So Cubs fans blew up "The Bartman Ball"? Well, good for them, I suppose, and it only cost some poor fool $113,824 (Hmm...God's way of telling you that you have too damn much money??). I hope it was a cathartic experience for all concerned, because it's certainly not going to bring the Cubs any closer to a World Series championship.
When last I checked, the things that win championships are pitching, defense, and timely hitting. Cubs fans may feel as if they have been cursed by the baseball gods, but the honest, ugly reality is that they just haven't had everything together at one time when it might have done them some good.
Steve Bartman did not prevent the Cubs from making it to the World Series last season. The Cubs lack of pitching and defense at a critical juncture is what gave up the eight runs that lost the game. Yes, it was certainly unfortunate that Bartman was, historically speaking, in the wrong place at the wrong time. The ugly truth, though, is that champions respond to and overcome adversity. The Cubs did neither, giving up eight runs and their chance to make history.
Hey, I'm not unsympathetic to the "plight" of Cubs fans. Yes, 1945 WAS a long time ago. Curses and billy goats aside, if you have the hitting and pitching, if you make the plays, chances are that you will win. If you don't, you have a sorry history like the Cubs to reflect on.
Growing up in northern Minnesota, the Cubs were always my favorite National League team. Hell, I was born in Chicago. I am not unfamiliar with the longsuffering nature of being a Cubs fan. I'm just not sure how blowing up a baseball will bring the likelihood of a championship season any closer. (And, yes, I DO recognize the tongue-in-cheek nature of the proceedings.)
Hey, if y'all really want to blow something up, I've got something for you, and it would be a whole lot less expensive. My '96 Ford F-150 is worth about $14,000, and it has two full tanks of gas, which will only enhance the BOOM factor. Think about it- you know where to reach me, OK?
In the meantime, we'll talk in October when the Astros and Red Sox are playing in the World Series....
