The Chicago Cubs lost another close one at Wrigley today and now their record is 1-3. This is not cause for panic--yet. It is an observation of wonderment. How else would the Cubs start the season? If they were 3-1. Chicago would be hyperventilating -- with images of red, white, and blue, bunting decorating the field. Well, it's not post-season yet. Not by a long shot. Not to be decided now, nor in May, or June. Unless Soriano pulls a double-hammy.
The Cubs are finding their way. Eventually, they will get to .500, likely in the second week of the season...and then begin in earnest, the journey to making the post-season in consecutive years. Which is akin to swimming Lake Michigan doing a backstroke. Poets and playwrights have lamented about the Cubs. Harry Caray, has stumbled about the "Cub." This season they put a statue of Ernie Banks, at Wrigley -- the great Mr. Cub, in case anyone would forget him.
Forget him. No, Ernie Banks is the still the Cubs. There were times I would rush home from school and put on the Cubs game, and there was Ernie facing Juan Marichal or Spahn. It was always late in the game, and Jack Brickhouse, was the Cubs' announcer then, announced each pitch like it was the 7th game of the World Series. Sometimes Ernie would send one deep to left and Jack would proudly say, "Atta Boy Ernie!" As Banks slowly raced around the bases sending those who saw the hit into delirium. That is why I still follow the Cubs. Waiting for someone to hit one deep late in the game, and win it. These days, the Cubs tie it in the 9th, and give it away in the 10th. Why not just win it in the 9th, how about tying it in the 9th and winning the game in the 10th!
That will happen. We have to wait. Be patient. If you listen closely, you can hear the echoes of Ernie Banks' heroics.
The season has started, and it's a long way to October.
