Words of love and baseball
November 1, 2016 10:23 PM Subscribe
For Jack, Harry, Ronnie, and Ernie With the Chicago Cubs in the World Series for the first time in 71 years, generations of fans are leaving words of remembrance on the walls of Wrigley Field.
With all the crazy stuff going on in the world, I read the NY Times article about the game tonight. What Bizzarro World do they live in, when their last sentence is The Indians lost the game 3-9, instead of saying the Cubs won it 9-3? Yeah Cubs!
posted by Oyéah at 10:59 PM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Oyéah at 10:59 PM on November 1, 2016 [2 favorites]
My family arrived in the US and Chicago in 1893, for the World's Fair, and have been Cubs fans ever since. It's hard for me to express how much this series means to me as a remembrance of my grandfather, who died five years ago, and never got to see the Cubbies win it all. I can honestly barely type this because just thinking about my grandpa and the Cubs makes me so emotional I start shaking so hard my fingers are missing the keys. I'm going to be an absolute wreck tomorrow either way. I want this so bad for him.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 11:03 PM on November 1, 2016 [25 favorites]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 11:03 PM on November 1, 2016 [25 favorites]
My great uncles used to sweep the stands of peanut shells for free tickets. Gave my dad a ball signed by the '45 World Series team (don't ask, no longer exists). I went when I was 4, with my grandpa. My kids went when they were 4, from halfway around the world.
It means a lot. Great franchise, great fans, from the babies to the oldies.
Crucially, this series is bringing out the best of people when the election is bringing out the worst.
Even brought the best out of Maureen Down, who isn't always on the money. But this is a great piece.
Maureen Down (NYTimes) Move Over Bill Murray and Eddie Vedder, I'm A Cubbie
And of course, the great Roger Angell. Almost There (Newyorker.com)
posted by C.A.S. at 4:47 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
It means a lot. Great franchise, great fans, from the babies to the oldies.
Crucially, this series is bringing out the best of people when the election is bringing out the worst.
Even brought the best out of Maureen Down, who isn't always on the money. But this is a great piece.
Maureen Down (NYTimes) Move Over Bill Murray and Eddie Vedder, I'm A Cubbie
And of course, the great Roger Angell. Almost There (Newyorker.com)
posted by C.A.S. at 4:47 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
Tonight is the regular monthly Chicago meetup at the Billy Goat.
posted by phunniemee at 5:05 AM on November 2, 2016 [11 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 5:05 AM on November 2, 2016 [11 favorites]
I'm a native Clevelander, now a longtime Chicago resident. So either way, half of my Facebook feed is going to be despondent later tonight. Hopefully it's comforting for each team's respective fans to know that it was such a hard-fought series.
posted by merriment at 5:06 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by merriment at 5:06 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Great franchise, great fans, from the babies to the oldies.
Sorry, Chicago still has to answer to the black stain that is their treatment of fellow Cub fan Bartman back in 2003. In my opinion both the Red Sox and the Cubs cannot claim "great fan" status when they have the ability to turn on one of their own so viciously. The term "rabid fan" seems much more appropriate.
posted by any major dude at 5:11 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Sorry, Chicago still has to answer to the black stain that is their treatment of fellow Cub fan Bartman back in 2003. In my opinion both the Red Sox and the Cubs cannot claim "great fan" status when they have the ability to turn on one of their own so viciously. The term "rabid fan" seems much more appropriate.
posted by any major dude at 5:11 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Well, no excuse for Bartman's treatment. But it felt at the time like the actions and rantings of a small radical fringe rather than the impulse of the mainstream of Cubs fans, who recognised that the 8th inning implosion had many many fathers.
Ironically, Bill Buckner was my first autograph and one of my fav Cubs before he went to Boston. And we always knew that was a similar raw deal.
posted by C.A.S. at 5:15 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Ironically, Bill Buckner was my first autograph and one of my fav Cubs before he went to Boston. And we always knew that was a similar raw deal.
posted by C.A.S. at 5:15 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
I had a math teacher who had played several games for Chicago. He wasn't in the Baseball Encyclopedia, but he brought in a bit of proof: his brother (near) Hall-of-Famer, Babe Herman (.324 lifetime batting average). The "Other Babe" was a bit of a journeyman and only played two years for the Cubs.
Between this and the Cubs games televised nationally on cable, I became a lifelong fan. There is joy in long-suffering, watching bumbleheaded decisions such as when they moved Dave Kingman, worst ever fielder from outfield to third. Or when they announced one of their hitters would try to hit a homerun for a child dying of cancer. (The child didn't know he was dying until the announcement.) There was comfort in hoping they would win, but never being too disappointed from failure because: they were the Cubs. Every time they got close (and it's not over yet this year), they would find a way to pull out a loss.
538, a baseball-wonky sort of political site, said Sunday that Trump had better odds than the Cubs. This was a brutally cruel thing to say to anyone with love for the Cubs and animosity for Trump. Because: Yes, the Cubs haven't had a winner in a 100-plus years, but, you know, the 19th amendment has been around for 96 years and we haven't had a female president. Every year is unique. Every year is history in the making. Hope never dies. That is what it means to be a Cubs fan.
