Growing up in the far north burbs, my family were all Cub fans, so that's all I was exposed to. After'84, I was entering my teens and really never watched baseball until '97 when my brother-in-law received free Sox tickets and invited me along. I walked into the ballpark to an empty stadium (attendance was 10K max) to a game against Cleveland. Entering the ballpark, I was quickly reminded how much I LOVED baseball as a young lad. At that point (1997) the circus on the northside was in full effect. I didn't want any part of it and without much thought immediately declared the Sox as my team and haven't looked back since... one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I don't hate the Cubs or cheer against them. I just prefer to stay away if possible.