I’m writing this post, Dear Readers, on Friday, November 4, as the city of Chicago celebrates their 2016 World Series team, the Chicago Cubs.
In fact, I just watched as the victory double-decker bus parade passed right in front of my window on Lake Shore Drive headed toward Grant Park.
(If you weren’t one of the early birds to make it down to Wrigley Field, have a look at this.)
The whole thing has been an unbelievable thrill. Why not? It’s been 108 years in the making.
(Although my season technically started here.)
My congratulations go out to the Ricketts family, the Cubs’ front office, the guys behind the scenes, the talented players and, of course, the patient, die-hard fans of our great city.
And BTW, Theo Epstein for President in 2020.
The Series meant much to the city of Chicago.
So many memorable moments. I bet every one of you will forever remember where you were when the Cubs won it.
(And I bet the words “rain delay” will forever be hallowed.)
And then there was the look on Kris Bryant’s face as he made the very last out.
But as I reflect on the World Series, I have one indelible image.
And it didn’t happen on the field.
It was early in Game 6. Tuesday night. The team was in Cleveland. I was in a restaurant watching the game on television with friends. The Cubs were behind in the series three games to one.
It was now or there wouldn’t be a Game 7.
Kris Bryant came up to bat…
Wow! What a shot. The place went nuts.
And then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a father helping his handicapped teenaged son struggle to his feet and cheer along with the rest of the restaurant.
The boy had a tough time. But his dad manfully grabbed him and helped him give Kris and the Cubbies a standing O.
The look on that kid’s face was one of pure joy.
(Matched only by his old man’s.)
Fathers and sons. Loving the game.
That to me, was the essence of what this series- and this game- is all about.
The joy of baseball.
You can pick your special, indelible moment- and there were plenty- but the thing I will always carry with me was that kid fighting to get to his feet- and the reason why.
The Cubs victory was heaven sent.
You can bet on that.
Now take a look at another team that needed Heavenly intervention.
Go Cubs Go.
Amen.
Baseball is the eternal fabric that holds generation together. I remember fondly playing catch with my Grandfsther, Father, and now my Son and Grandsons. Hell I even play catch with my Machatunim. Let’s play 2!
And let’s not forget fathers and daughters. Some of my fondest memories involved my dad and me at Comiskey Park at “twi-night” double headers. Thanks, Mitch. ⚾️👍
My son, through a friend at MLB, had four tickets to all seven games. He ended up going to six.
After he took me, his sister and brother-in-law to the Cubs’ W in Game 5, he invited me on a road trip to Cleveland. After demurring due to work and other commitments, he reversed our roles and told me how much I disappointed him.
After further thought, I changed my mind, and that is how he and I had our own “Field of Dreams” moment (or a series of them) for several magical days in early November.
By the way, that game he missed? Game 4, Saturday, October 29. Why? He was attending his parents’ “Medicare EligibilityParty,” as both of us reached 65 in recent months. The sale of those tickets paid for his entire two weeks on the road from home in NY to Cleveland, Chicago, back to Cleveland and, finally, back to Chicago for the rally.
Thanks, Michael. How fabulous. Congrats on your double birthdays. Glad selling that ticket financed the whole experience. Cost on it? Priceless.
Quick hello — I was a bit worried that the W referred to 43. What a relief to be treated to your delightful prose and apropos clips from baseball on the field and in pop culture.
We’re a bit behind on the promised tribute to the 2016 World Series champs, so you’ll have to content yourself for now with The Confines’ Friendliest and You’re So Vain (you probably think this crossword’s about you). Happy solving! (or in your case, Ellen, happy resolving!)
P.S. congratulations to your sister-in-law on her latest production, subject of this glorious review.
Thanks, George. I look forward to solving your latest effort- which knowing your passion for baseball should be terrific. And thanks for the link to the rave revue. She’s had two hits in one week. Great stats.
My most memorable twi-night doubleheader. https://www.flickr.com/photos/brulelaker/3213858330/in/album-72157612791351720/
Sweet! You are a one man sports archive. Thanks for this- and so much more.
Major League Baseball is my favorite pro sport despite gripes that it’s boring, slow, etc.
Two things make baseball a great game:
1. There is no clock. You can be down five runs in the bottom of the ninth with two out, no one on and two strikes on the batter. There is still hope, no matter how slim.
2. And, here’s the unique thing about baseball….It’s the only team game that when you’re on defense, YOU have the ball. Think about t!
Hmmm. I just did. Fascinating, Bernie. As are you. 😊⚾️ Thanks.