Put it on the board....YES!
October 15, 2015 7:18 AM Subscribe
To put an exclamation point on the Chicago Cubs winning their first postseason series at Wrigley Field in the 100 year history of Wrigley Field, rookie Kyle Schwarber hit a dramatic 400+ foot shot over the new video scoreboard in right field...
...or so we thought. Then people with cameras noticed a new ball sitting on top of the right field scoreboard, some 85 feet in the air and 375 feet away from home plate.
In honor of the epic shot, the Cubs will leave the ball there for the rest of the postseaon, safely on a ball stand and encased in plexiglass. Cubs fans are now calling the RF scoreboard the Schwarboard.
In other news, Hitler was not happy with the Cubs winning the NLDS.
Tonight in Los Angeles, the Cubs will find out if they will face the New York Mets or the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS as they play Game 5 of their NLDS.
...or so we thought. Then people with cameras noticed a new ball sitting on top of the right field scoreboard, some 85 feet in the air and 375 feet away from home plate.
In honor of the epic shot, the Cubs will leave the ball there for the rest of the postseaon, safely on a ball stand and encased in plexiglass. Cubs fans are now calling the RF scoreboard the Schwarboard.
In other news, Hitler was not happy with the Cubs winning the NLDS.
Tonight in Los Angeles, the Cubs will find out if they will face the New York Mets or the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS as they play Game 5 of their NLDS.
The ball is somehow going to become a curse. Fall on somebody's head, deflect a sure home run... blind the catcher with a distant glint of plexiglass glare?
I look forward to it.
posted by selfnoise at 7:26 AM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
I look forward to it.
posted by selfnoise at 7:26 AM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
Cubs winning one series to give fans false hope. They're like the CLG of baseball.
posted by Talez at 7:26 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Talez at 7:26 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Better the Cubs than the Cards, I guess.
posted by octothorpe at 7:30 AM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by octothorpe at 7:30 AM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
I love how the ball stand is the grip end of a baseball bat.
posted by chavenet at 7:35 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by chavenet at 7:35 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yesssss.... the tears flowing from Chicago will now be all the sweeter.
posted by Justinian at 7:36 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Justinian at 7:36 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
Front page of all the papers in Toronto today is Bautista's bat flip, after he had a moment similar to Schwarber's.
posted by clawsoon at 7:37 AM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 7:37 AM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
I hope they win the World Series. Then we can say it wasn't a curse, they just sucked for 107 years.
posted by schyler523 at 7:38 AM on October 15, 2015 [12 favorites]
posted by schyler523 at 7:38 AM on October 15, 2015 [12 favorites]
Front page of all the papers in Toronto today is Bautista's bat flip
Oh, that was an epic flip for sure!
Schwarber just dropped the bat and stared a minute, though he's had quite a few epic flips. I was there, the Cards right fielder didn't even look up as it sailed by.
posted by eriko at 7:40 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
Oh, that was an epic flip for sure!
Schwarber just dropped the bat and stared a minute, though he's had quite a few epic flips. I was there, the Cards right fielder didn't even look up as it sailed by.
posted by eriko at 7:40 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
I forget where it was mentioned, but this factoid has always stuck with me: when the Cubs last won the world series, the Ottoman Empire still existed.
posted by [expletive deleted] at 7:45 AM on October 15, 2015 [39 favorites]
posted by [expletive deleted] at 7:45 AM on October 15, 2015 [39 favorites]
I have a list I am keeping of all of the people who make "LOL Cubs never win" jokes.
YOUR DAY OF RECKONING IS COMING AND THAT RIGHT SOON.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:48 AM on October 15, 2015 [10 favorites]
YOUR DAY OF RECKONING IS COMING AND THAT RIGHT SOON.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:48 AM on October 15, 2015 [10 favorites]
I hope they win the World Series. Then we can say it wasn't a curse, they just sucked for 107 years.
People used to say that about the Red Sox too....
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:49 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
People used to say that about the Red Sox too....
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:49 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
I was actually at Monday's game 3 and it was maybe the third best day of my entire life, behind only the day my kid was born and the day Comrade Doll and I got married. And I would be ashamed to tell how close it got to #1 and #2.
42,000+ plus in the crowd, about 41,000 of them Cubs fans who all desperately wanted the same thing and got it, in dramatic fashion. It was exhilarating. Late in the game, the crowd would leap to its feet to cheer every two strike count against an opposing player, every Cub at bat that came with runners in scoring position... everything, really. The entire building shook. It was unbelievable.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:52 AM on October 15, 2015 [41 favorites]
42,000+ plus in the crowd, about 41,000 of them Cubs fans who all desperately wanted the same thing and got it, in dramatic fashion. It was exhilarating. Late in the game, the crowd would leap to its feet to cheer every two strike count against an opposing player, every Cub at bat that came with runners in scoring position... everything, really. The entire building shook. It was unbelievable.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:52 AM on October 15, 2015 [41 favorites]
Bautista's bat flip was the most macho bat flip in the history of all bat flips. And given the context--that the Jays had been on the verge of being eliminated thanks to a fantastically blown call and his HR put them three runs ahead--it was emotionally resonant and mostly understandable, too.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:56 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:56 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
We're taking the Back to the Future prediction very seriously.
posted by Windigo at 7:56 AM on October 15, 2015 [7 favorites]
posted by Windigo at 7:56 AM on October 15, 2015 [7 favorites]
I forget where it was mentioned, but this factoid has always stuck with me: when the Cubs last won the world series, the Ottoman Empire still existed.
The Cubs' last World Series win was as far from today as the establishment of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was from that World Series.
posted by Etrigan at 7:57 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
The Cubs' last World Series win was as far from today as the establishment of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was from that World Series.
posted by Etrigan at 7:57 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
With my Bucs now out, I can sorta kinda support the Cubbies, maybe. While never being Cubbies fans, people can casually like the Cubbies in a way that is like liking the sport itself.
Sorta like during the World Cup, wearing a Brazil shirt during the World Cup (if your country is out or not even in) says "I LIKE FUTBOL", wearing a Cubbies shirt means "I LIKE BASEBALL". If only Brazil were chronic losers. Something.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:57 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Sorta like during the World Cup, wearing a Brazil shirt during the World Cup (if your country is out or not even in) says "I LIKE FUTBOL", wearing a Cubbies shirt means "I LIKE BASEBALL". If only Brazil were chronic losers. Something.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:57 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Let's go Cubs!!
posted by persona au gratin at 7:58 AM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by persona au gratin at 7:58 AM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
I'm a lifelong Royals fan and I really hope we end up playing the Cubs in the World Series, because I feel like I won't even be that sad if it's the Cubs who beat us. I know how much it means to Kansas City that the Royals are good again after a 30 year drought; I can't imagine the atmosphere in Chicago if they win the World Series. It will be magical.
posted by something something at 8:00 AM on October 15, 2015 [8 favorites]
posted by something something at 8:00 AM on October 15, 2015 [8 favorites]
In our house, we sometimes describe the wait since the last Cubs World Series title as 210 blooms of the amorphophallus titanum.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:01 AM on October 15, 2015
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:01 AM on October 15, 2015
Bautista: Bat Flip Loop
Bautista: Thug Life
Bautista: Looka Da Flicka Da Wrist
posted by Kabanos at 8:03 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Bautista: Thug Life
Bautista: Looka Da Flicka Da Wrist
posted by Kabanos at 8:03 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
People used to say that about the Red Sox too....
If the Cubbies win, people will call for Theo Epstein to be canonized; or at least inducted into the in the Hall of Fame.
posted by terrapin at 8:03 AM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
If the Cubbies win, people will call for Theo Epstein to be canonized; or at least inducted into the in the Hall of Fame.
posted by terrapin at 8:03 AM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
I can't imagine the atmosphere in Chicago if they win the World Series. It will be magical.
My husband has only ever once used the word 'forbid' towards me. As in, he literally has forbidden me to do something, and that something is to be in Wrigleyville if the Cubs win the Series. As he puts it, he is not Bruce Willis, and will not be able to extract me from what would undoubtedly be the End Times. It would be magical, yep, but it would also be riots and insanity and maybe even frogs raining from the sky.
I think I'll still head down there if we get that far. What's a little crazy among friends, eh?
posted by Windigo at 8:04 AM on October 15, 2015 [13 favorites]
My husband has only ever once used the word 'forbid' towards me. As in, he literally has forbidden me to do something, and that something is to be in Wrigleyville if the Cubs win the Series. As he puts it, he is not Bruce Willis, and will not be able to extract me from what would undoubtedly be the End Times. It would be magical, yep, but it would also be riots and insanity and maybe even frogs raining from the sky.
I think I'll still head down there if we get that far. What's a little crazy among friends, eh?
posted by Windigo at 8:04 AM on October 15, 2015 [13 favorites]
The fact is, no one knows how the North Side will react if the Cubs win the World Series, for the simple and obvious reason that it has never happened.
That said, I think North Siders are more likely to drink, sing, yell, and jump around than riot. I think having some bro puke through your open car window is a risk, but someone setting it on fire? Nah.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:08 AM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
That said, I think North Siders are more likely to drink, sing, yell, and jump around than riot. I think having some bro puke through your open car window is a risk, but someone setting it on fire? Nah.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:08 AM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
If the Mets can't do it (and fingers crossed that they do...), let's go Cubs!
posted by AJaffe at 8:08 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by AJaffe at 8:08 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
My wife predicted all this a while ago in a piece of light fiction. Given how her vision turns out, it's hard to know what we might hope for. But - Go Cubs!
posted by BWA at 8:09 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by BWA at 8:09 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yeah, I would hope they won't riot. You never know, though. Look at all those people throwing stuff on the field yesterday in the middle of that Blue Jays game. Canadians, even!
posted by something something at 8:09 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by something something at 8:09 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
If the Cubbies win, people will call for Theo Epstein to be canonized; or at least inducted into the in the Hall of Fame.
I feel like any sports team with a drought would want to look at hiring him. Browns, Maple Leafs, whatever.
posted by vogon_poet at 8:12 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
I feel like any sports team with a drought would want to look at hiring him. Browns, Maple Leafs, whatever.
posted by vogon_poet at 8:12 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
That said, I think North Siders are more likely to drink, sing, yell, and jump around than riot. I think having some bro puke through your open car window is a risk, but someone setting it on fire? Nah.
Yeah, but that's Wrigleyville every game night, anyways.
I hope they won't riot if it came to that, and I don't really think they will. I think if there's any of that sort of thing, it will be from people who come into it already looking for an excuse to cause damage and not from jubilation. I do think it will be crazy and unmanageable, but based on the number of police - both on foot and horse - just the other night after the game, maybe not.
posted by Windigo at 8:13 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yeah, but that's Wrigleyville every game night, anyways.
