In this busy world we live in there is only so much time to spend on any one activity. I started supporting the Cubs back in the late '50's to early '60's. I was an occasional fan and went to a few games every year. As I grew older and raised a family I found more of an allegiance to the Cubs and started to become the true definition of a fan (fanatic). I suffered through the highs and lows over the years and , although they never won the golden ring, the did offer an exciting product. When the Bartman incident happened, not really his fault, I was disappointed but stuck with them. Then they brought in LOU and we were convinced he would lead us to the promised land. I watched every evening and weekend games and listened to the rest on the radio. Now they have a big season and get to the playoff only to lose three straight before I could get comfortable on my easy chair. The following year we do well again and start with "the never can win the important games' Dodgers. Boom, Bang, Zip and the mighty Cubs are done. Well that was it. I got rid of all my Cubs memorabilia and clothes and vowed never to watch them again. I was true to myself and found so much extra time to do other things (much to Dolores's delight). Two seasons went by and I went to a game late in the 2010 season at the request of some friends. We sat up in the upper deck and I hardly recognized any players on the field. Late in the game this fellow was wandering the stands and plopped down next to us. This was Tom Ricketts (the new owner of the Cubs) and he was a regular guy. The 3 of us talked for 5 minutes and we told him he should hire Mike Quade as new manager. We shook hands and he went on to other eager hands to shake.
I will give it a trial run next year but only as an occasional fan. Now that we have retired there really isn't enough free time to waste on many ballgames.
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