A friend treated Kim and me to a Cubs game last night. (Thanks Teresa!) It’s been forever since I’d been to good ol’ Wrigley and it brought back a lot of childhood memories. Things like the glow of the emerald green grass, the barking beer vendors, and the skewed perspective that causes certain “home runs” to fall harmlessly into the shortstop’s glove.
It was 80º and perfect, and the Cubbies won 10 to 5, but I think the thing I enjoyed the most was the camaraderie. I didn’t know how much I missed that.
That’s one of the few downsides of living in Wisconsin, after having spent all but eight years of my life in Illinois: it’s hard being a Cubs and Bears fan in a land flowing with beer (the Brewers) and cheese (the Packers.) Oh sure, I’ll run into the occasional Chicago fan here in Madison, but usually I play the role of outsider. And last fall delivered more of the same when we were able to watch the Cubs take on the Diamondbacks in Arizona during the playoffs.
To be sitting among happy 41,000 fans, with all of us cheering the same balls and strikes and bunts and runs…well, that was a nice feeling. Between the shared rooting interest and the avalanche of good childhood memories, it felt a lot like home.
And that, as Martha Stewart would say, is a good thing.
Sounds like a great time. I’m a Cards fan myself – and consider myself lucky that about half the people here in Champaign-urbana are the same. Had a chance about 15 years ago to go to a Cubs/Cards game at Wrigley. It was sold out on Ticketmaster so I thought I’d just try the ticket office. Turned out a lot of groups were there – and there was ONE odd seat available 10 rows up RIGHT BEHIND HOME PLATE! Had a GREAT time – saw Harry Caray lead “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” – and Cards won! You’re right though – half the fun at the game is the camaraderie and joking around with friends.
Ah, the friendly confines!! I am now middle aged, but in my youth, lived on the north side ofChicago for a few years, and was at Cub games constantly!! For some reason, I would always end up in one of the bars across the street before each game was over. It was interesting – I would hear a roar from the crowd right outside in Wrigley Field, and there would be a couple second delay on the TV so that after you heard the crowd, you would turn to a TV in the bar and watch the play they were reacting to. Surreal bliss!! GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!
Minette…sorry to hear you’re a Cards fan. Just kidding. Sort of. At least you know what it feels like to win something more important than a division title…
Patty…A friendly confines heads up to pay attention — love it!