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Is being a Cub fan special?
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Author:  Rod [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:08 am ]
Post subject:  Is being a Cub fan special?
Is it different being a fan of the Cubs as opposed to a fan of other teams? Do their history, beautiful antique park, huge budget, and great prospects make them better than other teams? Or are all teams and fanbases exactly the same? Are you special as a Cub fan? Or are you just like a Marlin fan who roots for a different club?
Author:  spmack [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
No, but you have to be "special" to want to be a Cub fan.
Author:  Curious Hair [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
I'd say both Chicago teams offer a sense of belonging and shared experience that you don't get with, say, the Rockies.
Author:  Frank Coztansa [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
I think there are aspects that are special when you follow a team that has been in the same city for several generations. I think the only truly "special" MLB teams are the Yankees and Cardinals because they have had the most success.
Author:  Northside_Dan [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Curious Hair wrote:
I'd say both Chicago teams offer a sense of belonging and shared experience that you don't get with, say, the Rockies.


I agree. But I think that's a greater reflection of how long both clubs have been in existence in some form. The same could be said across any sport really.
Author:  Douchebag [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Curious Hair wrote:
I'd say both Chicago teams offer a sense of belonging that you don't get with, say, the Rockies.

I agree. Fan-dom of all the old teams have been passed down from generation to generation. It's not the same as being a Marlins fan, or Rays fan. Maybe in 75 years they might have that kind of history, but now they cannot match that.
Author:  Bucky Chris [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Curious Hair wrote:
I'd say both Chicago teams offer a sense of belonging and shared experience that you don't get with, say, the Rockies.


I agreed with this for a second, but honestly I'm sure there is a small portion of Rockies fans that feel the way the Cubs fans feel. I believe it's just the size of the fanbase that makes it seem bigger.


I chose no. I could be convinced there is a difference between clubs like the Yankees, Cubs, Cardinals, Red Sox, etc and teams like KC, Oakland, etc. But I'm not sure entirely what that is. I don't think the Cubs are any more special than the Cards, Red Sox, Yankees, etc.
Author:  Frank Coztansa [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
The only difference with the Marlins and Rockies is that there are kids who grew up following that team. Sure the history doesn't go back, but if the Marlins came about when a guy was say 4 years old, he's seen them win and actually had a home team to root for, so the Marlins could be very special to him.
Author:  Curious Hair [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Northside_Dan wrote:
Curious Hair wrote:
I'd say both Chicago teams offer a sense of belonging and shared experience that you don't get with, say, the Rockies.


I agree. But I think that's a greater reflection of how long both clubs have been in existence in some form. The same could be said across any sport really.


Oh sure. I'd say with the Cubs, it's the park and the losing and WGN and pop-cultural significance and all that. The sucking sucks, but I feel like I'm part of something special. Or at least I did before this year. This year just blows. The White Sox are the closest thing we have to the neighborhood-based teams in the Premier League, where there are like five or six teams in London. I can see where that's cool for people.
Author:  rogers park bryan [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Joe Orr Road Rod wrote:
Is it different being a fan of the Cubs as opposed to a fan of other teams? Do their history, beautiful antique park, huge budget, and great prospects make them better than other teams? Or are all teams and fanbases exactly the same? Are you special as a Cub fan? Or are you just like a Marlin fan who roots for a different club?

I think your poll question is flawed.


The cubs happen to be the team I root for and Im glad Im a Cub fan
Author:  T-Bone [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Frank Coztansa wrote:
The only difference with the Marlins and Rockies is that there are kids who grew up following that team. Sure the history doesn't go back, but if the Marlins came about when a guy was say 4 years old, he's seen them win and actually had a home team to root for, so the Marlins could be very special to him.


