The Cubs Stigma

-Cubs fans. Know them, love them, loathe them. Pick your poison.

It's always been easy for me to see what makes a person a Cubs fan, they are the lovable losers. The bridesmaids, the Pippen to Jordan, the AFC Title to the Super Bowl. Always close enough to root for, but never quite good enough.

So the story goes, everyone knows the curses. The black cat, the billy goat, Bartman. All their losing goes back to something that transcends sports. In a tight situation, it always seems to be something completely unrelated to the actual game that keeps them from getting to the next level. Like the Red Sox until circa 2004.

I know real Cubs fans. Those fans see all that as a joke. They know they are the lovable loser, they can't help it. They know that it all comes down to the game. That even if Alou catches the ball and Bartman stays in his seat, they still have two outs to get and a great Marlins squad that won the World Series to beat. That a billy goat and his owner have zero effect on balls and strikes. That God doesn't hate them for bleeding blue and white.

Even those that want to believe it say it with a touch of sarcasm. As my friend K.P. says it (best): "I know I shouldn't blame it on Bartman. But I do."

Then there are the fake Cubs fans. The ones that truly believe all the BS is true. God hates them, the world is designed against them. It's all a conspiracy. Those are the ones I frequently laugh at. They deserve it.

I've ventured to Chicago many a time. I find the city great, and, even with the White Sox winning a World Series three years ago, more and more Cubs fans everytime I go. But what else is it? No one can love a team for losing so bad right? It defies convention. No one is supposed to love a loser!!!! Is it the friendly confines of Wrigley Field? The beer? The fact that Boystown on N. Halsted provides entertainment outside the stadium?

But they do, and maybe that's what bring on more and more faithful to the Giant C. Other recognize the allegiance and decide to follow. Much like Red Sox Nation.

I guess, but it doesn't make them any better. Nor will it make that Word Series championship banner appear after 101 years of absence.

I guess their fanbase is the truest essence of the old addage that has been made famous by struggling squads and politicians...Wait 'Til Next Year.

Until then, fans of the Cubs, take solace that Marissa Miller has also worn a Cubs jersey. Much like Sandberg, Banks and Sosa (well...). Only wears it better.