The Cubbie Condition

Last night, I watched a sports feature titled, "Chicago Cubs: Heart and Soul." It confirmed for me what I already knew--Cubs fans put themselves through a great deal of misery. We do it every year fully aware that it's likely we'll be disappointed at the end of the baseball season. Some call it a cult, others call it a sickness. Let's be a little nicer and call it the Cubbie Condition.

What struck me most about the program was how much the Cubbie Condition impacts families. Most of the people interviewed for the piece mentioned how being a Cubs fan was a generational thing. They also talked about what it might be like when the Cubs eventually win the World Series for the first time in over 100 years. Some fans will be celebrating and compelled to ask, "Why didn't my father live to see this?" Boston Red Sox fans can surely relate.

My father is guilty of passing on the Cubbie Condition to me. I've done the same to my son but not as successfully. He hasn't been fully infected. I remember the first Wrigley Field game I attended with my father. It was 1977 and the Cubs beat the Pirates 3-2. What I remember most about that day is walking up the ramp and seeing the green of Wrigley for the first time. After that it was the sound of the crowd and the skill of the players.

My father and I have had great moments at Cubs games. Years ago, the Cubs contacted the high school where my father has been teaching music for several decades. They invited his students and him to play the national anthem. He's been doing it for a while. The last couple of years it's become a family affair.

Have a look at my father conducting the anthem with his students in the video below. And don't miss the other link found just below it.

I hope the Cubs can win the World Series soon. It will be a great day for so many families. Most of all, I look forward to celebrating it with my father and the rest of my family.

DON'T MISS THIS
Two years ago, my father had the unique opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Wrigley as well. I was thrilled for him. He found a way to get my son and me on the field it as well. What a great moment for all of us.

Check out the video at the link below.

http://youtu.be/kShvc_oA6Ok