Go Cubs Go
By: Angeline Schmelzer
Although I live in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago and should be a White Sox fan, I bleed Cubby Blue.
Maybe it’s the ivy, the history of Wrigley Field or the fact that I learned the seventh-inning stretch and the lyrics to “Go Cubs Go” around the same time I learned my ABCs, but I can’t help but “root, root, root for the Cubbies.”
They are the Windy City’s lovable losers, which makes it so much more exciting when they win. I will never forget the last game of the 2016 World Series when my whole family sat on the edge of our seats while watching the Cubs pull it off after a rain delay.
The Cubs might have the Curse of the Billy Goat, but they also have the most loyal fans of any team in Major League Baseball.
Yes, we had to watch the team say goodbye to Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and many others from the 2016 championship lineup, but Chicago will welcome them back with open arms if they ever decide to return as free agents.
There have also been some amazing players in Cubs history such as Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg and Sammy Sosa. Additionally, sportscaster Harry Caray spent the last 16 years of his career at Wrigley Field leading a ballpark full of fans in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
If you want to play the numbers game, the Cardinals might have won more National League Pennants and World Series titles, but the Cubs lead in regular series wins. Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how the Cubs defeated the Cards in the 2015 National League Division Series.
Even though St. Louis currently leads the NL Central as of April 24, it’s way too early to make any predictions, as there is still a LOT of baseball left to play. Along with that, the Cubs completely annihilated the Pirates on April 23 with a score of 21-0. If the Boys in Blue have more games like that one, then this season could be one for the record books.
So, if you’re in Central Illinois and trying to decide whether to wear Cubby Blue or Cardinal Red, give the Cubs a chance. After all, “they got the power, they got the speed/to be the best in the National League.”
The Cardinal Way
By: Colten Kahler
The reason I decided to study sports communication and broadcasting is because it involves little math. I despise math and anything to do with it. With that being said, even I know that 11 is greater than three.
There are so many different angles to argue who is better between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. You can argue longevity, loyalty or the amount of money that each franchise is worth. Do you know what you can’t argue with? Championships.
There is a reason the Cardinals do not have the nickname “lovable losers.” I was six years old when St. Louis last had a losing record. One thing you can always count on in St. Louis is a team that will win games and compete for championships. They will not sell out and trade away franchise players.
Everything about St. Louis baseball is perfect.
Busch Stadium is commonly known as “baseball heaven,” and it’s not a college frat party like the scenes at the “friendly confines.”
When looking at the Cubs, they blamed a 108-year World Series drought on a billy goat and a man with a Walkman. How pathetic is that?
If you are looking to become a baseball fan, don’t go with the popular option or the one that may seem like the most fun. Winning is fun, and that is what St. Louis does best.
