Cubs Fans Finally Realistic?

Anyone read the article on MLB.com asking fans whether or not they think this is the year for the Cubs?

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090401&content_id=4099874&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

The most interesting part of the article was reading that Cubs fans, for once, seem to be cautious, yet optimistic. Sure there are still those bitter fans, licking their wounds from seasons passed, but like all good Cubs fans; we forgive. After reading this article it ocurred to me that what was said about Cubs fans is true. No matter how much other MLB fans love to call us the loveable losers; we’re still faithful. It’s that loyalty and die-hard ability to love in the best and worst times that makes us truly great. Sure we get angry when the Cubs let us down, and it hurts, it hurts deep down and seeps into every Cubby blue vein in our bodies. It sounds dramatic, but that’s who we are.

I know every fan of every team thinks they have the best fans around, but considering everything we’ve been through, every trial, every tribulation (curses, Cubs haters, sweeps in the playoffs, injured players, bad trades..ahem DeRosa), we’re still here. We have lyrical souls, to quote Drew Barrymore from the movie “Fever Pitch,” we can “love under the best and worst conditions.” 

On opening day, the stands will be filled with the ever faithful Cubby fan, with that butterfly of excitement that can only be experienced by a new season, a new start. And this season, unlike any other season, perhaps we’ve been humbled, thus becoming more realistic about our team. I think I like this new found Cubs fan faith, it’s renewed, re-vived, healthier.  

I’m neither a pessimist this season nor an optimist. I choose to feel the ride and enjoy the excitement, whatever may be. I will bask in the knowledge that no one on this earth can ever take away my love for the Cubs or what they’ve brought me over the years, whether it was utter pain or sheer happiness. And win or lose, THAT my friends is what makes a true baseball fan. 

12 days to Cubs home opener. GO CUBS GO!