The other difference is each of the lesser known franchises has been to a world series recently. :(

Every team has its superfans. There are some unique things about going to Wrigley but the product
they put on the field makes them average at best. ( This coming from a Cubs fan )
Author:  Frank Coztansa [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
I think its fine, rpb. There are some Cubs fans who feel a sense of entitlement. Kinda like how elmhurst steve felt in 2008 that is WAS the year. That the Cubs were gonna walk thru the NL playoffs and get to the World Series because it had been a 100 years and blah blah blah. Or because the Red Sox broke their curse, it was the Cubs turn in 2005.

That is not the entire fan base, but there is a section of them that feel that way.
Author:  Douchebag [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
spmack wrote:
No, but you have to be "special" to want to be a Cub fan.

Very true.

Image
Author:  Hawg Ass [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Douchebag wrote:
spmack wrote:
No, but you have to be "special" to want to be a Cub fan.

Very true.

Image

:lol:
Author:  Douchebag [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
immessedup17 wrote:
...Douchebag with the creepy photo taking...

I didn't take that, I think Doug did.
Author:  rogers park bryan [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Frank Coztansa wrote:
I think its fine, rpb. There are some Cubs fans who feel a sense of entitlement. Kinda like how elmhurst steve felt in 2008 that is WAS the year. That the Cubs were gonna walk thru the NL playoffs and get to the World Series because it had been a 100 years and blah blah blah. Or because the Red Sox broke their curse, it was the Cubs turn in 2005.

That is not the entire fan base, but there is a section of them that feel that way.

Fair enough, but I think the way he worded it is wrong.

If you pick #2 are you not happy to be a cub fan?

I am. and I have ZERO sense of entitlement.


And yes, every fanbase has idiots.
Author:  Hawg Ass [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
rogers park bryan wrote:
Frank Coztansa wrote:
I think its fine, rpb. There are some Cubs fans who feel a sense of entitlement. Kinda like how elmhurst steve felt in 2008 that is WAS the year. That the Cubs were gonna walk thru the NL playoffs and get to the World Series because it had been a 100 years and blah blah blah. Or because the Red Sox broke their curse, it was the Cubs turn in 2005.

That is not the entire fan base, but there is a section of them that feel that way.

Fair enough, but I think the way he worded it is wrong.

If you pick #2 are you not happy to be a cub fan?

I am. and I have ZERO sense of entitlement.


And yes, every fanbase has lots of idiots.

Fixed!!!
Author:  Douchebag [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
immessedup17 wrote:
immessedup17 wrote:
...doug with the creepy photo taking...

:lol: :lol:

I'm even in the bottom right corner of the picture.
Author:  T-Bone [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Douchebag wrote:
immessedup17 wrote:
immessedup17 wrote:
...doug with the creepy photo taking...

:lol: :lol:

I'm even in the bottom right corner of the picture.


that is funny. I think I am creeping in the bottom left in my Ramirez jersey.
Author:  Urlacher's missing neck [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
I heard some one interviewed once that said something along these lines "The Cubs are like the "1O" hot girl you want to bang but never will and the Sox are the "2" you can bang "
Author:  Brick [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Yes. Being a Cubs fan is a unique experience that very few fanbases will ever know. It is a fanbase that has basically been built around accepting losing and honoring those who lost less than others. It is a fanbase that brags more about the stadium than the team on the field. It is a fanbase that actively seeks traditions and superstitions to define them. It's almost as if the game is secondary. It's the experience of being a Cubs fan that is important. Very few teams have that type of dynamic. The White Sox surely don't. The Bulls and Bears don't. The Blackhawks may, but that was mostly because they were disrespected for decades by the owner. The Cubs fans weren't disrespected. They were given exactly what they wanted.

That post wasn't meant to be an insult. I actually think Cubs fandom is very cool. They are probably the only team in all of sports that actually winning a championship would somehow lessen the connection to the team. It would be great for a while but something tells me a few years afterwards that instead of reminiscing about winning the 2014 World Series they'll reminisce about the decades of losing and hanging out in the bleachers.
Author:  rogers park bryan [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Boilermaker Rick wrote:
It is a fanbase that brags more about the stadium than the team on the field.