I hope they won't riot if it came to that, and I don't really think they will. I think if there's any of that sort of thing, it will be from people who come into it already looking for an excuse to cause damage and not from jubilation. I do think it will be crazy and unmanageable, but based on the number of police - both on foot and horse - just the other night after the game, maybe not.
posted by Windigo at 8:13 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Canadians, even!
From Vancouver to Montreal, sports is pretty much the only thing that Canadians will bother to riot over.
posted by beau jackson at 8:14 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
From Vancouver to Montreal, sports is pretty much the only thing that Canadians will bother to riot over.
posted by beau jackson at 8:14 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Oh, hey, we have two open MLB playoff threads now. I guess I should have put my Ode to Schwarber in this one.
posted by tonycpsu at 8:15 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by tonycpsu at 8:15 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
If the Cubs win, my Tribe will take over as reigning World Series futility champs. It seems only fitting that Cleveland have that "honor."
posted by enjoymoreradio at 8:19 AM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by enjoymoreradio at 8:19 AM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
It was exhilarating. Late in the game, the crowd would leap to its feet to cheer every two strike count against an opposing player, every Cub at bat that came with runners in scoring position... everything, really. The entire building shook. It was unbelievable.
You should have been at game 4. I think the single loudest noise I've ever heard was when Piscotty struck out to end it, and afterwards, the singing of Go Cubs Go was noticed a mile away.
posted by eriko at 8:22 AM on October 15, 2015 [9 favorites]
You should have been at game 4. I think the single loudest noise I've ever heard was when Piscotty struck out to end it, and afterwards, the singing of Go Cubs Go was noticed a mile away.
posted by eriko at 8:22 AM on October 15, 2015 [9 favorites]
Oh, hey, we have two open MLB playoff threads now.
The other one is the AL playoffs. This is NL.
posted by eriko at 8:22 AM on October 15, 2015 [10 favorites]
The other one is the AL playoffs. This is NL.
posted by eriko at 8:22 AM on October 15, 2015 [10 favorites]
From Vancouver to Montreal, sports is pretty much the only thing that Canadians will bother to riot over.
That, and cancelled Guns 'n' Roses concerts.
posted by Sys Rq at 8:25 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
That, and cancelled Guns 'n' Roses concerts.
posted by Sys Rq at 8:25 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
I think Cleveland has enough problems... They don't need the banner of futility in baseball as well, so I'm rooting for the Cubs to lose (and blaming the Cards loss on Matheny keeping Wacha in too long in game 3... Not a bitter Cards fan at all...)
posted by Jacob G at 8:26 AM on October 15, 2015
posted by Jacob G at 8:26 AM on October 15, 2015
The fact is, no one knows how the North Side will react if the Cubs win the World Series, for the simple and obvious reason that it has never happened.
The flag would look kinda weird with a fifth star.
posted by zamboni at 8:27 AM on October 15, 2015 [9 favorites]
The flag would look kinda weird with a fifth star.
posted by zamboni at 8:27 AM on October 15, 2015 [9 favorites]
The other one is the AL playoffs. This is NL.
OK, so after the LCSes are over you and Rhaomi face each other in a best-of-seven post-off? Where do I buy my tickets?
posted by tonycpsu at 8:27 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
OK, so after the LCSes are over you and Rhaomi face each other in a best-of-seven post-off? Where do I buy my tickets?
posted by tonycpsu at 8:27 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
As someone who lives in the Tampa Bay area, and who likes me some baseball, I can only say "JOE MADDON IS A WARLOCK" because that's the only reason I can fathom for this sequence of events.
PS. After you get your ring, come home Joe! All is forgiven!
posted by Major Matt Mason Dixon at 8:28 AM on October 15, 2015
PS. After you get your ring, come home Joe! All is forgiven!
posted by Major Matt Mason Dixon at 8:28 AM on October 15, 2015
We're taking the Back to the Future prediction very seriously.
Between the Cubs and Donald-Trump-as-Future-Biff, it's starting to feel like Back to the Future II is actually a real life Grays Sports Almanac that was predicting the future and we're all just McFlys living through it.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:29 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Between the Cubs and Donald-Trump-as-Future-Biff, it's starting to feel like Back to the Future II is actually a real life Grays Sports Almanac that was predicting the future and we're all just McFlys living through it.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:29 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Genius/hero/troll (take your pick) uses smartphone app to play "Go Cubs Go!" on every internet-enabled jukebox within a 40 mile radius of St. Louis Tuesday night.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:29 AM on October 15, 2015 [25 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:29 AM on October 15, 2015 [25 favorites]
GENIUS!
Its a light hearted rivalry, but I found myself really happy when nearly all of Matheny's pitcher changes turned out to be turds.
I've felt that way ever since I watched Lynn screaming at the umpire about the 9 earned runs he gave up in that game in September against the Cubs.
Then I started looking at that STL bench, all in a row every game, sitting, glum faced, and decided that the Cubs are living right and I really wanted them to sit the other franchise down.
posted by C.A.S. at 8:37 AM on October 15, 2015
Its a light hearted rivalry, but I found myself really happy when nearly all of Matheny's pitcher changes turned out to be turds.
I've felt that way ever since I watched Lynn screaming at the umpire about the 9 earned runs he gave up in that game in September against the Cubs.
Then I started looking at that STL bench, all in a row every game, sitting, glum faced, and decided that the Cubs are living right and I really wanted them to sit the other franchise down.
posted by C.A.S. at 8:37 AM on October 15, 2015
This might be the secret formula for breaking the extended run of failure in Chicago: a team full of absurdly talented youngsters too inexperienced to feel any particular stress or pressure about being Cubs in the playoffs.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:40 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:40 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
20 things that have happened since the Cubs last won a World Series.
1. Radio was invented; Cub fans got to hear their team lose.
2. TV was invented; Cub fans got to see their team lose.
3. Baseball added 14 teams; Cub fans got to see AND hear their team lose to more teams.
4. George Burns celebrated his 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th and 100th birthdays.
5. Haley’s Comet passed Earth… twice.
6. Harry Caray was born… and died. Incredible, but true.
7. The NBA, NHL and NFL were formed, and Chicago teams won championships in each league.
8. Man landed on the moon, as have several home runs given up by Cubs pitchers.
9. Sixteen US presidents were elected.
10. There were 11 amendments added to the Constitution.
11. Prohibition was created, and repealed.
12. The Titanic was built, set sail, sank, was discovered, and became the subject of major motion pictures… the latter giving Cub fans hope that something that finishes on the bottom can come out on top.
13. Wrigley Field was built and becomes the oldest park in the National League.
14. Flag poles were erected on Wrigley Field roof to hold all of the team’s future World Series pennants. Those flag poles have since rusted and been taken down.
15. A combination of 40 summer & winter Olympics have been held.
16. Thirteen baseball players have won the Triple Crown; several thanked Cubs pitchers.
17. Bell bottoms came in style, went out of style, and came back in style.
18. The Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Florida Marlins have ALL won the World Series.
19. The Cubs played 14,153 regular-season games; they lost the majority of them.
20. Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and New Mexico were added to the Union.
hat tip
What the world was like the last time the Cubs won a world series.
Since the Cubs Won
posted by allkindsoftime at 8:41 AM on October 15, 2015 [27 favorites]
1. Radio was invented; Cub fans got to hear their team lose.
2. TV was invented; Cub fans got to see their team lose.
3. Baseball added 14 teams; Cub fans got to see AND hear their team lose to more teams.
4. George Burns celebrated his 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th and 100th birthdays.
5. Haley’s Comet passed Earth… twice.
6. Harry Caray was born… and died. Incredible, but true.
7. The NBA, NHL and NFL were formed, and Chicago teams won championships in each league.
8. Man landed on the moon, as have several home runs given up by Cubs pitchers.
9. Sixteen US presidents were elected.
10. There were 11 amendments added to the Constitution.
11. Prohibition was created, and repealed.
12. The Titanic was built, set sail, sank, was discovered, and became the subject of major motion pictures… the latter giving Cub fans hope that something that finishes on the bottom can come out on top.
13. Wrigley Field was built and becomes the oldest park in the National League.
14. Flag poles were erected on Wrigley Field roof to hold all of the team’s future World Series pennants. Those flag poles have since rusted and been taken down.
15. A combination of 40 summer & winter Olympics have been held.
16. Thirteen baseball players have won the Triple Crown; several thanked Cubs pitchers.
17. Bell bottoms came in style, went out of style, and came back in style.
18. The Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Florida Marlins have ALL won the World Series.
19. The Cubs played 14,153 regular-season games; they lost the majority of them.
20. Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and New Mexico were added to the Union.
hat tip
What the world was like the last time the Cubs won a world series.
Since the Cubs Won
posted by allkindsoftime at 8:41 AM on October 15, 2015 [27 favorites]
It's a Metafilter postseason. All the teams left wear blue.
posted by dirigibleman at 8:41 AM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by dirigibleman at 8:41 AM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
In honor of the epic shot, the Cubs will leave the ball there for the rest of the postseaon, safely on a ball stand and encased in plexiglass.
On yesterday's PTI, Mike Wilbon said that he got to hold the ball (assumedly when they took it down to put it in the plexi box. The excitement in his eyes was like a kid on Christmas day.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:42 AM on October 15, 2015
On yesterday's PTI, Mike Wilbon said that he got to hold the ball (assumedly when they took it down to put it in the plexi box. The excitement in his eyes was like a kid on Christmas day.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:42 AM on October 15, 2015
Also can I just say: Fuck that new video scoreboard.
posted by shakespeherian at 8:43 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by shakespeherian at 8:43 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
And given the context--that the Jays had been on the verge of being eliminated thanks to a fantastically blown call and his HR put them three runs ahead--it was emotionally resonant and mostly understandable, too.
Nope. And it wasn't the blown call which wasn't blown, it was the THREE ERRORS IN A ROW that turned that tide. Texas simply self-destructed. Bautista just put them out of their misery.
Why it wasn't a blown call. (2015 MLB Rulebook citations in [square brackets]†.)
1) The batter was in his legal position -- in the batters box. [5.04(b)(5)]
2) The definition of batter interference states it is interference and an out is ""He fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball" [6.01(a)(10)]. Note the word intentionally. The umpire rules that he did not intentionally interfere with the ball, which I think was obvious, he wasn't even looking at the catcher. The ball is still live at this point -- you can score if the defense throws the ball away.