In the eighties, I wrote a musical (I used to do that sort of thing). One song had Cubs fans moaning their history:
When Root pitched to Ruth
Then we learned the truth:
He called it, he mauled it,
It flew to Duluth.
Our horizon awaits us
But over what cliff?
If only Steve Garvey
Hadn't hit off of Sutcliffe.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 6:06 AM on November 2, 2016 [5 favorites]
Between this and the Cubs games televised nationally on cable, I became a lifelong fan. There is joy in long-suffering, watching bumbleheaded decisions such as when they moved Dave Kingman, worst ever fielder from outfield to third. Or when they announced one of their hitters would try to hit a homerun for a child dying of cancer. (The child didn't know he was dying until the announcement.) There was comfort in hoping they would win, but never being too disappointed from failure because: they were the Cubs. Every time they got close (and it's not over yet this year), they would find a way to pull out a loss.
538, a baseball-wonky sort of political site, said Sunday that Trump had better odds than the Cubs. This was a brutally cruel thing to say to anyone with love for the Cubs and animosity for Trump. Because: Yes, the Cubs haven't had a winner in a 100-plus years, but, you know, the 19th amendment has been around for 96 years and we haven't had a female president. Every year is unique. Every year is history in the making. Hope never dies. That is what it means to be a Cubs fan.
In the eighties, I wrote a musical (I used to do that sort of thing). One song had Cubs fans moaning their history:
When Root pitched to Ruth
Then we learned the truth:
He called it, he mauled it,
It flew to Duluth.
Our horizon awaits us
But over what cliff?
If only Steve Garvey
Hadn't hit off of Sutcliffe.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 6:06 AM on November 2, 2016 [5 favorites]
on behalf of my wife, the most vehement Cleveland booster I have ever met:
LET'S GO TRIBE
Think about it, imagine a world in which both the NBA Champs and World Series Champs from Cleveland?
posted by leotrotsky at 6:06 AM on November 2, 2016 [7 favorites]
LET'S GO TRIBE
Think about it, imagine a world in which both the NBA Champs and World Series Champs from Cleveland?
posted by leotrotsky at 6:06 AM on November 2, 2016 [7 favorites]
leotrotsky, we don't have to imagine. It's already got a name:
Darkest. Possible. Timeline.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:36 AM on November 2, 2016 [9 favorites]
Darkest. Possible. Timeline.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:36 AM on November 2, 2016 [9 favorites]
As someone who grew up in Boston, survived 1986, and lived the dream in 2004, I'm right there with you, Cubs fans. I don't usually watch the series if the Sox aren't in it but I've been watching every minute of this one. Go Cubs!
posted by bondcliff at 6:36 AM on November 2, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by bondcliff at 6:36 AM on November 2, 2016 [4 favorites]
Also, 2016 MLB World Series live thread in FanFare, for those who like to post and cheer.
posted by ZeusHumms at 6:41 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by ZeusHumms at 6:41 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Are we still allowed to say something is "very Cleveland?" I'm gonna do it anyway.
It's incredibly Cleveland that the Tribe, a team with a history of losses and heartbreak to rival almost any other, managed to meet up with the only more sympathetic team in baseball.
posted by enjoymoreradio at 6:44 AM on November 2, 2016 [11 favorites]
It's incredibly Cleveland that the Tribe, a team with a history of losses and heartbreak to rival almost any other, managed to meet up with the only more sympathetic team in baseball.
posted by enjoymoreradio at 6:44 AM on November 2, 2016 [11 favorites]
I lived in Chicago for a time; to me, the Cubs connect me to a good time in my life, and friends and family.
posted by ZeusHumms at 6:59 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by ZeusHumms at 6:59 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
My grandmother and her aunt, who was about her same age, used to sit around the radio when they were kids and listen to the Cubs. She married my grandfather, who was also a Cubs fan, and they produced two Cubs fan daughters. Those daughters produced a total of four Cubs fan grandchildren, who have now produced eight Cubs fan great-grandchildren. My grandparents have both been gone for over ten years, but their descendants will all be watching tonight and thinking of them.
posted by altopower at 7:02 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by altopower at 7:02 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
It will be fitting when, after tonight, somehow the Cardinals won the World Series.
posted by Elementary Penguin at 7:02 AM on November 2, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by Elementary Penguin at 7:02 AM on November 2, 2016 [4 favorites]
You can't forget the UFC heavyweight title (Stipe Miocic) in Cleveland's list of sports accolades this year.
