No question. The first half was not easy and optimism is scarce in Wrigleyville. But reflecting on the last 101 days, Cubs fans should have some pretty good memories and a few reasons to be thankful.
Starting with…
A gift from the weather gods: It did not snow on Opening Day at Wrigley. While the Sox had to postpone their debut due to inclement weather, the Cubs faithful poured into Wrigley full of hope on April 13. (I also took this as a good omen as April 13th is my personal luckiest day of the year.) Freezing? Check. Aramis in his ski mask on the field? I can’t recall, but imagine so. But it did not snow.
Piniella’s passion: “The goal is to win the division. That’s our goal. There’s no other goal.”
Bud Light Lime comes to the Upper Deck: Yum. Nice way to mix things up on a sweltering Saturday. I find it ironic that it’s classified with the “imports,” however.
Honoring 31 (times two):One is a Hall of Famer; the other will be. They share the uniform number, the elite 3,000 strikeout record and absolute class. Now dueling flagpoles honor Maddux and Jenkins.
Killer rookie performance: by Randy Wells. Randy’s emerged as a proficient master of the mound. He leads rookie pitchers in the MLB and has matched Kid K’s record four-straight wins.
Ted. Ted. Ted.: Love, love, love!
Gift from the disco gods: I missed Erik Estrada’s rendition of the seventh inning stretch.
Yes we can! Not slam the other hometown team: Obama’s All-Star classic quote for me: “I’m not a Cubs hater like some White Sox fans.”
Give him the bat: Zambrano ties the club’s home run record for pitchers.
I think I’m a lucky charm: Live attendance record for me? .600. Clearly, more time in Section 409 is needed.