3) The umpire then shanks it and calls time, which does then make it dead [5.01] "After the umpire calls “Play” the ball is alive and in play and remains alive and in play until for legal cause, or at the umpire’s call of “Time” suspending play, the ball becomes dead." So, the ball is dead, with the runner halfway to home.
But!
4) We then get to the rule about dead balls [5.06(c)] "While the ball is dead no player may be put out, no bases may be run and no runs may be scored, except that runners may advance one or more bases as the result of acts which occurred while the ball was alive (such as, but not limited to a balk, an overthrow, interference, or a home run or other fair ball hit out of the playing field)."
The umpires judged that he would have scored because of actions he took while the ball was alive -- he broke for home and clearly would have made it. So, the umpires awarded him the base, and the run counts.
The protest will go nowhere -- the only issues here is "Should the umpire have called time?" and "Did Choo intentionally interfere?" and "Would Odor have scored if time had not been called?" In all three cases, these are judgement calls and cannot be reversed via protest. Only cases where the umpires incorrectly apply a rule or fail to do so are protestable. For example, batted ball bounces over the outfield wall. This is, by rule, an automatic double*. If the umpires put the batter on any base but second, or allow a runner on first to score, they've not applied the rule on automatic doubles, and a manager can protest.
Note that a protest, even if correct, will only result in a reversal and replay if MLB feels the correct call would have changed the game. So, in our automatic double example, if they put the batter on third, there were two outs, and the next batter struck out, it wouldn't result in a replay. Even though the protest was over a correct issue, the run wouldn't have scored if the batter-runner had been placed on the correct base. If they'd allowed a runner on first to score on the automatic double and the other team lost by a run, then it would have changed the course of the game, and they'd replay the game from that automatic double, putting the batter-runner on 2B and the runner on 3B.
† They reorganized the rulebook in 2015, so these citations aren't useful in early rulebooks.
* Not a Ground Rule Double, an Automatic Double. There are no ground rules covering this, it is an explicit rule case in the rulebook and applies to all games. [5.05(8)] Ground rules cover things at the particular park in play (forex, a batted ball that gets stuck in the ivy at Wrigley Field is a Ground Rule Double, a batted ball that hits the ivy and rolls out is In Play.)
posted by eriko at 8:47 AM on October 15, 2015 [9 favorites]
Nope. And it wasn't the blown call which wasn't blown, it was the THREE ERRORS IN A ROW that turned that tide. Texas simply self-destructed. Bautista just put them out of their misery.
Why it wasn't a blown call. (2015 MLB Rulebook citations in [square brackets]†.)
1) The batter was in his legal position -- in the batters box. [5.04(b)(5)]
2) The definition of batter interference states it is interference and an out is ""He fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball" [6.01(a)(10)]. Note the word intentionally. The umpire rules that he did not intentionally interfere with the ball, which I think was obvious, he wasn't even looking at the catcher. The ball is still live at this point -- you can score if the defense throws the ball away.
3) The umpire then shanks it and calls time, which does then make it dead [5.01] "After the umpire calls “Play” the ball is alive and in play and remains alive and in play until for legal cause, or at the umpire’s call of “Time” suspending play, the ball becomes dead." So, the ball is dead, with the runner halfway to home.
But!
4) We then get to the rule about dead balls [5.06(c)] "While the ball is dead no player may be put out, no bases may be run and no runs may be scored, except that runners may advance one or more bases as the result of acts which occurred while the ball was alive (such as, but not limited to a balk, an overthrow, interference, or a home run or other fair ball hit out of the playing field)."
The umpires judged that he would have scored because of actions he took while the ball was alive -- he broke for home and clearly would have made it. So, the umpires awarded him the base, and the run counts.
The protest will go nowhere -- the only issues here is "Should the umpire have called time?" and "Did Choo intentionally interfere?" and "Would Odor have scored if time had not been called?" In all three cases, these are judgement calls and cannot be reversed via protest. Only cases where the umpires incorrectly apply a rule or fail to do so are protestable. For example, batted ball bounces over the outfield wall. This is, by rule, an automatic double*. If the umpires put the batter on any base but second, or allow a runner on first to score, they've not applied the rule on automatic doubles, and a manager can protest.
Note that a protest, even if correct, will only result in a reversal and replay if MLB feels the correct call would have changed the game. So, in our automatic double example, if they put the batter on third, there were two outs, and the next batter struck out, it wouldn't result in a replay. Even though the protest was over a correct issue, the run wouldn't have scored if the batter-runner had been placed on the correct base. If they'd allowed a runner on first to score on the automatic double and the other team lost by a run, then it would have changed the course of the game, and they'd replay the game from that automatic double, putting the batter-runner on 2B and the runner on 3B.
† They reorganized the rulebook in 2015, so these citations aren't useful in early rulebooks.
* Not a Ground Rule Double, an Automatic Double. There are no ground rules covering this, it is an explicit rule case in the rulebook and applies to all games. [5.05(8)] Ground rules cover things at the particular park in play (forex, a batted ball that gets stuck in the ivy at Wrigley Field is a Ground Rule Double, a batted ball that hits the ivy and rolls out is In Play.)
posted by eriko at 8:47 AM on October 15, 2015 [9 favorites]
Certainly "Time is of the essence", but that caulking job, common.
posted by humboldt32 at 8:48 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by humboldt32 at 8:48 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
Also can I just say: Fuck that new video scoreboard.
Actually, I like them (there are two. They're not doing stupid stuff with them. LF shows replays and the Batter's and Pitcher's stats during an at bat, RF shows the lineups -- and you need help keeping track of the lineups when Joe Maddon is managing, because he keeps throwing double switches at you. They even show the batter's at game history in scorecard format, which allows you a quick check to make sure you scored it right.
Yeah, there are ads between innings, but there's really none of the typical stupid stuff otherwise. They've even worked hard on changing the background green as the sun sets to keep it matching, as close as possible, the CF scoreboard green. They did have to put brighter lights on the old CF scoreboard -- the old ones didn't have a prayer vs. the LED driver boards.
They also moved the ribbon board from underneath the CF board to under the RF board, which makes the CF board look like it used to. The only recent add there is the mandated clock that counts down inning breaks and pitcher changes, otherwise, it's still the same old board.
They still put the "H" or "E" on the CF board to indicate if it was a hit or error, but they don't then flash the number telling you *who* got the error, which is annoying. I wish they'd put that on the other boards, so we can know who to mock/yell at.
This was a lot better than that idiot alderman Tom Tunney, who wanted to revoke Wrigley's historical status and pass a law mandating that the Cubs take down the CF scoreboard to allow the people across the street to see the game better, because he was completely in the pocket of the rooftop owners. Shame they did stupid shit like forget to pay taxes.
posted by eriko at 8:58 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Actually, I like them (there are two. They're not doing stupid stuff with them. LF shows replays and the Batter's and Pitcher's stats during an at bat, RF shows the lineups -- and you need help keeping track of the lineups when Joe Maddon is managing, because he keeps throwing double switches at you. They even show the batter's at game history in scorecard format, which allows you a quick check to make sure you scored it right.
Yeah, there are ads between innings, but there's really none of the typical stupid stuff otherwise. They've even worked hard on changing the background green as the sun sets to keep it matching, as close as possible, the CF scoreboard green. They did have to put brighter lights on the old CF scoreboard -- the old ones didn't have a prayer vs. the LED driver boards.
They also moved the ribbon board from underneath the CF board to under the RF board, which makes the CF board look like it used to. The only recent add there is the mandated clock that counts down inning breaks and pitcher changes, otherwise, it's still the same old board.
They still put the "H" or "E" on the CF board to indicate if it was a hit or error, but they don't then flash the number telling you *who* got the error, which is annoying. I wish they'd put that on the other boards, so we can know who to mock/yell at.
This was a lot better than that idiot alderman Tom Tunney, who wanted to revoke Wrigley's historical status and pass a law mandating that the Cubs take down the CF scoreboard to allow the people across the street to see the game better, because he was completely in the pocket of the rooftop owners. Shame they did stupid shit like forget to pay taxes.
posted by eriko at 8:58 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Killjoy.
Yep. :-)
That throw hitting the bat was bizarre, but the way Texas just fell apart in the 7th is unbelievable. That inning took 53 minutes. Here's a somewhat shortened replay of the bottom of the 7th -- it's "only" 20 minute long!
But that's the reason Texas lost. Not when they went ahead after that bizarre play, but THREE ERRORS IN THREE PLAYS. They should have been out of that inning with no runs. Instead, they gave up four.
posted by eriko at 9:01 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yep. :-)
That throw hitting the bat was bizarre, but the way Texas just fell apart in the 7th is unbelievable. That inning took 53 minutes. Here's a somewhat shortened replay of the bottom of the 7th -- it's "only" 20 minute long!
But that's the reason Texas lost. Not when they went ahead after that bizarre play, but THREE ERRORS IN THREE PLAYS. They should have been out of that inning with no runs. Instead, they gave up four.
posted by eriko at 9:01 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
As someone without a dog in this fight, that 7th inning was one of the most entertaining baseball things I have ever seen. I like to watch other sports, but there seems to be something special about baseball that leaves it open to all sorts of weird shit just happening out of nowhere for extended periods of time.
posted by something something at 9:03 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by something something at 9:03 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
If the Cubs win the world series, there will be a movement to have Theo Epstein named the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Which is why Epstein will direct the Cubs to be the second Chicago team to throw a World Series, should it come to that.
posted by delfin at 9:05 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Which is why Epstein will direct the Cubs to be the second Chicago team to throw a World Series, should it come to that.
posted by delfin at 9:05 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Whether Bautista is correct in feeling that was a blown call, he certainly felt it was and it entirely informed his feelings there.
Also, eriko is entirely correct about the new scoreboard: tastefully done, devoid of stupid garbage like the incessant AC/DC/exploding graphics video montages on the South Side, and just generally based on helpful info presented in context and in a visual style consistent with the old scoreboard (which is still there, doing its thing).
The score card like formatting for the previous at-bats, which eriko also pointed out, is straight-up awesome and very cannily aimed at exactly the traditionalists who usually hate video scoreboards.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:07 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Also, eriko is entirely correct about the new scoreboard: tastefully done, devoid of stupid garbage like the incessant AC/DC/exploding graphics video montages on the South Side, and just generally based on helpful info presented in context and in a visual style consistent with the old scoreboard (which is still there, doing its thing).
The score card like formatting for the previous at-bats, which eriko also pointed out, is straight-up awesome and very cannily aimed at exactly the traditionalists who usually hate video scoreboards.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:07 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
As someone without a dog in this fight, that 7th inning was one of the most entertaining baseball things I have ever seen.