I'd be thrilled if the Cubs won - I like Chicago a hell of a lot more than Cleveland, plus bears more than racism - but on the other hand if the Indians win than my Cleveland-native advisor will be a much happier, kinder, and gentler advisor, and that would make my life a lot easier.
posted by ChuraChura at 7:04 AM on November 2, 2016
I'd be thrilled if the Cubs won - I like Chicago a hell of a lot more than Cleveland, plus bears more than racism - but on the other hand if the Indians win than my Cleveland-native advisor will be a much happier, kinder, and gentler advisor, and that would make my life a lot easier.
posted by ChuraChura at 7:04 AM on November 2, 2016
Both teams will still be lovable after tonight's game.
posted by ZeusHumms at 7:14 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by ZeusHumms at 7:14 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
It is killing me not being in Chicago right now, and especially not going to the meetup tonight.
posted by dogheart at 7:23 AM on November 2, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by dogheart at 7:23 AM on November 2, 2016 [3 favorites]
Let's be clear, by most reasonable metrics the Cubs are no underdog. They are the 5th most valuable team in baseball, with a wealthy, overwhelmingly white, absurdly loyal fan base. Wrigley is a yuppie playground. The Cubs are not even the underdog in their own city. That goes to the White Sox with their empty seats, and their more diverse & less affluent southside fan base.
President Obama gets it.
posted by leotrotsky at 7:33 AM on November 2, 2016 [9 favorites]
President Obama gets it.
posted by leotrotsky at 7:33 AM on November 2, 2016 [9 favorites]
The Indians, by comparison, are among the MLB's least valuable teams. They're down with the Oakland A's and the Tampa Bay Rays.
posted by leotrotsky at 7:41 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by leotrotsky at 7:41 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Yeah - the Cubs have something like a $70 million dollar lead on Cleveland. The Cubs have assembled (some would say bought) a roster that's going to be solid for a while. This will likely be one of many strong postseason runs. Cleveland, however...
posted by everybody had matching towels at 7:44 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by everybody had matching towels at 7:44 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
Let's be clear, by most reasonable metrics the Cubs are no underdog. They are the 5th most valuable team in baseball, with a wealthy, overwhelmingly white, absurdly loyal fan base.
I don't understand what those facts have to do with their underdog status. The team has not won a World Series in more than 100 years. They are the very definition of underdog.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:46 AM on November 2, 2016 [3 favorites]
I don't understand what those facts have to do with their underdog status. The team has not won a World Series in more than 100 years. They are the very definition of underdog.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:46 AM on November 2, 2016 [3 favorites]
The Cubs have assembled (some would say bought) a roster that's going to be solid for a while.
With enough money, wins generally follow. They're basically the Red Sox in 2003.
I don't understand what those facts have to do with their underdog status. The team has not won a World Series in more than 100 years. They are the very definition of underdog.
A bunch of wealthy white people buying themselves a championship team does not an underdog make.
posted by leotrotsky at 7:48 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
With enough money, wins generally follow. They're basically the Red Sox in 2003.
I don't understand what those facts have to do with their underdog status. The team has not won a World Series in more than 100 years. They are the very definition of underdog.
A bunch of wealthy white people buying themselves a championship team does not an underdog make.
posted by leotrotsky at 7:48 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Cleveland will be very good for a few more years. Keep in mind that their #2 and #3 starters and best hitter/fielder and best catcher were all injured. They're all young and they'll be back next year. And they still got to the WS. The Cubs are an awesome team, but they aren't underdogs. Cleveland is the scrappy small market team, expertly assembled on the cheap and very well managed. The small size of their market is why so many know so little about them.
posted by mondo dentro at 7:51 AM on November 2, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by mondo dentro at 7:51 AM on November 2, 2016 [4 favorites]
I love it when people argue for their team's underdog status, that they have had it worse off than any other. It's so cute!
Love,
An Expos Fan.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:59 AM on November 2, 2016 [28 favorites]
Love,
An Expos Fan.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:59 AM on November 2, 2016 [28 favorites]
I'd love to go down and write my grandfather's name on the wall, but even as a thrilled bandwagon fan, if you think I'm getting any closer to Wrigley than I have to in the next 24 hours, you're absolutely mistaken.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:04 AM on November 2, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:04 AM on November 2, 2016 [5 favorites]
CLEVELAND: We want a championship.
DEVIL: ok, but you'll have to host the Republicans.
CLE: ...Fine.
DEVIL: Trump's the guy.
CLE: We want 2.
posted by merriment at 8:05 AM on November 2, 2016 [17 favorites]
DEVIL: ok, but you'll have to host the Republicans.
CLE: ...Fine.
DEVIL: Trump's the guy.
CLE: We want 2.
posted by merriment at 8:05 AM on November 2, 2016 [17 favorites]
Best series ever.
Yeah, bread and circuses, whatever. All of us good Romans deserve it after all of The Awfulness and this has been some very delicious bread, indeed.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 8:17 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Yeah, bread and circuses, whatever. All of us good Romans deserve it after all of The Awfulness and this has been some very delicious bread, indeed.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 8:17 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
They are the very definition of underdog.
That's not what underdog means? The Cubs have been losing since time immemorial DESPITE their advantages in market size, fanbase, and payroll. Hell, they've even turned being bad into a sort of advantage by being "lovable losers," thus attracting way more casual baseball fans than probably any other team. Usually I would expect the blue to heartily chuckle at the team that was, if you'll pardon the baseball metaphor, born on third base with no outs and has failed to score. But their ballpark has (incredibly unsafe) brick outfield walls covered in ivy, so instead they are perceived as a quaint, little engine that could. All these things, of course, applied equally to the Red Sox in 2004, and I challenge you to name a more hateable club in baseball today.