Disagree.

Boilermaker Rick wrote:
It is a fanbase that actively seeks traditions and superstitions to define them.

Tradition maybe, not superstitions.


Boilermaker Rick wrote:
It's almost as if the game is secondary

That is ridiculous. Just because the park is an attraction and some people enjoy a day at the park, doesnt mean actual Cub fans dont care about the game.


I just feel like you guys are taking the douchiest craziest part of the fanbase and applying to all of us.
Author:  Brick [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
I spent roughly 26 years around Cub fans. What I said is how it was.

Things seem to have changed but I'm not buying it.

What other fanbase would turn Bartman into the story that it was? Once again, the product on the field being defined by something that wasn't on the field.

Try this. What are the top 5 things that define the Cubs organization. Here is my quick list
Wrigley Field/Wrigleyville
Lovable Losers
Harry Caray
Bartman
Ernie Banks?(I don't have a good answer for the last one)

3 out of 5 of those are not on the field and one of them is a phrase that literally meant to accept losing.
Author:  rogers park bryan [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Boilermaker Rick wrote:
I spent roughly 26 years around Cub fans. What I said is how it was.

In your white sox colored glasses.

But Id like you to remember this and the fact that I grew up on the South side in the future.

Boilermaker Rick wrote:
Things seem to have changed but I'm not buying it.

So, you just WANT the Cubs to be some old false stereotype and even thought they arent, you dont believe it?

Boilermaker Rick wrote:
What other fanbase would turn Bartman into the story that it was?

The Media was a WAAAAAAY bigger part of that than Cub fans

Red Sox and White Sox would have been the same story

Boilermaker Rick wrote:
Try this. What are the top 5 things that define the Cubs organization. Here is my quick list
Wrigley Field/Wrigleyville
Lovable Losers
Harry Caray
Bartman
Ernie Banks?(I don't have a good answer for the last one)

3 out of 5 of those are not on the field and one of them is a phrase that literally meant to accept losing.

Ok, you are very much disconnected from reality then, if you think that in the 100 year history of the team, Steve Bartman is a top 5 defining figure.

In fact, its sounds like this list was made in 1990
Author:  Brick [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Feel free to create your list.
Author:  rogers park bryan [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Ok...


Pinwheels
Disco Demolition Night
William Ligue
Ozzie Guillen's mouth
Hawk Harrellson
Author:  Chus [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
rogers park bryan wrote:
Ok...


Pinwheels
Disco Demolition Night
William Ligue
Ozzie Guillen's mouth
Hawk Harrellson


Your five included THREE PEOPLE to represent an entire fan base.
Author:  Brick [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Seriously though.
Wrigley Field/Wrigleyville and Harry Caray are clearly on the list of defining the Cubs.
Lovable losers has to be another one. If you want, roll in the curse of the goat/Bartman, 90 year old Cubs fans dying without ever seeing a World Series win that's fine. You have to include something like this though because this is what the Cubs are known for as much as anything.
You probably put the 7th inning stretch there too.

That means that 3/5 or 4/5 of the things that define the Cubs are off the field things. I can't come up with a list that doesn't include at least 3 off the field things.
Author:  Frank Coztansa [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Boilermaker Rick wrote:
Seriously though.
Wrigley Field/Wrigleyville and Harry Caray are clearly on the list of defining the Cubs.
They sure are, and that's not necessarily a bad thing,

Wrigley Field and Wrigleyville are two separate entities though.
Author:  Northside_Dan [ Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is being a Cub fan special?
Frank Coztansa wrote:
Boilermaker Rick wrote:
Seriously though.
Wrigley Field/Wrigleyville and Harry Caray are clearly on the list of defining the Cubs.
They sure are, and that's not necessarily a bad thing,

Wrigley Field and Wrigleyville are two separate entities though.


This is the nicest thing Frank has ever said about the Cubs.
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