C’est magnifique, mais ce n’est pas le base-ball: c'est de la folie.
posted by eriko at 9:13 AM on October 15, 2015
C’est magnifique, mais ce n’est pas le base-ball: c'est de la folie.
posted by eriko at 9:13 AM on October 15, 2015
If the Cubs win the world series, there will be a movement to have Theo Epstein named the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
NO NOT UNTIL WE WIN MANY MORE!!!
posted by eriko at 9:13 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
NO NOT UNTIL WE WIN MANY MORE!!!
posted by eriko at 9:13 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yeah, it's nice I guess. /bitter White Sox fan
posted by bgal81 at 9:14 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by bgal81 at 9:14 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
So, here's the thing about Cubs fans' tears.
We just eliminated the Cards. That's worth about 1.5 WS titles. Yes, yes, I certainly do want the Cubs to win it all this year, but even if they go down in 4 for the NLCS, this year has been fan-fucking-tastic.
posted by ursus_comiter at 9:16 AM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
We just eliminated the Cards. That's worth about 1.5 WS titles. Yes, yes, I certainly do want the Cubs to win it all this year, but even if they go down in 4 for the NLCS, this year has been fan-fucking-tastic.
posted by ursus_comiter at 9:16 AM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
I don't mean to rub it in, bgal81, but this is a conversation I overheard this week:
Cubs fan: "I don't know, this could be our year to finally do it!"
Sox fan: "You're rooting for the wrong team. 107 years? At least we've won recently: 2005."
(pause, sound of typing)
Cubs fan: "Says here, 21 of the 25 guys on the Sox World Series roster have retired. 'Recently' may be relative."
(sound of Sox fan grumbling)
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:19 AM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
Cubs fan: "I don't know, this could be our year to finally do it!"
Sox fan: "You're rooting for the wrong team. 107 years? At least we've won recently: 2005."
(pause, sound of typing)
Cubs fan: "Says here, 21 of the 25 guys on the Sox World Series roster have retired. 'Recently' may be relative."
(sound of Sox fan grumbling)
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:19 AM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
Yes, yes, I certainly do want the Cubs to win it all this year, but even if they go down in 4 for the NLCS, this year has been fan-fucking-tastic.
Amen. A-fucking-men. This wasn't the year -- Russell and Schwarber weren't supposed to come up until September. So, yeah -- we beat the Cards, and we're in the NLCS with four rookies and this is just epic.
#FlyTheW
posted by eriko at 9:20 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Amen. A-fucking-men. This wasn't the year -- Russell and Schwarber weren't supposed to come up until September. So, yeah -- we beat the Cards, and we're in the NLCS with four rookies and this is just epic.
#FlyTheW
posted by eriko at 9:20 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Chicago has its regular meetups on the first Wednesday of every month at the Billy Goat Tavern. The first Wednesday of this November is the 4th. It's the day that game 7 of the World Series is scheduled.
If the Cubs make it, and the series makes it to game 7, metafilter will be there. MCMikeNamara has already promised to take the day off work and camp on location to ensure we have a seat. It will be (at least) the second time we've had a meetup on a day when the place got mobbed by news crews.
posted by phunniemee at 9:21 AM on October 15, 2015 [10 favorites]
If the Cubs make it, and the series makes it to game 7, metafilter will be there. MCMikeNamara has already promised to take the day off work and camp on location to ensure we have a seat. It will be (at least) the second time we've had a meetup on a day when the place got mobbed by news crews.
posted by phunniemee at 9:21 AM on October 15, 2015 [10 favorites]
I mean, we all know it'll never happen but we're prepared just in case.
posted by phunniemee at 9:22 AM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 9:22 AM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
If the Cubs make it, and the series makes it to game 7, metafilter will be there.
And I'm not flying on that Thursday. If we're there, I'll be there.
posted by eriko at 9:23 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
And I'm not flying on that Thursday. If we're there, I'll be there.
posted by eriko at 9:23 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
I mean, we'll be there anyway. But the rest of the city might be, too.
posted by phunniemee at 9:32 AM on October 15, 2015
posted by phunniemee at 9:32 AM on October 15, 2015
I mean, we'll be there anyway. But the rest of the city might be, too.
Yeah. Good point. Maybe I'll go somewhere less crazy, like Kauffmann Stadium or the Rogers Center.
posted by eriko at 9:35 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yeah. Good point. Maybe I'll go somewhere less crazy, like Kauffmann Stadium or the Rogers Center.
posted by eriko at 9:35 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Cubs fan: "Says here, 21 of the 25 guys on the Sox World Series roster have retired. 'Recently' may be relative."
It's recently in Chicago sports team years. A Cubs' fan should know that.
posted by bgal81 at 9:43 AM on October 15, 2015
It's recently in Chicago sports team years. A Cubs' fan should know that.
posted by bgal81 at 9:43 AM on October 15, 2015
I do think it will be crazy and unmanageable, but based on the number of police - both on foot and horse - just the other night after the game, maybe not.
After we won the NLDS, it was crazy, but nobody was being violent as far as I could see. Lots of pictures of people posing with cops holding the W flag, that sort of thing.
They did ask the taverns to switch to plastic cups, and they were sending people down Clark to get to the L when the Addison platform ended up overcrowded.
I walked down to Belmont, got theRavenswood Brown Line and went to my favorite bar, which was well away from Wrigelyville. Mainly because I wanted to sit down -- there wasn't much of that at the game.
Fave parts of Game Four.
0) Being there.
1) The Cubs winning!
2) The Cardinals losing!
3) Hammel getting that base hit, scoring Castro....
4) ...which set up Baez's three run shot and gave us a lead we'd never give up.
5) RIZZO GOES DEEP!
6) SCHWARBER GOES DEEP, gets fined by the FAA for putting an object into controlled airspace without clearance.
7) SCHWARBOARD!
8) Rondon striking out Piscotty, which made it all real and final and it won't go away ever.
9) Three, count them, three plays of Go Cubs Go.
10) Two, count them, two plays of Sweet Home Chicago
11) Arrieta spraying fans with champagne.
12) The 'I ain't afraid of no goats' sign.
13) The "Party like it's 1908" sign.
14) Everything else. Just an amazing experience, the best baseball moment in my life. Even if we go four and out, I don't care. That made it worth it.
15) Having to apologize to my mom for saying it was the best baseball moment of my life. She's a life long Cardinals fant.
16) Her eventually replying "You are forgiven." She's a Cards fan, but it's baseball. She knows what it's like. Now I know too.
Baseball.
posted by eriko at 9:46 AM on October 15, 2015 [11 favorites]
After we won the NLDS, it was crazy, but nobody was being violent as far as I could see. Lots of pictures of people posing with cops holding the W flag, that sort of thing.
They did ask the taverns to switch to plastic cups, and they were sending people down Clark to get to the L when the Addison platform ended up overcrowded.
I walked down to Belmont, got the
Fave parts of Game Four.
0) Being there.
1) The Cubs winning!
2) The Cardinals losing!
3) Hammel getting that base hit, scoring Castro....
4) ...which set up Baez's three run shot and gave us a lead we'd never give up.
5) RIZZO GOES DEEP!
6) SCHWARBER GOES DEEP, gets fined by the FAA for putting an object into controlled airspace without clearance.
7) SCHWARBOARD!
8) Rondon striking out Piscotty, which made it all real and final and it won't go away ever.
9) Three, count them, three plays of Go Cubs Go.
10) Two, count them, two plays of Sweet Home Chicago
11) Arrieta spraying fans with champagne.
12) The 'I ain't afraid of no goats' sign.
13) The "Party like it's 1908" sign.
14) Everything else. Just an amazing experience, the best baseball moment in my life. Even if we go four and out, I don't care. That made it worth it.
15) Having to apologize to my mom for saying it was the best baseball moment of my life. She's a life long Cardinals fant.
16) Her eventually replying "You are forgiven." She's a Cards fan, but it's baseball. She knows what it's like. Now I know too.
Baseball.
posted by eriko at 9:46 AM on October 15, 2015 [11 favorites]
It's recently in Chicago sports team years. A Cubs' fan should know that.
It's more recent than the Bears, that's for sure.
posted by eriko at 9:47 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
It's more recent than the Bears, that's for sure.
posted by eriko at 9:47 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
I am a Tigers girl, through and through, but I have always had a soft spot for the Cubs. You just have to love the heartbreak team, you know?
I hope they win it all.
posted by MissySedai at 10:00 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
I hope they win it all.
posted by MissySedai at 10:00 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Was rooting for Cubs-Astros, but what can one do?
posted by ZeusHumms at 10:08 AM on October 15, 2015
posted by ZeusHumms at 10:08 AM on October 15, 2015
I walked down to Belmont, got the Ravenswood Brown Line
I don't even know why people attempt to get on the Red Line right after a game.
posted by shakespeherian at 10:10 AM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
I don't even know why people attempt to get on the Red Line right after a game.
posted by shakespeherian at 10:10 AM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
So many mixed feelings here. I love my Chicagoan metafilter peeps. But having been born and raised in Wisconsin, I am barred from rooting for any Chicago sports teams.
posted by desjardins at 10:16 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by desjardins at 10:16 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request is 32 years old.
posted by dinty_moore at 10:41 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by dinty_moore at 10:41 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
eriko: "The other one is the AL playoffs. This is NL."
You know, the league where pitchers have to know how to play baseball.
allkindsoftime: "20 things that have happened since the Cubs last won a World Series."
The entirety of the USSR's history.
The Model T went on sale in late 1908, slightly after the Cubs win.
And I've said it many times before but I'll say it again: the best bet in the history of gambling would be to take a time machine back to 1908 and say to anyone in the city, "I'll give you any odds you want that a black man from Chicago will be president of the United States before the twice-in-a-row World Series winning Cubs win the Series again." (In fact that happened in 2008 ... 100 years after the Cubs' last win. So while we didn't break the curse for its centennial year, I felt like it was still a pretty great year for Chicago.)
I am a fifth-generation Cubs fan; the last time the Cubs won my great-grandfather was a boy. My grandfather lived to be 92 and never got to see his beloved Cubbies win it all, and this is the first time the Cubs have been in the playoffs since he died, so it's been a little bittersweet for me this year.
I live on the Cubs/Cards dividing line downstate -- my next-door neighbor is a Cards fan and also a terrible person -- and it has been SO THRILLING to watch a thousand W flags bloom around my neighborhood as the Cards decorations have been slowly taken indoors to be hidden in shame, after years of all that taunting red swag pissing me off. Downside: My neighborhood bar is a Cards bar, which is not normally a problem, but it means they're basically not serving Cubs fans right now.