Let's go to the numbers:
2016 Wins: Chicago 103 (#1) / Cleveland 94 (#4)
Team OPS: Chicago .772 (#3) / Cleveland .759 (#7)
Team ERA: Chicago 3.15 (#1) / Cleveland 3.86 (#7)
Current Payroll: Chicago $186,402,394 (#5) / Cleveland $114,707,868 (#21)
Modern Era Pennants: Chicago 11 / Cleveland 6
Postseason Appearances: Chicago 18 / Cleveland 14
Championships: Chicago 2 / Cleveland 2
Maybe you care about teams overcoming adversity? Let's look at some major injuries faced by these teams:
Chicago lost Kyle Schwarber because, by virtue of playing in the NL, he had to be played in LF and subsequently plowed into their CF and blew out his knee
Cleveland lost their most talented player, Michael Brantley, for all but 11 games due to two upper arm surgeries required after making a diving play in LF at the end of last season
Cleveland lost their #2 starting pitcher, Danny Salazar, a Cy Young candidate at the All-Star break, to a forearm strain in September (though he's now available out of the bullpen)
Cleveland lost their #3 starting pitcher, Carlos Carrasco, in late September to a broken pitching hand suffered when he was hit by a line drive
Cleveland's #4 starting pitcher, Trevor Bauer, had ten stitches put in his pinkie due to a goddamn drone malfunction, and when he tried to pitch for the first time afterwards, his stitches tore and he had to be removed after 4 batters
So tell me, who's the underdog?
posted by enjoymoreradio at 8:19 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
That's not what underdog means? The Cubs have been losing since time immemorial DESPITE their advantages in market size, fanbase, and payroll. Hell, they've even turned being bad into a sort of advantage by being "lovable losers," thus attracting way more casual baseball fans than probably any other team. Usually I would expect the blue to heartily chuckle at the team that was, if you'll pardon the baseball metaphor, born on third base with no outs and has failed to score. But their ballpark has (incredibly unsafe) brick outfield walls covered in ivy, so instead they are perceived as a quaint, little engine that could. All these things, of course, applied equally to the Red Sox in 2004, and I challenge you to name a more hateable club in baseball today.
Let's go to the numbers:
2016 Wins: Chicago 103 (#1) / Cleveland 94 (#4)
Team OPS: Chicago .772 (#3) / Cleveland .759 (#7)
Team ERA: Chicago 3.15 (#1) / Cleveland 3.86 (#7)
Current Payroll: Chicago $186,402,394 (#5) / Cleveland $114,707,868 (#21)
Modern Era Pennants: Chicago 11 / Cleveland 6
Postseason Appearances: Chicago 18 / Cleveland 14
Championships: Chicago 2 / Cleveland 2
Maybe you care about teams overcoming adversity? Let's look at some major injuries faced by these teams:
Chicago lost Kyle Schwarber because, by virtue of playing in the NL, he had to be played in LF and subsequently plowed into their CF and blew out his knee
Cleveland lost their most talented player, Michael Brantley, for all but 11 games due to two upper arm surgeries required after making a diving play in LF at the end of last season
Cleveland lost their #2 starting pitcher, Danny Salazar, a Cy Young candidate at the All-Star break, to a forearm strain in September (though he's now available out of the bullpen)
Cleveland lost their #3 starting pitcher, Carlos Carrasco, in late September to a broken pitching hand suffered when he was hit by a line drive
Cleveland's #4 starting pitcher, Trevor Bauer, had ten stitches put in his pinkie due to a goddamn drone malfunction, and when he tried to pitch for the first time afterwards, his stitches tore and he had to be removed after 4 batters
So tell me, who's the underdog?
posted by enjoymoreradio at 8:19 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
Metafilter: Your favorite underdog sucks.
posted by dr_dank at 8:25 AM on November 2, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by dr_dank at 8:25 AM on November 2, 2016 [5 favorites]
Wrigley is a yuppie playground.
This one is played.
with their empty seats
This is just bad baseball fandom.
posted by C.A.S. at 8:33 AM on November 2, 2016
This one is played.
with their empty seats
This is just bad baseball fandom.
posted by C.A.S. at 8:33 AM on November 2, 2016
Chicago is the underdog because, until they break their streak, something weird and unthought of will snatch the victory from them. For example, Hack Wilson losing track of two fly balls that allowed the Athletics to come back from an 8 run deficit. Chicago snatches defeat from the jaws of victory. It took the most notorious play of all time (Fred Merkle's error) to allow the Cubs to get to the last series that they won.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 8:44 AM on November 2, 2016
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 8:44 AM on November 2, 2016
wealthy white people buying themselves a championship team
This is not what happened with the Cubs. Payroll does not equal success anyway, but payroll actually went way down after the Tribune sold the Cubs and they got rid of bad contracts by attrition.
MLB payrolls by year
Theo and Jed rebuilt from the ground up more or less.
This year they are 14th in the MLB.
posted by C.A.S. at 8:47 AM on November 2, 2016 [3 favorites]
This is not what happened with the Cubs. Payroll does not equal success anyway, but payroll actually went way down after the Tribune sold the Cubs and they got rid of bad contracts by attrition.
