The Cubs-D'backs weekend series reminded me of a blog I wrote on the Arizona Republic website. I got really upset with the alleged D'backs fans who were ragging on the Cubs and Cub nation.
So, for anyone who's interested, here's the response I posted to them. Forgive the length, I got a little passionate...
As a Cubs fan, I’d like to begin by saying the Dbacks have absolutely outplayed the Cubs, and they shouldn't be underestimated. I think Brandon Webb, Connor Jackson, Chris Young, Micah Owings and the other players deserve their props for working hard and earning their spot in the playoffs. They have played phenomenal baseball this season, and their talent and perseverance should not be belittled.
That being said, I will never be able to be a Diamondbacks team fan - although I can appreciate the players. Until this series, they were becoming my “second team”, because of family and friends who live in Phoenix. But, I don't want to be lumped in with the fair weather Diamondbacks fans - because when I take a team to heart, I back them 100%. I went to a Diamondbacks-Brewers game last month, and Chase Field was virtually empty. Where were these so-called fans for the 80 or so home games? Also, to respond to a few of the comments I’ve read: “Cubs fans are just fat Midwestern housewives.” Besides being rude and disrespectful, that’s absolutely ridiculous. Have you ever seen the Wrigley Field “fan cam” during a Cubs broadcast? Midwestern girls can hold their own. And as for: “Maybe if those Cubs fans who moved here would convert…” Why would you expect any fan to convert? Fans usually follow their teams regardless of where they live.
For all the Dbacks fans who say the Cubs are crybabies and don’t have class, I have listened almost every Cubs player's postgame interview. To paraphrase a few: Mark DeRosa said the team has to tip caps to the Dbacks. Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, and Carlos Zambrano have basically said, "They've got great pitching, and shouldn't be underestimated." The players aren't crying. They are admitting that they have not made the plays they should, that they have been out-hit, out-pitched, and are not living up to Cub fans expectations.
As for Ted Lilly throwing his glove down - I'd rather have a player who shows the emotion of knowing he's let his team, his fans, and himself down, than one who doesn’t lose his cool because inside he’s just counting his millions. Zambrano can out of hand with his emotions, and they do need to be controlled, but he too wants to do the best for his team. He could have easily refused the offer the Cubs gave him, and signed for MORE money somewhere, but he wanted to stick with the team he loves.
Yes, there are some obnoxious Cubs fans – what team doesn't have them? I am embarrassed by the idiot who was flashing the Cubs sign at the pitcher. He SHOULD have been thrown out of the game. But how about the Cubs fans who have been to as many home AND away games as possible because they love their team? How about the ladies who proudly wave their signs that say "Cubs fan since 1933"? They’re hoping to see a World Series in their lifetime. There's a reason why the Cubs have a lot of pressure on them - they have a fan base who have been waiting and hoping for 99 years to win a World Series. Some might call us delusional - and perhaps we are, for thinking we can overcome anything and everything. But that's what makes a true fan.
The Dbacks have been around for 10 years - that's great. Every team has to start somewhere. And hopefully if you experience a playoff/World Series drought longer than a few years, you'll fill the seats every season - although most of you don't fill them now.
But we’ll take our successes where we can get them. This is our first post-season appearance in 4 years. We’ve improved on the number of close games we’ve won. Wrigley Field is never more electrifying than when we come from behind to win in the bottom of the ninth. Lou Piniella has indeed brought “Cubby Swagger” back into this ball club.
We’ll take our traditions and our storied history. Harry Caray and the seventh inning stretch. Throwing back a home run ball that was hit by the opposing team. The old school scoreboard and the ivy covered walls.
Most of all Cubs fans will take their personal memories – perhaps the first time they stepped into the Friendly Confines. Maybe we’re not the team of destiny. Maybe next year isn’t here. But I will always remember this about the finals day of the 2007 season: A wonderful lady I know passed away just a couple of months ago. A life-long Cubs fan, she left this world too early – losing her battle with cancer. The Friday that the Cubs clinched the division, would have been her birthday. I believe she brought us a moment of celebration, on a day she knew we would spend in sadness.
That is Cubs nation at its best.
