Go Cubs Go!!

Both of our Teams have proven why they should take on the Dodgers. The Brewers just had the mound figured out in game five and we left our bats at 1060.

My true fandom honestly comes from going to Wrigley Field, sitting in the bleachers as a kid, once even on the roof on Waveland when Father Logan lived there! The real roofs of the ‘80’s. Tar and pebbles. 

But now; the ultimate nirvana of having season seats. Now, In my row, I have met people that share the same dream and experience. After all those years of “working” at sporting events all over the world, I never dropped my guard. Always working. Always observing how things can get better, fixing the endless stream of broken stuff and people. Staying three steps ahead of every victory, loss, triumph, and tragedy.

Is everyone in the right uniform? Is everyone on the bus? Is our winner headed to warm down before media and medals? Is the beer cold enough for our guests in the suite? Is catering on time for the team to eat before they rest for finals? All that stuff that has become second nature to me, I’ve learned in the past week to let it go. When I park downtown and board that Redline train north to Addison. 

Going to Wrigley, I have dropped all of that. Now I am a fan. 

I have learned to become a fan. One of the 40,000+ people there to live in the moment.  Navigate the crowds, but now as a part of the crowd. Now the big worry is: “will I get to  Wrigleyville early enough for a cheeseburger and an Old Style at Murphy’s”? Will there be much of a line over at the gate by the Fire Station on Waveland? Will the trough be filled with ice today?(IYKYK😎)

Will our beer guy pick up the conversation where we left it from my last game? His name is Robert Shaw (yep, same as the actor that played Quint in Jaws) and he’s been working section 204 for a very long time! He’s got Bud, Bud Light, and Mich ultra. When he asks if you want to tip, he knows what you mean when you say “far right”!

It’s the tip box on the far right of his card reader screen. It’s 20%. 

Fandom. It’s all new to me. And I love it!! I’ve met up with friends of friends that have become friends at Murphy’s before the game. 

I even got a couple texts yesterday under the theme:”where the hell are you?! If you’re not here you at least better be wearing that G-D lucky Cubs Shirt today!! 

I was not there. 

I WAS wearing the g-d t-shirt. 

We beat the Brewers. (might actually be the shirt!)

Now, even more than hoping the Cubs win and move to the next series; I just want to go back to the friendly confines!!

As I have told so many when I look puzzled as they start spewing out baseball statistics: Wait, please understand I am a Cubs fan, not a baseball fan. I’m a fan of going to Wrigley field.  I’m a fan of that moment you depart the Fullerton stop and gain security in the fact that Addison is your stop and it is next!! I’m a fan of that moment the train begins to slow and the corner of Wrigley Field comes into view. 

All of it. I’m a fan of all of it! I’ve sung the seventh inning stretch with people at the mike named Harry, Jim, Ryno, Sammy, Eddie, Fergie, Bill, the list of legends goes on… I’ve wondered what the view is like from a suite, but it will never beat the sweet view from our seats at Wrigley. 

So, for about 30-40 games per season, you’ll find us there, in OUR seats. They are covered by the awning, they are unobstructed, they are freezing on opening day, they are perfect all Summer, and the hotdogs in October in these seats are just the best ever! 

Section 204

Row 17

Seats1&2

That’s where I’ll be. 

Only one safety tip:

Wear a hat. 

Wrigley pigeons stop by around the top of the fifth on the perch above us. 

Go Cubs Go!!!