“A Cubs fan is unique and even necessary, a symbol
of defeat in a fallen world, a world where everyone will eventually perish. If
my team wins, they will become ordinary. If my team wins, they will later lose.
Then they will have become just another team that has won, not very long ago,
but is not winning anymore. In winning, the Cubs will make a lot of people
happy, but the happiness will fade, and, once it’s faded, what will we have
given up? The certainty and distinction and grandeur of epic failure. The
humility and holy rags of degradation, the very quality that sets a Cubs fan
apart and above. Gone will be the chance to prove the purity of our love for
the game. Anyone can look good while winning. Only an aristocrat can be
graceful in defeat.”—Rich Cohen, “A Cub Fan’s Fear of Winning,” The Wall
Street Journal, July 17, 2015
When I checked the standings this morning, the Chicago
Cubs’ record stood at 63-48—which translates to 8½ games back of
division-leading St. Louis, but still in the hunt for a wild card spot for the playoffs.
This will be something to watch, win or lose, the rest of the season.
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