cheer for the Cubs! Go to the Cell and root for the Sox! And when they play eac
h other, just sit back and enjoy the show.
h other, just sit back and enjoy the show.
2 comments:
Finally....something I can opine on. Cheer for both teams? Seriously?! I think our city is easily one of the best "sports" cities and one of the defining characteristics is the Cubs-Sox rivalry. While its true that Chicago does take care of its own, I don't see why it's a big deal that we stand divided on who we cheer for in baseball. I think it makes our city stronger. The Cubs and Sox rivalry is so much deeper than baseball too - its North Side vs. South Side; its Wrigley vs. Comiskey (I will never refer to it as "the Cell," nor will I ever refer to Marshall Fields as Macy's, the Amoco Building as Aon Center or the Sears Tower as Willis Tower). The Cubs and Sox are two of the most storied clubs in baseball - thee have brought us the curse of the Billy Goat, Shoeless Joe Jackson, corked bats, songs that are beloved by one team's fans, but are lame as hell to the other side (i.e. "Go Cubs Go" and whatever lame ass songs the Sox decide to play that day) rabid fans that attack umps and endless first-period free arguments over which team will come out victorious in interleague play. The rivalry is something that keeps things interesting for me. Chicago is not a city that is all lovey-dovey for everyone, but it is in our differences that we have unity - because we are all from the best city in the world. I support Chicago 110% and I do cheer for two teams - the Cubs and anyone that plays the Sox and that's the way I want to keep it.
Some how some way, I agree with Chris, the misguided Cubs fan who commented before me. I think the rivalry is great because of what the two teams represent, which is why I love the idea of every fan in Chicago picking a team and sticking with it.
Don't get me wrong, if the Cubs are successful, it's good for the city and I'm happy with that. But I hate the Cubs, therefore I want the Sox to ALWAYS be responsible for whatever happiness the city experiences through baseball. I'm sure die hard Cubs fans feel the same way.
Chicago is a dynamic city and the baseball teams represent so much more than North and South. The people who pick one team simply identify with that team's culture more because the other option is so contrasting. While the Cubs a flashy bunch of superstars, who play on the big stage, in the more popular venue....their players actually let their play do the talking and everyday is a party at Wrigley.
The Sox have the reputation for unsung, humble players who aren't stars but come together with chemistry to grind, scrap and win ugly....but their front office is a loud, boisterous group of egos that speak out against being the 2nd team in town...making everyday at the Cell a chance to prove something to the city that has neglected them.
Chicago fans are ok,....but die hard fans keep the drama going. There's nothing wrong with competition within our own city. It only makes us stronger for when other cities attack us, and they will.
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