95

The Cubs Suck and aren't going to make the playoffs.

There I said it, and you know what? It feels good. I am relieved. Life is still continuing. I'm not throwing in the towel, but I sure feel justified in deciding not to live & breath with the team like last season.

I'm not sure if I'm just finally maturing (hey, I am only 31!) or if I just have too many things going on my life this Spring & Summer (first baby on the way this Fall, kitchen remodeling, illness in the family, flooded basement, concerned about not being laid off, etc.) or if I'm just still reeling from last October's playoff debacle....but it is sure is nice not to have invested the amount of time & emotion that I have in years past.

I have followed the team this year, but I think I've only sat through and watched an entire 9 innings once or twice this year. I haven't gone to a single game at Wrigley. When my wife and I are watching TV together and the game is on, I usually hand the remote to her (unless the game is on the line in the 9th or there is a no-no going, etc.). It feels pretty nice. I still like to listen to Pat & Ron on the radio and Len & Bob (especially Bob's dry sense of humor) have grown on me, but the Cubs schedule doesn't affect my schedule any longer.

I don't scream and yell when Gregg gives up yet another HR to blow a save. I don't vent with frustration when Soriano lollygags another routine play in LF into a double for the opposition. I don't clench my teeth every time Soto strikes out. I don't say "not again" when I hear yet another Cubs is going on the DL. I merely take it all in stride and continue on with my day.

I still care about the Cubs. I still want them to win. I still dislike the Cardinals and the Sox (and the Brewers are growing on my list of teams to hate after my trip to Milwaukee this year). I still hope they make the playoffs. But now I think I've finally found the right balance between rooting for a team and still participating in the day to day of my own life.

My first baby is due Oct. 16th. I'm not concerned about this due date falling during the playoffs and in a way that is kind of nice. This also gives me all winter to get through the non-sleeping stretches so I can not be a zombie come next Spring when baseball season begins anew. I'll still be a fan, but with a new baby in the house, will I pull back even further from the game? Only time will tell.