It's been a 108-year drought since the Cubs' last World Series triumph. 71 years have elapsed since the Cubs last competed in the Series, falling to the Detroit Tigers. According to a great bearded legend, their 1945 loss had been widely attributed to a bar owner named William Sianis who attended the fourth game with his pet billy goat in tow.
As it turns out, goats have a tendency to be stinky; not their fault, that's just what goats do. As one might well expect, the nasal sensitivities of fans within eyeshot --- and nose-shot --- of Man and Goat were severely compromised. Hence, Wrigley Field officials prevailed upon them to leave the facility. As he was being evicted, the enraged Mr. Sianis declared, "Them Cubs, they ain't gonna win no more!" At that moment, the Curse of the Billy Goat was born.
Well, the Curse is no more! The Cubs downed the Cleveland Indians in what may have been one of the most suspenseful and skillfully executed series ever. The beauty of this team goes well beyond its star-studded roster featuring names such as Arrietta, Bryant, Russell, Fowler, Rizzo, Lester, Baez, Zobrist, Ross, and Hendricks --- and I know I left some out. There isn't one prima donna among them; and Major League Baseball is full of them!
These guys have a sense of community, which they demonstrated throughout the regular season and into the playoffs. It has served them well. They're all nice guys. Forget Leo Durocher, a terrific player, coach, and manager, but also a notorious jerk. He was the guy who coined the moth-eaten old adage, "Nice guys finish last." Not anymore!
Oh, one more thing! The Cubs should be commended for not wearing an historically hurtful logo on their caps and jerseys. I highly doubt that Smokey The Bear is the least bit offended.
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