MLB payrolls by year
Theo and Jed rebuilt from the ground up more or less.
This year they are 14th in the MLB.
posted by C.A.S. at 8:47 AM on November 2, 2016 [3 favorites]
On a similar tear-jerking note, back in 2004 Red Sox fans wrote their "win it for..." thoughts on the Sons of Sam Horn message board. They were later compiled into a book titled Win It For...
posted by schoolgirl report at 8:58 AM on November 2, 2016
posted by schoolgirl report at 8:58 AM on November 2, 2016
I know, Bill Murray/Cubs, etc.
But he gave a stranger his extra ticket for Game 6. Karma will smile upon this.
MLB Cut 4 Bill Murray random Cub fan ticket
posted by C.A.S. at 9:26 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
But he gave a stranger his extra ticket for Game 6. Karma will smile upon this.
MLB Cut 4 Bill Murray random Cub fan ticket
posted by C.A.S. at 9:26 AM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
I don't get why the Cubs have to be seen as not long-suffering as compared to the Indians, or vice versa. Sports fan misery is not itself a competition. They're obviously both really good teams with sad, sad histories. Even rooting for Cleveland, I'm thrilled any time LA or NY (or Boston) teams aren't in the finals. Good on the Cubbies.
But the underdog status of the Tribe is indisputably fact-based. The Cubs have an owner who's willing to spent a lot of money. As some have alluded to, that doesn't guarantee success. It has to be done skillfully, and it was. Plus, they're a young team with a great manager. They'll be good for a while. But they are indeed more like the deep-pockets Boston team during their build up than the Indians. The Cubs' followed the Boston model quite literally: they hired Theo Epstein, formerly with Boston, to work the same WS magic in Chicago.
In contrast, Cleveland, like Kansas City, is a small market team that has to be much more clever about how it goes about putting their team together. They got the outstanding Terry Francona to manage after he left Boston on no-so-good terms. They depend heavily on a good farm system for young talent that they sign to long-term contracts (virtually their entire pitching staff, Kipnis, Lindor, Ramirez), leavened with just enough undervalued free-agent veterans (Coco Crisp, Rajai Davis, Napoli). That's why Cleveland pioneered the use of analytics that is now widespread throughout both leagues. The Indians are built very much like the Royals: strong starting pitching, lights out bullpen, great defense, decent offense. They can't afford the expensive all-star sluggers. They are, as many like to say, "built for October".
Part of being an underdog is the degree to which people think you are one: if you followed the baseball media, virtually no one talked about Cleveland all year. It was Cubs, Giants, Dodgers, Boston, Texas, Toronto. The media lead up to the ALCS was all about Boston and Toronto. Even a prominent member of Cleveland's own press core thought they were done for after Carrasco and Salazar went down with injuries in September. Yet, Cleveland won their division handily, including getting home field advantage, and then destroyed both Boston and Toronto before the WS. They're no fluke, but the press has been slow to acknowledge it.
And so we had last night's game, where both teams finally played to the media narrative. You could hear the relief in the announcers' voices as they wrote off the Tribe. Finally, they thought: the universe is as it should be.
It's going to be a great game tonight. As a lifelong Cleveland sports fan, I'm prepared for heartache, but hope for a miracle.
posted by mondo dentro at 10:12 AM on November 2, 2016 [6 favorites]
But the underdog status of the Tribe is indisputably fact-based. The Cubs have an owner who's willing to spent a lot of money. As some have alluded to, that doesn't guarantee success. It has to be done skillfully, and it was. Plus, they're a young team with a great manager. They'll be good for a while. But they are indeed more like the deep-pockets Boston team during their build up than the Indians. The Cubs' followed the Boston model quite literally: they hired Theo Epstein, formerly with Boston, to work the same WS magic in Chicago.
In contrast, Cleveland, like Kansas City, is a small market team that has to be much more clever about how it goes about putting their team together. They got the outstanding Terry Francona to manage after he left Boston on no-so-good terms. They depend heavily on a good farm system for young talent that they sign to long-term contracts (virtually their entire pitching staff, Kipnis, Lindor, Ramirez), leavened with just enough undervalued free-agent veterans (Coco Crisp, Rajai Davis, Napoli). That's why Cleveland pioneered the use of analytics that is now widespread throughout both leagues. The Indians are built very much like the Royals: strong starting pitching, lights out bullpen, great defense, decent offense. They can't afford the expensive all-star sluggers. They are, as many like to say, "built for October".
Part of being an underdog is the degree to which people think you are one: if you followed the baseball media, virtually no one talked about Cleveland all year. It was Cubs, Giants, Dodgers, Boston, Texas, Toronto. The media lead up to the ALCS was all about Boston and Toronto. Even a prominent member of Cleveland's own press core thought they were done for after Carrasco and Salazar went down with injuries in September. Yet, Cleveland won their division handily, including getting home field advantage, and then destroyed both Boston and Toronto before the WS. They're no fluke, but the press has been slow to acknowledge it.
