My dad is the biggest Cubs fan I know. His loyalty has never wavered and he knows so much about the game. I wanted his opinion on this historic season, so I called him up and asked him some questions. I hope you enjoy.
How long have you been a Cubs fan?
I would say since I was seven.
Why seven?
That's when I really got into baseball. I played little league.
What is your first memory of the Cubs?
I remember going to a Cubs vs. Cardinals game with [your] Grandpa and some of our neighbors. And going to Wrigley Field and walking in and seeing how big it was. It just looked amazing.
I'm gonna get right to it. This is a big question--is next year here?
Next year is definitely here, right now. After what they did in game four against the Giants, who have won the last three years, every even year. They're down 5-2 in San Francisco in the top of the ninth inning but take the lead then mow 'em down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth, I knew it was destiny; that it's a different Cubs team.
What makes them so different this year?
They just seem more relaxed and it seems like they're having fun. Their manager, the way the guy leads the team, he tries not to put any pressure on them. He has a process that he wants them to follow, and if you follow the process, the baseball fundamentals and everything will fall in line.
What's the biggest strength the Cubs have this year?
Their pitching. They have Jon Lester, who was brought in to be their number one pitcher, especially in the playoffs. he’s done it in the past, and he has the experience. Then they have last year's Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, but on top of that they have their surprise this year, what I call "The Professor" Kyle Hendricks, who could easily win the Cy Young this year. They have a great bullpen. With that being said, the top of their lineup is just amazing. Kris Bryant is going to be the MVP of the league. Well, the National League, at least.
(In case you'd like to know what Kris Bryant looks like. You're welcome.)
They have players who can hit in clutch situations, like Addison Russell. And there’s always Grandpa Rossy, their catcher. They're gonna miss him next year.
Grandpa Rossy?
David Ross. Yeah. That's what they call him.
Alright, I asked about their strengths. What's their biggest weakness right now?
I'd say their biggest weakness is their middle relief. I said that their biggest strength is their pitching, starting, and closers. Sometimes their middle relief has not done that great.
What makes Cubs fans so different?
They have perseverance and they have patience and they haven't seen a winning team in 108 years. Think about that! It shows that they have a lot of loyalty and they care about their team. They're not just gonna jump on the bandwagon. They're the lovable losers that a lot of people are rooting for this year. It's a great story.
Definitely. They've worked really hard, huh?
Oh yeah, absolutely. The other teams work hard as well, it's just they have all the pieces in place to make this the year so there is no "wait 'til next year."
How many more games do the Cubs have to win to move on to the World Series?
Three more games.
Do you have confidence that they can beat the Dodgers?
Especially with what happened [Saturday night], it shows exactly what the team can do. The middle relief came in and blew the lead, and luckily the Cubs got the bases loaded [in the bottom of the eighth inning], and a guy with a .208 batting average, Montero, hit a grand slam. And the next guy followed up with a home run. Before we knew it, it was a five run game.
They've made it so far. How much of it is luck and how much of it is skill?
You know what? There's always some luck with winning, but this year, they're so skilled, that it's a 90-10, skill and luck.
Wow.
They're just that good. I'm hoping to be there.
Do you have your hotel booked?
Yep. For the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday [that the Cubs would be playing at Wrigley for the World Series].
How long have you had this hotel?
For two months. Since August.
That's a lot of confidence.
I can always cancel and get my money back.
So you have your hotel, now how are you getting tickets?
Man, that's going to be hard. The cheapest ticket is probably $3500.
How much are you willing to spend?
Up to $3500. Unless you don't want to go to college next year.
Ha ha ha.
Tickets for other team would be cheaper. Right now, it looks like they're going to be playing Cleveland, and those tickets would be for a Monday or Tuesday night game, which would be cheaper. But, it's not Chicago.
You think it's going to be the Chicago Cubs vs. the Cleveland Indians?
Yep. As of now.
Any closing thoughts?
I hope we're not talking about this again next year. It gets pretty old. I'm sick of hearing about curses. No more curses after this year. No more goats.
Just a World Series win?
Just a World Series win.