But mostly I have to try not to think about it too much because I'm afraid I'll give myself an anxiety heart attack if I get too excited.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 10:49 AM on October 15, 2015 [9 favorites]
You know, the league where pitchers have to know how to play baseball.
allkindsoftime: "20 things that have happened since the Cubs last won a World Series."
The entirety of the USSR's history.
The Model T went on sale in late 1908, slightly after the Cubs win.
And I've said it many times before but I'll say it again: the best bet in the history of gambling would be to take a time machine back to 1908 and say to anyone in the city, "I'll give you any odds you want that a black man from Chicago will be president of the United States before the twice-in-a-row World Series winning Cubs win the Series again." (In fact that happened in 2008 ... 100 years after the Cubs' last win. So while we didn't break the curse for its centennial year, I felt like it was still a pretty great year for Chicago.)
I am a fifth-generation Cubs fan; the last time the Cubs won my great-grandfather was a boy. My grandfather lived to be 92 and never got to see his beloved Cubbies win it all, and this is the first time the Cubs have been in the playoffs since he died, so it's been a little bittersweet for me this year.
I live on the Cubs/Cards dividing line downstate -- my next-door neighbor is a Cards fan and also a terrible person -- and it has been SO THRILLING to watch a thousand W flags bloom around my neighborhood as the Cards decorations have been slowly taken indoors to be hidden in shame, after years of all that taunting red swag pissing me off. Downside: My neighborhood bar is a Cards bar, which is not normally a problem, but it means they're basically not serving Cubs fans right now.
But mostly I have to try not to think about it too much because I'm afraid I'll give myself an anxiety heart attack if I get too excited.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 10:49 AM on October 15, 2015 [9 favorites]
Does anybody know if there's something in The Book of Revelation about this?
posted by Alter Cocker at 11:18 AM on October 15, 2015
posted by Alter Cocker at 11:18 AM on October 15, 2015
ONLY EIGHT MORE CUB WINS UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 11:19 AM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 11:19 AM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
Yes there is.
The Guardian reported that the world was predicted to end on October 7th, the day of the Pirates Wildcard game
Guardian re world ending on October 7
I put this up on my fb saying that my last words then were Eamus Catuli.
Then, the awkward fact that the world stood on October 8. I put this on my fb saying that God would never end the world this early in a Cubs playoff run, it wasn't dramatic enough.
Guardian reports leader of christian group reporting an adjustment, saying the world would be ending "soon"
posted by C.A.S. at 11:32 AM on October 15, 2015
The Guardian reported that the world was predicted to end on October 7th, the day of the Pirates Wildcard game
Guardian re world ending on October 7
I put this up on my fb saying that my last words then were Eamus Catuli.
Then, the awkward fact that the world stood on October 8. I put this on my fb saying that God would never end the world this early in a Cubs playoff run, it wasn't dramatic enough.
Guardian reports leader of christian group reporting an adjustment, saying the world would be ending "soon"
posted by C.A.S. at 11:32 AM on October 15, 2015
The Field Museum puts a dino in a Cubs jersey, and promptly starts a Twitter war with the St. Louis Science Center.
Chicago knows how to do this civic pride thing. No doubt about it.
posted by Capt. Renault at 11:33 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Chicago knows how to do this civic pride thing. No doubt about it.
posted by Capt. Renault at 11:33 AM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
You know, the league where pitchers have to know how to play baseball.
Say what now? I grew up in an NL city and live in one now, but I've come to the conclusion that pitchers hitting is a bug, not a feature. The occasionally interesting chess match strategery and the once-in-a-blue-moon pitcher who can competently hit a baseball doesn't make up for the absolute waste of time that is the average plate appearance by a pitcher, and when you factor in the need to pinch hit for good pitchers who might be down a run late in the game, the net effect on baseball as entertainment is diminished for most people.
posted by tonycpsu at 11:46 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Say what now? I grew up in an NL city and live in one now, but I've come to the conclusion that pitchers hitting is a bug, not a feature. The occasionally interesting chess match strategery and the once-in-a-blue-moon pitcher who can competently hit a baseball doesn't make up for the absolute waste of time that is the average plate appearance by a pitcher, and when you factor in the need to pinch hit for good pitchers who might be down a run late in the game, the net effect on baseball as entertainment is diminished for most people.
posted by tonycpsu at 11:46 AM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Chicago knows how to do this civic pride thing. No doubt about it.
I know multiple people with tattoos of the Chicago flag. I was at a bike shop yesterday where I saw messenger bags, two different hats, socks, wallets, cell phone cases, and a bathroom door designed after the flag. I can't remember even seeing another city's flag.
posted by shakespeherian at 11:53 AM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
I know multiple people with tattoos of the Chicago flag. I was at a bike shop yesterday where I saw messenger bags, two different hats, socks, wallets, cell phone cases, and a bathroom door designed after the flag. I can't remember even seeing another city's flag.
posted by shakespeherian at 11:53 AM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
> the net effect on baseball as entertainment is diminished for most people.
Caviar to the general. True baseball fans appreciate pitchers' at-bats as they do pitchers' duels and tie games stretching on into the night and other things that make many people impatient. Baseball is not supposed to be continuously thrilling. And when a pitcher clouts one, man, it's sweet.
In conclusion: Let's go Mets! (Though if it can't be the Mets, I'm fine with the Cubs and will cheer their century-late triumph. So long as it isn't the fucking Cards or the fucking Dodgers, I'm a happy man.)
posted by languagehat at 12:03 PM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Caviar to the general. True baseball fans appreciate pitchers' at-bats as they do pitchers' duels and tie games stretching on into the night and other things that make many people impatient. Baseball is not supposed to be continuously thrilling. And when a pitcher clouts one, man, it's sweet.
In conclusion: Let's go Mets! (Though if it can't be the Mets, I'm fine with the Cubs and will cheer their century-late triumph. So long as it isn't the fucking Cards or the fucking Dodgers, I'm a happy man.)
posted by languagehat at 12:03 PM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
shakespeherian: "I can't remember even seeing another city's flag."
Heh, I just got my first nephew this year and the two things I got him when we went for our "new baby visit" right after he was born were a Chicago Cubs onesie and a Chicago flag onesie. Um ... possibly his baby shower present was a "Chicago A to Z" poster with "K is for Kanye" for the nursery.
I ... am just now realizing I may have a problem.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 12:05 PM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
Heh, I just got my first nephew this year and the two things I got him when we went for our "new baby visit" right after he was born were a Chicago Cubs onesie and a Chicago flag onesie. Um ... possibly his baby shower present was a "Chicago A to Z" poster with "K is for Kanye" for the nursery.
I ... am just now realizing I may have a problem.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 12:05 PM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
I moved to Chicago last year, and the flags everywhere was both awesome and surprising.
posted by protocoach at 12:06 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by protocoach at 12:06 PM on October 15, 2015
I ... am just now realizing I may have a problem.
Your problem is that you need to move north.
posted by shakespeherian at 12:09 PM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
Your problem is that you need to move north.
posted by shakespeherian at 12:09 PM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
True baseball fans appreciate pitchers' at-bats as they do pitchers' duels and tie games stretching on into the night and other things that make many people impatient.
Far more importantly, it's the decisions that you have to make as a manger when you have the pitcher batting. You've got two one, two out, the pitcher is due to hit next. He's also dealing a 1 hit shutout. What do you do? Let him hit and hope he holds that shutout? Or put in the pinch hitter to try to get the runs, and hope your bullpen can hold.
Sometimes, the decision is easy. Many times, it is not. And that's a huge part of the game that the AL threw away. No double switching, no worries, just swap the pitcher if you feel he can't pitch.
It goes even deeper -- let's take the case of one of the subjects of the FPP, Kyle Schwarber. Everyone assumed it would be an AL team taking him, because he defense wasn't great, he's a slow runner, but his bat is mighty. Natural DH.
Surprise! The Cubs pick him. They know the risks they're taking with his defense and speed, but they're willing to make that sacrifice for the bat. In the AL, it's not a sacrifice at all. He'll never field, so who care how his fielding is?
That's the worst part of the DH. Not only do you lose the pitcher's ability to use a bat, incomplete players are perfectly fine if they can hit! Indeed, I'd vastly prefer if they didn't have the DH, just had 8 batters, if they're so afraid of the pitcher batting.
But, hey, some people gotta play the game in easy mode.
posted by eriko at 12:12 PM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
Far more importantly, it's the decisions that you have to make as a manger when you have the pitcher batting. You've got two one, two out, the pitcher is due to hit next. He's also dealing a 1 hit shutout. What do you do? Let him hit and hope he holds that shutout? Or put in the pinch hitter to try to get the runs, and hope your bullpen can hold.
Sometimes, the decision is easy. Many times, it is not. And that's a huge part of the game that the AL threw away. No double switching, no worries, just swap the pitcher if you feel he can't pitch.
It goes even deeper -- let's take the case of one of the subjects of the FPP, Kyle Schwarber. Everyone assumed it would be an AL team taking him, because he defense wasn't great, he's a slow runner, but his bat is mighty. Natural DH.
Surprise! The Cubs pick him. They know the risks they're taking with his defense and speed, but they're willing to make that sacrifice for the bat. In the AL, it's not a sacrifice at all. He'll never field, so who care how his fielding is?
That's the worst part of the DH. Not only do you lose the pitcher's ability to use a bat, incomplete players are perfectly fine if they can hit! Indeed, I'd vastly prefer if they didn't have the DH, just had 8 batters, if they're so afraid of the pitcher batting.
But, hey, some people gotta play the game in easy mode.
posted by eriko at 12:12 PM on October 15, 2015 [4 favorites]
I moved to Chicago last year, and the flags everywhere was both awesome and surprising.
It doesn't hurt that we have a really nice flag.
Your problem is that you need to move north.
Umm, more east than north. Or, if you will, upstate.
posted by eriko at 12:13 PM on October 15, 2015
It doesn't hurt that we have a really nice flag.
Your problem is that you need to move north.
Umm, more east than north. Or, if you will, upstate.
posted by eriko at 12:13 PM on October 15, 2015
Put a splintery fence and a mean-as-hell dog up there and they'll hit it there every time.
posted by Navelgazer at 12:19 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Navelgazer at 12:19 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Umm, more east than north. Or, if you will, upstate.
All the rest of Illinois is south of Chicago. FACT
posted by shakespeherian at 12:21 PM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
All the rest of Illinois is south of Chicago. FACT
posted by shakespeherian at 12:21 PM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
Move south!