And so we had last night's game, where both teams finally played to the media narrative. You could hear the relief in the announcers' voices as they wrote off the Tribe. Finally, they thought: the universe is as it should be.
It's going to be a great game tonight. As a lifelong Cleveland sports fan, I'm prepared for heartache, but hope for a miracle.
posted by mondo dentro at 10:12 AM on November 2, 2016 [6 favorites]
To be honest (and said as a Cubs fan) a seven game series between both these teams, justifiably the two teams at the end of the climb (which doesn't happen every year) , means Baseball won no matter what happens tonight.
Both teams have had incredible journeys worthy of appreciation. I got the sense that the media got that.
Roger Angell's appreciation of this series in the New Yorker I linked above summed that up. He called for an 18 game series between the two teams.
posted by C.A.S. at 10:23 AM on November 2, 2016 [5 favorites]
Both teams have had incredible journeys worthy of appreciation. I got the sense that the media got that.
Roger Angell's appreciation of this series in the New Yorker I linked above summed that up. He called for an 18 game series between the two teams.
posted by C.A.S. at 10:23 AM on November 2, 2016 [5 favorites]
Or, as Ernie Banks said, "Let's Play Two!"
posted by ZeusHumms at 10:26 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by ZeusHumms at 10:26 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Cubs' followed the Boston model quite literally: they hired Theo Epstein...In contrast, Cleveland...got the outstanding Terry Francona to manage after he left Boston...
Um...
The Cubs aren't some Yankee-esque buy-a-bunch-of-ringers team, either. Bryant, Baez, Contreras, Hendricks, Russell, and Schwarber all debuted with the Cubs after playing in the minors to some extent.
posted by hwyengr at 10:42 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Um...
The Cubs aren't some Yankee-esque buy-a-bunch-of-ringers team, either. Bryant, Baez, Contreras, Hendricks, Russell, and Schwarber all debuted with the Cubs after playing in the minors to some extent.
posted by hwyengr at 10:42 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Famously, Jake Arrieta was acquired by the Cubs from the Orioles for Scot Feldman. Feldman.
Kyle Hendricks, tonight's pitcher and league ERA leader, is on an annual salary of 512,000. When he faced Kershaw, that was 30 million per year worth of pitching.
posted by C.A.S. at 10:50 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Kyle Hendricks, tonight's pitcher and league ERA leader, is on an annual salary of 512,000. When he faced Kershaw, that was 30 million per year worth of pitching.
posted by C.A.S. at 10:50 AM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
I have all the feels about this world series. I think this is awesome, and, if I were in Chicago, I would be so excited to add chalk tributes for my dad and grandpa and two uncles who I so wish were around for this. I sent my siblings Cubs shirts for father's day this year, because my dad wasn't around to constantly update them on how well the season was going.
Someone involved in the production of this segment, however, is SO OVER everyone's Cubs emotions. There is no way I will believe the choice of "please, please, please let me get what I want" was anything other than mocking. No one's Midwestern grandpa likes the Smiths! ( I love the choice, btw. I got teary and also cracked up. Well done, production team.)
posted by the primroses were over at 12:34 PM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Someone involved in the production of this segment, however, is SO OVER everyone's Cubs emotions. There is no way I will believe the choice of "please, please, please let me get what I want" was anything other than mocking. No one's Midwestern grandpa likes the Smiths! ( I love the choice, btw. I got teary and also cracked up. Well done, production team.)
posted by the primroses were over at 12:34 PM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
I imagine that emotions on the Indians side are much the same.
posted by ZeusHumms at 12:59 PM on November 2, 2016
posted by ZeusHumms at 12:59 PM on November 2, 2016
There is no way I will believe the choice of "please, please, please let me get what I want" was anything other than mocking.
Unless they were going for the Ferris Bueller/Art Institute visit vibe.
posted by hwyengr at 1:25 PM on November 2, 2016 [3 favorites]
Unless they were going for the Ferris Bueller/Art Institute visit vibe.
posted by hwyengr at 1:25 PM on November 2, 2016 [3 favorites]
That is exactly what was going on there (but the film version is an instrumental cover by Dream Academy).
I recognised the Yellow tune (oh.....YEAH) from Ferris in the Fox Broadcast of the game last night, which my young son (who loves Ferris) laughed about.
Anyone who's ever gone to a day game a Wrigley knows the feeling of getting away with one.
posted by C.A.S. at 1:57 PM on November 2, 2016
I recognised the Yellow tune (oh.....YEAH) from Ferris in the Fox Broadcast of the game last night, which my young son (who loves Ferris) laughed about.
