Last year, during a thrilling matchup between the Cubs and the Cardinals in the National League Division Series, my husband and I made the decision to let our eldest son, Oliver, skip school to attend the game. While they reveled in the victory together, I was at home, glued to my AM radio, tears streaming down my face, overwhelmed with the joy of knowing that father and son were sharing this unforgettable moment.
Fast forward to last Sunday, when my husband, brother-in-law, our boys, and I witnessed the Cubs clinch their first World Series game at Wrigley Field since 1945. My eyes welled up again, but this time it wasn’t just the thrill of the win that moved me. It was the sheer happiness radiating from my husband, realizing that his long-held dream of watching the Cubs play in the World Series was finally becoming a reality, and he was surrounded by the people he loves the most.
On Wednesday morning, my husband and his brother set off for Cleveland to catch the Cubs in Game 7—widely regarded as one of the best games in baseball history. I was a bundle of nerves, feeling anxious not just about the Cubs breaking their century-long losing streak but also about how meaningful this moment was for my husband, the biggest Cubs fan I know, watching the game with his brother, who’s also his best friend.
While they cheered passionately at Progressive Field, my sons and I were at home, celebrating every run scored with shouts and tears. When my younger son, Max, dozed off on the couch, Oliver and I took turns comforting each other, assuring one another that everything would turn out alright. During a tense eighth inning, I rubbed his back and hugged him, while he calmly reassured me, “We got this.” When the final out was made in the bottom of the tenth, we erupted into joyous screams, hugging and bouncing around the living room, oblivious to Max’s peaceful slumber.
Some might dismiss it as “just a game,” and while that may hold some truth, there’s absolutely nothing “just” about it. It’s far more than baseball; it’s about the memories, relationships, and shared experiences that come with it. The outcome—whether win or loss—takes a backseat to the connections forged through unwavering hope and anticipation.
I fondly recall listening to baseball games on my grandmother’s old AM radio, and even after years of enjoying Pat Hughes’ commentary, I can’t help but think of her love for the Milwaukee Brewers whenever I tune in. The beauty of the game lies not just in the strikes and home runs, but in the precious memories created along the way. Just as I cherish my memories with my grandmother, my boys will remember walking into Wrigley Field on a crisp October night, discussing pitching changes with their dad, or hearing my occasional outbursts while listening to Cubs games on my own tinny radio.
Regardless of which team you root for, the bonds formed and memories made during these experiences are what truly matter.
I became a Cubs fan through my marriage, and while I can’t claim to have always been one, my love for my husband—a lifelong Cubs enthusiast—makes me feel part of that journey. Being a Cubs supporter, especially during this historic week, transcends mere hope for a win; it’s about a deep-seated belief that dreams can come true, even after an arduous wait filled with disappointment. It means cultivating relationships that endure and creating memories that outshine the scoreboard.
The year 2016 has been a whirlwind, often marked by chaos and negativity. Yet, on Wednesday night, none of that seemed to matter because the Cubs finally won the World Series. This victory symbolizes the possibility of dreams realized and a reminder that, despite everything, life can be beautiful. When you share love and create memories with those close to you, everything feels right.
And there’s nothing “just” about that.
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Summary
This article explores the profound impact of baseball on family relationships and shared experiences. Through personal anecdotes of attending Cubs games, it emphasizes that it’s not just about the game itself, but the memories and connections formed along the way. The narrative reflects on the joy of shared moments, the significance of those experiences, and the hope that transcends a simple win or loss.