Also, I am such a Chicago curmudgeon that I'm mad that poster shows Macy's and not Marshall Field's. (And yes, it is the Sears Tower and still Comiskey to me because I am stuck in 1985 apparently.)
posted by bgal81 at 12:22 PM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
Also, I am such a Chicago curmudgeon that I'm mad that poster shows Macy's and not Marshall Field's. (And yes, it is the Sears Tower and still Comiskey to me because I am stuck in 1985 apparently.)
posted by bgal81 at 12:22 PM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
I'm a lifelong Red Sox fan and I would have sworn before 2004 that the the end of the world would be on the last pitch of the last at bat of the 20th damn inning of Game 7 of a Red Sox - Cubs World Series.
Years ago, a friend, who's a die hard Dodgers fan tried to get me to root for the Dodgers and I told him "nah, Sox fan through and through". His response "well, the Dodgers can be your NL team." Naturally, I had to tell him the Cubbies were already my NL team because I have a habit of loving the plucky losers.
So you know what - my Sox ain't here - Go Cubs!
Plus, seriously, you have to love the odd traditions/suspicions of baseball folk
posted by drewbage1847 at 12:24 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Years ago, a friend, who's a die hard Dodgers fan tried to get me to root for the Dodgers and I told him "nah, Sox fan through and through". His response "well, the Dodgers can be your NL team." Naturally, I had to tell him the Cubbies were already my NL team because I have a habit of loving the plucky losers.
So you know what - my Sox ain't here - Go Cubs!
Plus, seriously, you have to love the odd traditions/suspicions of baseball folk
posted by drewbage1847 at 12:24 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
True baseball fans...
Please tell me this is tongue-in-cheek.
...appreciate pitchers' at-bats as they do pitchers' duels and tie games stretching on into the night and other things that make many people impatient.
One of these things is not like the other. Other than stodgy traditionalism and the fact that there's less offense overall, there's nothing that links pitchers batting to pitchers' duels or extra inning games. If low scoring and extra innings were ends in and of themselves that we wanted to increase, we could always move the fences back, make them taller, move the mound forward, or add a few fielders.
Sometimes, the decision is easy. Many times, it is not. And that's a huge part of the game that the AL threw away. No double switching, no worries, just swap the pitcher if you feel he can't pitch.
Yeah, I acknowledged that this chess match stuff occasionally happens, but there are strategic decisions in the AL as well -- defensive substitutions, bullpen management is harder when you have a spot being used up by the DH, etc. I'm willing to accept the NL has more categories of tough decisions in the average game, but not that it has a larger quantity of tough decisions. Would love to see that quantified somehow, though.
Anyway, I see I'm outnumbered here, and I'm rooting for the Cubs to win anyway, so I won't push the DH derail any further.
posted by tonycpsu at 12:26 PM on October 15, 2015
Please tell me this is tongue-in-cheek.
...appreciate pitchers' at-bats as they do pitchers' duels and tie games stretching on into the night and other things that make many people impatient.
One of these things is not like the other. Other than stodgy traditionalism and the fact that there's less offense overall, there's nothing that links pitchers batting to pitchers' duels or extra inning games. If low scoring and extra innings were ends in and of themselves that we wanted to increase, we could always move the fences back, make them taller, move the mound forward, or add a few fielders.
Sometimes, the decision is easy. Many times, it is not. And that's a huge part of the game that the AL threw away. No double switching, no worries, just swap the pitcher if you feel he can't pitch.
Yeah, I acknowledged that this chess match stuff occasionally happens, but there are strategic decisions in the AL as well -- defensive substitutions, bullpen management is harder when you have a spot being used up by the DH, etc. I'm willing to accept the NL has more categories of tough decisions in the average game, but not that it has a larger quantity of tough decisions. Would love to see that quantified somehow, though.
Anyway, I see I'm outnumbered here, and I'm rooting for the Cubs to win anyway, so I won't push the DH derail any further.
posted by tonycpsu at 12:26 PM on October 15, 2015
All the rest of Illinois is south of Chicago. FACT
It's not south, it's Downstate.
posted by eriko at 12:56 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
It's not south, it's Downstate.
posted by eriko at 12:56 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
The thought of being in the world series is making me tear up at my desk for real.
Lifelong Cubs fan, who genuinely doesn't know if she'll make it through the month without having a heart attack.
I'll just put this here: Cubs In Five
posted by bibliogrrl at 12:58 PM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
Lifelong Cubs fan, who genuinely doesn't know if she'll make it through the month without having a heart attack.
I'll just put this here: Cubs In Five
posted by bibliogrrl at 12:58 PM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
This thread is making me feel like it might almost be OK if my Mets lose tonight, because then I can jump on the Cubbie bandwagon. I like Cubs fans, and I like Chicago, and I'd rather not root against you guys.
But if the Mets do advance to the NLCS, well, I might have to put a call on a certain billy goat...let's go Mets!
(Although, for right now, I am happy that you vanquished the Cardinals. God, I hate the Cardinals.)
posted by breakin' the law at 1:02 PM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
But if the Mets do advance to the NLCS, well, I might have to put a call on a certain billy goat...let's go Mets!
(Although, for right now, I am happy that you vanquished the Cardinals. God, I hate the Cardinals.)
posted by breakin' the law at 1:02 PM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
I realize I'm biased but I can't imagine anyone rooting against the Cubs here. Who wouldn't want to see a more than a century-long losing streak broken?
posted by shakespeherian at 1:13 PM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by shakespeherian at 1:13 PM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
(And yes, it is the Sears Tower and still Comiskey to me because I am stuck in 1985 apparently.)
Which would you rather spend the day in -- the Friendly Confines or the Cell?
posted by eriko at 1:20 PM on October 15, 2015
Which would you rather spend the day in -- the Friendly Confines or the Cell?
posted by eriko at 1:20 PM on October 15, 2015
You guys all seem really nice, so it's going to be tough to see your sad faces when the Jays win the WS.
posted by beau jackson at 1:24 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by beau jackson at 1:24 PM on October 15, 2015
I realize I'm biased but I can't imagine anyone rooting against the Cubs here. Who wouldn't want to see a more than a century-long losing streak broken?
Cardinals fans, Sox fans, Pirates fans. It can't be that surprising, can it? I root for the Cardinals to lose every single game they play, and then also to be dissolved as an organization.
posted by protocoach at 1:27 PM on October 15, 2015 [7 favorites]
Cardinals fans, Sox fans, Pirates fans. It can't be that surprising, can it? I root for the Cardinals to lose every single game they play, and then also to be dissolved as an organization.
posted by protocoach at 1:27 PM on October 15, 2015 [7 favorites]
Like I don't give two shits about the Red Sox but you can better believe I was rooting for them in 2004.
posted by shakespeherian at 1:36 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by shakespeherian at 1:36 PM on October 15, 2015
Anthony Rizzo is getting ready for a Cubs/Jays series.
posted by ursus_comiter at 1:52 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by ursus_comiter at 1:52 PM on October 15, 2015
I realize I'm biased but I can't imagine anyone rooting against the Cubs here. Who wouldn't want to see a more than a century-long losing streak broken?
The people who are fans of the team you are playing. I mean, if the Cubs win the World Series this year, and then win the pennant again next year and play the Indians in the Series, are you gonna root for the Indians?
posted by breakin' the law at 2:27 PM on October 15, 2015
The people who are fans of the team you are playing. I mean, if the Cubs win the World Series this year, and then win the pennant again next year and play the Indians in the Series, are you gonna root for the Indians?
posted by breakin' the law at 2:27 PM on October 15, 2015
You guys all seem really nice, so it's going to be tough to see your sad faces when the Jays win the WS.
posted by beau jackson at 4:24 PM on October 15 [+] [!]
We better listen to him. He knows baseball.
posted by Navelgazer at 2:31 PM on October 15, 2015 [8 favorites]
posted by beau jackson at 4:24 PM on October 15 [+] [!]
We better listen to him. He knows baseball.
posted by Navelgazer at 2:31 PM on October 15, 2015 [8 favorites]
I mean, if the Cubs win the World Series this year, and then win the pennant again next year and play the Indians in the Series, are you gonna root for the Indians?
Have they gone 100 years without winning? Yes.
posted by shakespeherian at 2:34 PM on October 15, 2015
Have they gone 100 years without winning? Yes.
posted by shakespeherian at 2:34 PM on October 15, 2015
Have they gone 100 years without winning? Yes.
I believe it would be 68 years in this hypothetical scenario.
posted by breakin' the law at 2:36 PM on October 15, 2015
I believe it would be 68 years in this hypothetical scenario.
posted by breakin' the law at 2:36 PM on October 15, 2015
Then sure! Maybe if they changed their godawful logo tho
posted by shakespeherian at 2:48 PM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by shakespeherian at 2:48 PM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Between the 'intelligent life' in the sky headlines and the Cubs news, I now expect that the stars are gonna spell out the answers to tomorrow's crosswords.
posted by Doc_Sock at 2:51 PM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Doc_Sock at 2:51 PM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]
Go Dodgers. Do it for Chase, the man is a saint.
posted by Drinky Die at 3:12 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by Drinky Die at 3:12 PM on October 15, 2015
> This thread is making me feel like it might almost be OK if my Mets lose tonight, because then I can jump on the Cubbie bandwagon. I like Cubs fans, and I like Chicago, and I'd rather not root against you guys.
But if the Mets do advance to the NLCS, well, I might have to put a call on a certain billy goat...let's go Mets!
(Although, for right now, I am happy that you vanquished the Cardinals. God, I hate the Cardinals.)
Are... are you me?
posted by languagehat at 3:32 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
But if the Mets do advance to the NLCS, well, I might have to put a call on a certain billy goat...let's go Mets!
(Although, for right now, I am happy that you vanquished the Cardinals. God, I hate the Cardinals.)
Are... are you me?
posted by languagehat at 3:32 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Which would you rather spend the day in -- the Friendly Confines or the Cell?
How dare you.
posted by bgal81 at 3:36 PM on October 15, 2015
How dare you.
posted by bgal81 at 3:36 PM on October 15, 2015
That's the worst part of the DH. Not only do you lose the pitcher's ability to use a bat, incomplete players are perfectly fine if they can hit!