Anyone who's ever gone to a day game a Wrigley knows the feeling of getting away with one.
posted by C.A.S. at 1:57 PM on November 2, 2016
It's always been Cleveland Against the World, so it's all good.
posted by greatalleycat at 5:20 PM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by greatalleycat at 5:20 PM on November 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
The Cubbies are Rockin'
It's been an incredible series and as a Mets fan I feel for both teams, but
CONGRATS, CHI-TOWN!!
posted by jonmc at 9:59 PM on November 2, 2016
It's been an incredible series and as a Mets fan I feel for both teams, but
CONGRATS, CHI-TOWN!!
posted by jonmc at 9:59 PM on November 2, 2016
Theo Epstein deserves a place in the Hall of Fame immediately.
posted by Joey Michaels at 10:02 PM on November 2, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by Joey Michaels at 10:02 PM on November 2, 2016 [5 favorites]
That, was crazy and entertaining as hell.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 10:20 PM on November 2, 2016
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 10:20 PM on November 2, 2016
Cubs win!
posted by suprenant at 10:59 PM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by suprenant at 10:59 PM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Well, it's official: between this World Series and the 2002 Super Bowl, John Darnielle will love you again like he used to.
posted by Harvey Kilobit at 11:05 PM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Harvey Kilobit at 11:05 PM on November 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
I'm 45. Chicagoan growing up. Lifelong Cubs fan. Watched very many very bad games growing up. I never thought this would happen. Just astonishing. I can't describe the feeling. And what an amazing game to win the series. Most dramatic sporting event I've ever seen.
posted by persona au gratin at 12:34 AM on November 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by persona au gratin at 12:34 AM on November 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
I'm so pissed that I was sick and exhausted last night and couldn't keep my eyes open past the 6th inning or so. Congrats Cubbies, and this lifelong Red Sox fan knows all the feels their fans are having right now, and it is so so good. Sorry Cleveland, but you had a hell of a run.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:46 AM on November 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Rock Steady at 5:46 AM on November 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Congrats Cubbies. There's always next year.
posted by leotrotsky at 5:52 AM on November 3, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by leotrotsky at 5:52 AM on November 3, 2016 [3 favorites]
Drunk Bill Murray interviews drunk Theo Epstein.
posted by Capt. Renault at 6:38 AM on November 3, 2016
posted by Capt. Renault at 6:38 AM on November 3, 2016
President Obama sends his congratulations and an invite to visit the White House before his term ends.
posted by ZeusHumms at 7:07 AM on November 3, 2016
posted by ZeusHumms at 7:07 AM on November 3, 2016
So Back to the Future II was only off by one year, and got the other team wrong.
posted by radwolf76 at 7:49 AM on November 3, 2016
posted by radwolf76 at 7:49 AM on November 3, 2016
Bill Murray now Earth’s happiest man as Cubs win the World Series
But wait, there's more!
Bob Newhart world’s second happiest man after Cubs win
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:54 AM on November 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
But wait, there's more!
Bob Newhart world’s second happiest man after Cubs win
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:54 AM on November 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Theo Epstein deserves a place in the Hall of Fame immediately.
"The Curse Breaker".
posted by WalkingAround at 9:32 AM on November 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
"The Curse Breaker".
posted by WalkingAround at 9:32 AM on November 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
my grandpa put this beer in his fridge 32 years ago and said he would open it when the cubs won the world series. today was that day.
posted by gwint at 10:02 AM on November 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by gwint at 10:02 AM on November 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
Man, I got crazy last night. Drunken running in the streets. Half naked. Screaming. Fights. Weird sex. Cars getting flipped over. Fires breaking out.
Oh, yeah, the Cubs won last night too or something (?)
Seriously, I have about zero personal time anymore. Personal and family stuff going on. I've been a Cubs fan all my life. Sox too (I'm one of those weird hybrids, yes). But the Cubs have always been special. More than just a baseball team. A tradition.
Tried to make time to watch the series. Caught some of it.
But game 7, all this. Wow. Yeah, I took great pains to watch the game on t.v.. Called in some favors for work. All that. Got together with a small group of friends and family. Even had some beer (I really don't drink much anymore) Storm outside, but no big.
Then there's a big *BAM!* outside.
Bottom of the 9th...
Lights go out.
T.V. goes out.
Jaws dropped.
And we explored a curious state of confusion, panic and impotent wrath that had heretofore been completely undiscovered.
So we ran down the street in the rain made it to a bar soaking wet, no jackets. Some places were charging stoopit levels of cover charge. So we didn't know if we'd get in.
Doorman looked apprehensively at our motley, possibly insane, crew
"Power *gasp* just *gasp* went out *gasp* in n'borhood *gasp*"
Never seen a more sympathetic face.
He said "Aw, Shit!" and ushered us in as quickly as possible. We caught the last of it. People bought us drinks. Warm community feelings were had by all. It was just such a quintessential Chicago moment. That local, welcoming, nostalgic, sort of sad, kind of beat but overcoming cruel fate sort of camaraderie and neighborly compassion (also stormy-husky-brawling).
I wouldn't have forgotten the Cubs winning the world series for the rest of my life anyway, but man, something wanted it really indelible.
I'll never forget why I live here.
posted by Smedleyman at 12:48 PM on November 3, 2016 [10 favorites]
Oh, yeah, the Cubs won last night too or something (?)
Seriously, I have about zero personal time anymore. Personal and family stuff going on. I've been a Cubs fan all my life. Sox too (I'm one of those weird hybrids, yes). But the Cubs have always been special. More than just a baseball team. A tradition.
Tried to make time to watch the series. Caught some of it.
