It was an ugly day for both Chicago baseball teams. While the Sox got smacked 9-1, as Danny Duffy (Isn’t he from the Simpsons?) shut down this offensive juggernaut, the Cubs spent the day in Philly as a footnote to history. Today was the day Jimmy Rollins became the all-time leader in hits for the Phillies franchise; a proud day for Philadelphia no doubt. I’ve never been to Philadelphia, but would definitely like to go one day. My dad actually spent a few summers there growing up…
My dad spent a lot more summers than that as my coach. Playing for a decade in Harrison Park, I always had one of our coaches in my corner, although sometimes it didn’t seem like that. When he would hit grounders during practice, he seemed like he would hit them hardest at me. Not being the cleanest infield, I remember taking a few of those rough hops off my chest, and thought, damn Dad, why did you have to hit it that hard? Well, he just wanted me to be the best I could be, just like anyone would want for their sons… just like I will want for my son. I didn’t turn out to be that professional baseball player, but I did turn out to be a pretty decent person, and for that, I have to thank my Dad. So many lessons both on and off the field, I would need to do a separate blog, a long one, to touch on all the things that I have learned from him. Funny thing is, until I became a father myself 2 years ago, I didn’t completely grasp, or truly appreciate it. I have always known, but now I really know, how lucky I’ve been. The sacrifices that we as fathers make for our family… If I can turn out to be half the father my dad has been for me and my family, I will have done good. Thanks Dad and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.
Back to Philly for a second… I learned some interesting things from the Cubs broadcast today. Yes, I did watch the Cubs game, over the Sox game of course, but instead of the World Cup game that was going on, although I was flipping. The Philadelphia Phillies have been around since 1883; that makes them the longest team with the same name in the same city in professional sports. Pretty cool. What I also thought was pretty cool, was the way they handled the record breaking moment. After Rollins lined to right, the bat boy didn’t pick up his bat, Mike Schmidt did. He walked it down the 1st baseline and handed it to Rollins, being the first person to congratulate him for breaking his record. The rest of the team came out of the dugout to congratulate him… even Ryne Sandberg mouthed “congratulations” to him. Then, Rollins almost proceeded to get picked off of 1st base. This was the fate of George Brett after recording his 3,000 hit; he got picked off. I’m sure they didn’t boo Brett, but I’m not so sure the Philly fans wouldn’t have booed Rollins, even though he just etched himself in the Phillies record books.
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It continues to be an up, and mostly down, summer for baseball. Being a Cubs fan is especially trying these days, as the number one story on the Cubs is that the trade talks have started for Samardzija. When will this thing get better? How much longer do we have to wait? I’m not sure, but to echo the words of my father, it’s all worth it in the end. I know now that he is right, I just hope I can say that about being a Cubs fan one day.
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