I uh, might hesitate to use a sarcastic "perfectly fine" to describe David Ortiz. That said, this Red Sox fan is rooting for the Blue Jays to win the ALCS and the Cubs to win the World Series. I hope they see fewer stressful games than the Red Sox did in 2004, but...it's the playoffs. Best of luck!
posted by A dead Quaker at 3:59 PM on October 15, 2015
I uh, might hesitate to use a sarcastic "perfectly fine" to describe David Ortiz. That said, this Red Sox fan is rooting for the Blue Jays to win the ALCS and the Cubs to win the World Series. I hope they see fewer stressful games than the Red Sox did in 2004, but...it's the playoffs. Best of luck!
posted by A dead Quaker at 3:59 PM on October 15, 2015
Come on, ump, he beat the damn throw.
posted by languagehat at 5:10 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by languagehat at 5:10 PM on October 15, 2015
Yes!
posted by languagehat at 5:10 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by languagehat at 5:10 PM on October 15, 2015
Mets score!!
posted by languagehat at 5:14 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by languagehat at 5:14 PM on October 15, 2015
Oh fuck.
posted by languagehat at 5:31 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by languagehat at 5:31 PM on October 15, 2015
I am not even sure if there is actually a Mets game on right now but I'm enjoying this heartily.
posted by shakespeherian at 5:38 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by shakespeherian at 5:38 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
If the Dodgers win tonight I don't really care who wins the World Series.
The Cubs get points for beating the Cardinals and for the fact that there is NO ONE LEFT ALIVE ON EARTH who remembers watching their last championship, the Dodgers will get points for beating the Mets and for being Phillies West (J-Roll and Chase "If I can't have knees, no one else gets knees" Utley), along with harboring the young phenom who inspired a grindcore band. The Royals have their own 30-year drought and suffered through some truly execrable years of a baseball-like substance, so they're due, while the Blue Jays get points for a remarkable series comeback, for being an AL East team that's not the Yankees, and for the Bat Flip of Destiny.
Play ball.
posted by delfin at 5:51 PM on October 15, 2015
The Cubs get points for beating the Cardinals and for the fact that there is NO ONE LEFT ALIVE ON EARTH who remembers watching their last championship, the Dodgers will get points for beating the Mets and for being Phillies West (J-Roll and Chase "If I can't have knees, no one else gets knees" Utley), along with harboring the young phenom who inspired a grindcore band. The Royals have their own 30-year drought and suffered through some truly execrable years of a baseball-like substance, so they're due, while the Blue Jays get points for a remarkable series comeback, for being an AL East team that's not the Yankees, and for the Bat Flip of Destiny.
Play ball.
posted by delfin at 5:51 PM on October 15, 2015
deGrom can't put a pitch into the strike zone to save his life.
posted by eriko at 6:35 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by eriko at 6:35 PM on October 15, 2015
You take that back.
posted by languagehat at 7:19 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by languagehat at 7:19 PM on October 15, 2015
METS WIN! Suck it, Dodgers!
posted by languagehat at 8:21 PM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by languagehat at 8:21 PM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
For shame. The unfair smear campaign against Chase Utley shall one day be avenged.
posted by Drinky Die at 8:37 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by Drinky Die at 8:37 PM on October 15, 2015
CHC-NYM in the NLCS.
One team flies in from ORD. One has to fly in from LAX.
posted by eriko at 8:43 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
One team flies in from ORD. One has to fly in from LAX.
posted by eriko at 8:43 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Which would you rather spend the day in -- the Friendly Confines or the Cell?
Honestly? The Cell. The food is better and the seating isn't as cramped and horrible.
Also, as much as I hate the AL, I can afford to go there. I haven't been able to afford a Cubs game for years. Also Wrigleyville is really fucking unpleasant.
posted by bibliogrrl at 9:07 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Honestly? The Cell. The food is better and the seating isn't as cramped and horrible.
Also, as much as I hate the AL, I can afford to go there. I haven't been able to afford a Cubs game for years. Also Wrigleyville is really fucking unpleasant.
posted by bibliogrrl at 9:07 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
As long as you have nineteen hours to spend on the train, yeah.
posted by shakespeherian at 9:55 PM on October 15, 2015
posted by shakespeherian at 9:55 PM on October 15, 2015
I realize I'm biased but I can't imagine anyone rooting against the Cubs here. Who wouldn't want to see a more than a century-long losing streak broken?
Why on earth would I want so perfect an icon of pointless hope in the face of constant disappointment and frustration, decade after decade, to go away?
The Cubs suffer for all of us, and they must continue to suffer. They are baseball's Jesus, bearing the pain of perpetual torment for all of us. The soul of baseball depends on it, the soul of America depends on the Cubs continuing to never taste a WS win again.
posted by neonrev at 9:55 PM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
Why on earth would I want so perfect an icon of pointless hope in the face of constant disappointment and frustration, decade after decade, to go away?
The Cubs suffer for all of us, and they must continue to suffer. They are baseball's Jesus, bearing the pain of perpetual torment for all of us. The soul of baseball depends on it, the soul of America depends on the Cubs continuing to never taste a WS win again.
posted by neonrev at 9:55 PM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
I'm a guy who was saddened by the Red Sox breaking their curse, and I happen to be fond of the Red Sox. Some of my favorite things about baseball are the century old records and curses, the folk stories about selling players or kicking goats out of games, the attention paid to past performance and records (when was the last baseball game you saw where they didn't mention some obscure team, league or division record someone was vaguely close to?).
Baseball is the one of the only american things that gives a crap about history or legacy still, and I'm sorry Cubs fans, your suffering has become part of my love of the game. I do hope you lose, but only at the last possible moment, and in the most crushing way. Your pain will become an important part of the tapestry of baseball, and in time it's beauty will far outweigh your pain. I thank you for your sacrifice.
posted by neonrev at 10:15 PM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
Baseball is the one of the only american things that gives a crap about history or legacy still, and I'm sorry Cubs fans, your suffering has become part of my love of the game. I do hope you lose, but only at the last possible moment, and in the most crushing way. Your pain will become an important part of the tapestry of baseball, and in time it's beauty will far outweigh your pain. I thank you for your sacrifice.
posted by neonrev at 10:15 PM on October 15, 2015 [6 favorites]
...Bartman?!
posted by shakespeherian at 10:30 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by shakespeherian at 10:30 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Baseball is the one of the only american things that gives a crap about history or legacy still, and I'm sorry Cubs fans, your suffering has become part of my love of the game. I do hope you lose, but only at the last possible moment, and in the most crushing way. Your pain will become an important part of the tapestry of baseball, and in time it's beauty will far outweigh your pain. I thank you for your sacrifice.
Thanks. We all hope you wander into traffic.
posted by protocoach at 10:39 PM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
Thanks. We all hope you wander into traffic.
posted by protocoach at 10:39 PM on October 15, 2015 [5 favorites]
Between the 'intelligent life' in the sky headlines and the Cubs news, I now expect that the stars are gonna spell out the answers to tomorrow's crosswords.
Really looking forward to seeing what Bill Gates gets up to next, not going to lie.
posted by Pink Frost at 10:44 PM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
Really looking forward to seeing what Bill Gates gets up to next, not going to lie.
posted by Pink Frost at 10:44 PM on October 15, 2015 [2 favorites]
HOLY SHIT, YOU GUYS. I won the online lottery for the chance to buy NLCS tickets in Chicago. I'll be going online at noon central and if there are some left, I get to go. HOLYSHITHOLYSHITHOLYSHITHOLYSHITHOLYSHIT
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:06 AM on October 16, 2015 [13 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:06 AM on October 16, 2015 [13 favorites]
7 Ways Queens is Better Than All of Chicago
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:32 AM on October 16, 2015
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:32 AM on October 16, 2015
....Okay, I don't have much stake in this as such, but I am from New York - and that "queens is better than Chicago" thing was kind of nasty. (I mean, the only way you can say that Chicago has lame bands is by ignoring 75% of all blues artists and that's just PROFOUNDLY STUPID.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:04 AM on October 16, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:04 AM on October 16, 2015 [5 favorites]
HOLY SHIT, YOU GUYS. I won the online lottery for the chance to buy NLCS tickets in Chicago. I'll be going online at noon central and if there are some left, I get to go. HOLYSHITHOLYSHITHOLYSHITHOLYSHITHOLYSHIT
AAAAAAHHHHHHH congratulations!
posted by protocoach at 8:30 AM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
AAAAAAHHHHHHH congratulations!
posted by protocoach at 8:30 AM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
I won the online lottery for the chance to buy NLCS tickets in Chicago. I'll be going online at noon central and if there are some left, I get to go.
Advice -- get *any* tickets, and keep going back. After a couple of minutes, new tickets seem to appear -- either people who didn't actually buy them or they're feeding them in slowly.
Don't give up right away -- it took me a while to get seats to NLDS Game 4, but I did get them. Just keep going back and forth until the seats that work for you pop up.
And remember: Upper deck is much better than the Terrace seats for visibility.
posted by eriko at 9:42 AM on October 16, 2015
Advice -- get *any* tickets, and keep going back. After a couple of minutes, new tickets seem to appear -- either people who didn't actually buy them or they're feeding them in slowly.
Don't give up right away -- it took me a while to get seats to NLDS Game 4, but I did get them. Just keep going back and forth until the seats that work for you pop up.
And remember: Upper deck is much better than the Terrace seats for visibility.
posted by eriko at 9:42 AM on October 16, 2015
There is no joy in Mudville. I have struck out. No tickets for me.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 10:22 AM on October 16, 2015
posted by DirtyOldTown at 10:22 AM on October 16, 2015
Plus that Queens pizza looks like the stuff my high school cafeteria offered.
posted by shakespeherian at 12:48 PM on October 16, 2015
posted by shakespeherian at 12:48 PM on October 16, 2015
It kind of depresses me that this thread is abandoned even though the playoffs continue. I'd love to be able to exchange comments on the NLCS action with fellow fans the way we do in the World Cup threads, but (even though this is supposed to be such a US-centric site) that ain't happening. Ah well, I leave this here as a memento of the Mets winning the first game in convincing fashion!
posted by languagehat at 11:58 AM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 11:58 AM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I leave this here as a memento of the Mets winning the first game in convincing fashion!
I'll leave (GRUNTS) this here as a memento of that game. Watch where you step.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:17 PM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'll leave (GRUNTS) this here as a memento of that game. Watch where you step.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:17 PM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
But I'm not bitter.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:19 PM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:19 PM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I was at the game last night. I'm a Cubs fan. There were a lot of us there, but it was hard to tell because, well, blue and blue as the teams' colors.
I did find it pretty amusing that Arrieta got roundly booed before the game and the physical therapist for the Mets got a bigger ovation than any one of the Cubs did.
My prediction has always been Cubs in 5. They'll win it at Wrigley, like they should.
posted by Fuego at 3:35 PM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I did find it pretty amusing that Arrieta got roundly booed before the game and the physical therapist for the Mets got a bigger ovation than any one of the Cubs did.