But game 7, all this. Wow. Yeah, I took great pains to watch the game on t.v.. Called in some favors for work. All that. Got together with a small group of friends and family. Even had some beer (I really don't drink much anymore) Storm outside, but no big.
Then there's a big *BAM!* outside.
Bottom of the 9th...
Lights go out.
T.V. goes out.
Jaws dropped.
And we explored a curious state of confusion, panic and impotent wrath that had heretofore been completely undiscovered.
So we ran down the street in the rain made it to a bar soaking wet, no jackets. Some places were charging stoopit levels of cover charge. So we didn't know if we'd get in.
Doorman looked apprehensively at our motley, possibly insane, crew
"Power *gasp* just *gasp* went out *gasp* in n'borhood *gasp*"
Never seen a more sympathetic face.
He said "Aw, Shit!" and ushered us in as quickly as possible. We caught the last of it. People bought us drinks. Warm community feelings were had by all. It was just such a quintessential Chicago moment. That local, welcoming, nostalgic, sort of sad, kind of beat but overcoming cruel fate sort of camaraderie and neighborly compassion (also stormy-husky-brawling).
I wouldn't have forgotten the Cubs winning the world series for the rest of my life anyway, but man, something wanted it really indelible.
I'll never forget why I live here.
posted by Smedleyman at 12:48 PM on November 3, 2016 [10 favorites]
Wow, just wow. And Cleveland fans, take solace in the fact that you probably head into spring training with a better roster than the one you had last night.
posted by AJaffe at 1:31 PM on November 3, 2016
posted by AJaffe at 1:31 PM on November 3, 2016
Great story, Smedleyman.
posted by persona au gratin at 3:34 PM on November 3, 2016
posted by persona au gratin at 3:34 PM on November 3, 2016
All the stories from my friends that live in Chicago just make me yearn more for the Blazers to win the NBA Finals while I'm here.
posted by gucci mane at 4:20 PM on November 3, 2016
posted by gucci mane at 4:20 PM on November 3, 2016
ESPN blog: I postponed open-heart surgery for the Cubs
His surgery is scheduled for Nov 7 at the Cleveland Clinic. I hope it goes well.
posted by ZeusHumms at 8:58 AM on November 4, 2016
His surgery is scheduled for Nov 7 at the Cleveland Clinic. I hope it goes well.
posted by ZeusHumms at 8:58 AM on November 4, 2016
Thanks persona au gratin.
Actually, got a Chicago joke my cousin told me: Two Chicagoans die and go to hell. The Devil meets them after a while and notices they're not sweating in the lake of fire.
"Hot enough for ya?" the Devil says.
"Nah, this is like June in da city," they say.
So the Devil cranks up the heat. Molten lava starts flowing, brimstone burns, the hellfire explodes to the sky.
"Howabout now?" the Devil says.
One of the Chicagoans adjusts his tie and says "Nah, it's like a hot summer day in our town."
"Yeah," says the other one. "Summer of '96 was worse than this."
So the Devil cranks it way way up. Even the walls start to burn. The Devil himself sweats and writhes in the heat and he pushes it further and further beyond full blast augmenting the heat with his infernal power.
"Howabout THIS!?" the Devil says.
The Chicagoans look a bit uncomfortable, but before they can say anything the heating system seizes up (all HVAC guys go to heaven) and shuts off. The brimstone freezes up. The lava solidifies. Pretty soon frost is on the ground and the lake of fire is frozen solid.
The Devil thinks "good, the Chicagoans can stand heat, but not this horrific cold!"
And he bursts into their chamber only to see them cheering and laughing.
"What's this!?" he yells.
"THE CUBS WIN THE SERIES!" they yell
:-)
posted by Smedleyman at 9:50 AM on November 11, 2016 [3 favorites]
Actually, got a Chicago joke my cousin told me: Two Chicagoans die and go to hell. The Devil meets them after a while and notices they're not sweating in the lake of fire.
"Hot enough for ya?" the Devil says.
"Nah, this is like June in da city," they say.
So the Devil cranks up the heat. Molten lava starts flowing, brimstone burns, the hellfire explodes to the sky.
"Howabout now?" the Devil says.
One of the Chicagoans adjusts his tie and says "Nah, it's like a hot summer day in our town."
"Yeah," says the other one. "Summer of '96 was worse than this."
So the Devil cranks it way way up. Even the walls start to burn. The Devil himself sweats and writhes in the heat and he pushes it further and further beyond full blast augmenting the heat with his infernal power.
"Howabout THIS!?" the Devil says.
The Chicagoans look a bit uncomfortable, but before they can say anything the heating system seizes up (all HVAC guys go to heaven) and shuts off. The brimstone freezes up. The lava solidifies. Pretty soon frost is on the ground and the lake of fire is frozen solid.
The Devil thinks "good, the Chicagoans can stand heat, but not this horrific cold!"
And he bursts into their chamber only to see them cheering and laughing.
"What's this!?" he yells.
"THE CUBS WIN THE SERIES!" they yell
:-)
posted by Smedleyman at 9:50 AM on November 11, 2016 [3 favorites]
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