It is opening day once again for the lovable losers on the north side of Chicago. The Cubs continue the 108 year quest for a World Series crown as the Las Vegas favorites to win it. Could this actually be the year they get the job done? I’ve only been alive for 21 years, but for as long as I can remember, my family has watched the Cubs and longed for the year when they will finally beat the Billy Goat and its curse. There have been a couple seasons where everyone insisted it was “the year.” In fact, I have heard that same talk about the team this year. Regardless of whether the Cubs have been division champs or cellar dwellers, there is one phenomenon that can consistently be seen and heard at Wrigley Field.
It happens with every win, no matter what the standings and records say. When the last out is recorded in the ninth inning, and the Cubbies all head to the mound to shake hands; it begins to rise in center field. The famous “W” flag works its way up the flagpole and people everywhere pull theirs out of the bags and pockets where they stashed them hopefully when they headed to the stadium. The whole place gets adorned with waving white flags and signs.
In 2007, a new addition was made to this tradition with the playing of, “Go Cubs Go” while the flag was raised on the scoreboard. The song was written in 1984, but I don’t remember hearing it at games when I was younger. Since that season, any time my friends and family were listening on the radio, we would blast it as loud as possible so everyone in the whole neighborhood knew it was white flag time at Wrigley. The Cubs won the Central Division back to back in 2007 and 2008, and each time when they clinched, no one left the stadium because they wanted to keep singing it over and over.
One of the best gifts I have ever been given for my birthday is my own white flag with a big blue W in the middle. I have had the opportunity to wave it around and sing out “Go Cubs Go” with the Wrigley Field faithful at the conclusion of several games and I hope to get back there this summer to share in the victory celebration again. I have been to many sporting events the world over, but there is nothing quite like the white flags waving and the whole crowd singing that occurs at the end of every Cubs “W.” During the Chicago Air and Water Show in August, it is possible that pilots will even fly over the stadium after learning of a Cubs victory, adding to the excitement and roar of the crowd.
The Cubs have put together a really strong team this year. They are expected to challenge for the National League Pennant and the World Series itself. You can be sure that the white flags are gonna wave their fair share of times throughout this spring and summer. I just hope they continue to fly deep into October.