My prediction has always been Cubs in 5. They'll win it at Wrigley, like they should.
posted by Fuego at 3:35 PM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I will hang out here tonight and rant and rave about tonight's NLCS game, if anyone wants to join me.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 4:52 PM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 4:52 PM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
My guess: Arrieta goes eight innings of one run ball but has to pitch out of multiple jams. He hands the game over to Rondon, Cubs win 5-1. Most or all of the Cub runs come off the Met bullpen after the Cub lineup's battling with Syndegaard drives up his pitch count and causes him to leave in the early 6th.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 4:55 PM on October 18, 2015
posted by DirtyOldTown at 4:55 PM on October 18, 2015
Well, there went my prediction.
(goes to work on Daniel Murphy voodoo doll)
posted by DirtyOldTown at 5:30 PM on October 18, 2015
(goes to work on Daniel Murphy voodoo doll)
posted by DirtyOldTown at 5:30 PM on October 18, 2015
Ruggero Leoncavallo - Pagliacci - Vesti La Giubba - Pavarotti
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:33 PM on October 18, 2015
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:33 PM on October 18, 2015
Yeah, the away team losing the first two isn't the worst thing in the world under normal circumstances, but you just threw Lester and Arrieta at them and still couldn't leave with a split. Now they head to Wrigley needing to rely on some combination of Hendricks in game 3 and maybe Lester on short rest after that? Against de Grom and Matz, probably? Yikes.
If the Cubs are going to get back in this thing, the bats are probably going to have to carry them. I still think they were the better team this year, but the Mets are clearly the better team right now.
posted by tonycpsu at 8:18 PM on October 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
If the Cubs are going to get back in this thing, the bats are probably going to have to carry them. I still think they were the better team this year, but the Mets are clearly the better team right now.
posted by tonycpsu at 8:18 PM on October 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
And not for nothing, but if you are a Cub fan and you're trying to tamp down your desire to violently hate Daniel Murphy because you try to be a decent human being, take heart! Daniel Murphy the human being is pretty much a shitbag and you can feel comfortable hating him for who he is as a person as well as all of the goddamned homeruns he's hit against the Cubs.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:33 PM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:33 PM on October 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
My Cubs bona fides are as follows:
The team was owned by Wrigley when I came aboard. My first Cubs infield was Manny Trillo-Ivan DeJesus-Bill Buckner. I got Bill Buckner's autograph before anyone in Boston knew who the f he was. My great Uncle used to be one of the neighborhood kids they used to let in the bleachers for sweeping up peanut shells, he watched the entire 1945 series and had a ball signed by that team.
Made my first trip to Wrigley Field aged 4, then made sure my two London living sons made the same 35 years later.
I love this current team and this season has been special. It feels different. For perspective, I've enjoyed this sentiment: Some Thoughts Before the Wildcard Game
But last night felt like a must-win, and this is a difficult moment. We really could have used a split. We need to get at their bullpen, and it looks like we need a heat wave to lift the temperature about 15 degrees. I wonder how Joe is handling this in the clubhouse.
Yesterday was a difficult sports day in the house, my gal's a Scotland rugby supporter. They had 90 seconds to go to hold a lead over the powerhouse Australia and an iffy penalty was given up. Kick, boom, final score 34-35.
And what's with the booing by Mets fans on the line up announcements?
posted by C.A.S. at 3:03 AM on October 19, 2015 [2 favorites]
The team was owned by Wrigley when I came aboard. My first Cubs infield was Manny Trillo-Ivan DeJesus-Bill Buckner. I got Bill Buckner's autograph before anyone in Boston knew who the f he was. My great Uncle used to be one of the neighborhood kids they used to let in the bleachers for sweeping up peanut shells, he watched the entire 1945 series and had a ball signed by that team.
Made my first trip to Wrigley Field aged 4, then made sure my two London living sons made the same 35 years later.
I love this current team and this season has been special. It feels different. For perspective, I've enjoyed this sentiment: Some Thoughts Before the Wildcard Game
But last night felt like a must-win, and this is a difficult moment. We really could have used a split. We need to get at their bullpen, and it looks like we need a heat wave to lift the temperature about 15 degrees. I wonder how Joe is handling this in the clubhouse.
Yesterday was a difficult sports day in the house, my gal's a Scotland rugby supporter. They had 90 seconds to go to hold a lead over the powerhouse Australia and an iffy penalty was given up. Kick, boom, final score 34-35.
And what's with the booing by Mets fans on the line up announcements?
posted by C.A.S. at 3:03 AM on October 19, 2015 [2 favorites]
This AskMe reminded me of a funny story. When Comrade Doll took me to Romania in spring of 2007, I ended up there on Opening Day. Desperate to find a place to watch baseball, any baseball, CD's cousin found a bar that boasted they had all of the popular international sports stations. Cousin spoke to the bartender at length, asking if they could accommodate me and put on the station I needed. He'd say, "What was that station you needed?" and I dutifully repeated over and over for the bartender "ESPN" who would shake his head and swear he had no idea what I was on about. Finally, the cousin had a light bulb go off and asked the bartender if they had "Ay Suh Puh Nuh" and the bartender said, yes, of course, and put on Major League Baseball. "Ay Suh Puh Nuh" of course, is how the letters E-S-P-N are pronounced in Romanian.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 10:12 AM on October 19, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 10:12 AM on October 19, 2015 [5 favorites]
I'll be hanging around drinking appalling amounts of Chicago beer and standing at the ready with unsolicited baseball opinions throughout tonight's NLCS game.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:00 PM on October 20, 2015
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:00 PM on October 20, 2015
I WILL RIP OFF DANIEL MURPHY'S FACE AND SHIT ON HIS SOUL.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:02 PM on October 20, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:02 PM on October 20, 2015 [4 favorites]
Seriously. Dude is absolutely murdering baseballs right now. As much as I detest the Mets as divisional foes of my Phillies, you gotta give it up right now. They're just locked in.
posted by tonycpsu at 6:04 PM on October 20, 2015
posted by tonycpsu at 6:04 PM on October 20, 2015
You're a Phillies fan? YOU'RE the one who should be drinking.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:15 PM on October 20, 2015
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:15 PM on October 20, 2015
Actually the second half Phils were surprisingly solid. I like Pete Mackanin a ton.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:32 PM on October 20, 2015
posted by DirtyOldTown at 6:32 PM on October 20, 2015
You're a Phillies fan? YOU'RE the one who should be drinking.
I'm also a Phillies fan, but I'm too busy drinking to celebrate the Eagles stomping the giants.
posted by Drinky Die at 9:09 PM on October 20, 2015
I'm also a Phillies fan, but I'm too busy drinking to celebrate the Eagles stomping the giants.
posted by Drinky Die at 9:09 PM on October 20, 2015
Yeah, things look bright for the Phils' future with Franco, Nola, Altherr, plus what's suddenly a pretty loaded farm system after the Hamels trade. My hope is that they're where the Cubs were before this season, but more than likely they're where the Cubs were before last season -- still a couple years away.
Really a bummer for the Cubs. Hendricks didn't pitch poorly, but he couldn't give them innings, and the bullpen just couldn't handle with the Mets' blazing bats. Crazy to think that Murphy and Schwarber both became franchise leaders in home runs during this series.
posted by tonycpsu at 9:25 PM on October 20, 2015
Really a bummer for the Cubs. Hendricks didn't pitch poorly, but he couldn't give them innings, and the bullpen just couldn't handle with the Mets' blazing bats. Crazy to think that Murphy and Schwarber both became franchise leaders in home runs during this series.
posted by tonycpsu at 9:25 PM on October 20, 2015
arrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhh.
A two-out third strike run allowed?
REALLY, GOD?
posted by C.A.S. at 4:35 AM on October 21, 2015 [2 favorites]
A two-out third strike run allowed?
REALLY, GOD?
posted by C.A.S. at 4:35 AM on October 21, 2015 [2 favorites]
I am now willing consider the theory that there is a God and that he is a White Sox fan. And a dick.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:08 AM on October 21, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:08 AM on October 21, 2015 [3 favorites]
there is a God and he is a White Sox fan. And a dick.
Redundant?
posted by C.A.S. at 11:54 AM on October 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
Redundant?
posted by C.A.S. at 11:54 AM on October 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
Hammel isn't a first inning guy I guess. I think I'm going to bed on this mess
posted by C.A.S. at 5:38 PM on October 21, 2015
posted by C.A.S. at 5:38 PM on October 21, 2015
This is a perfect storm of shit going wrong for the Cubs.
posted by C.A.S. at 5:55 PM on October 21, 2015
posted by C.A.S. at 5:55 PM on October 21, 2015
I take that back, this is the work of an angry and vengeful God.
posted by bgal81 at 6:10 PM on October 21, 2015
posted by bgal81 at 6:10 PM on October 21, 2015
Just brutal. Cubs win 97 games in a stacked division, Mets can only win 90 in a division full of tomato cans. Cubs go home, Mets head to the World Series.
Baseball. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
posted by tonycpsu at 7:33 PM on October 21, 2015 [3 favorites]
Baseball. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
posted by tonycpsu at 7:33 PM on October 21, 2015 [3 favorites]
And there's an all-time MLB record for the exclamation point from jerkwad Murphy. Simply stunning.
posted by tonycpsu at 8:04 PM on October 21, 2015
posted by tonycpsu at 8:04 PM on October 21, 2015
The soul of baseball is saved. I only wish it could have been closer. God bless you, Cubs fans, God bless you all, your sacrifice does not go unacknowledged. You are truly a credit to the sport.
Signed,
A Twins Fan
P.S.
(Eat it, Chicago sports teams in general.)
P.P.S.
My grandfather who is abusive to both my mother and grandmother is a die-hard Cubs fan. If you can't take solace in the salvation of the soul of baseball, at least take solace in the fact that at least one heartless son-of-a-bitch has another year to possibly die without a Cubs championship victory in his life.
posted by neonrev at 9:35 PM on October 21, 2015
Signed,
A Twins Fan
P.S.
(Eat it, Chicago sports teams in general.)
P.P.S.
My grandfather who is abusive to both my mother and grandmother is a die-hard Cubs fan. If you can't take solace in the salvation of the soul of baseball, at least take solace in the fact that at least one heartless son-of-a-bitch has another year to possibly die without a Cubs championship victory in his life.
posted by neonrev at 9:35 PM on October 21, 2015
This is what I get for rooting for the Twins to make the wild card for no good reason other than hey, wouldn't it be great for the Twins to make that run and get in with a payroll smaller than Derek Jeter's annual co-op fees?
posted by C.A.S. at 11:29 PM on October 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by C.A.S. at 11:29 PM on October 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
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posted by NoMich at 7:22 AM on October 15, 2015 [3 favorites]