February 27, 2015: Decisions Decisions

I thought I had this all figured out.  It was initially Jon Lester.  Then Ernie Banks died, and it was Ernie Banks.  Now it’s time to pull the trigger, and I’m second guessing myself.  You see, this first Cubs jersey I’m going to buy my son is a big deal.

I like the Cubs jerseys that I have.  I have a sweet Mark Grace jersey, one of my favorite players growing up.  I also have an awesome Mark Prior jersey.  He was one of my favorite pitchers.  Yes, his career went in the tank, so it’s kind of nice that there is only the #22 on the back of this one.  This is another reason I bought this jersey, because that’s my number.  I have a throwback jersey from 1984, although there is no name on there.  Maybe my next jersey???  And then I have one alternate jersey from back in the day that’s navy blue with a Cubbie bear on the front.  I’m pretty happy with my 4 Cubs jerseys.

I really don’t remember my 1st Cubs jersey.  I do remember baby pictures of me with a Cubs hat on, but not with a jersey.  I actually remember one of the giveaways at a game I went to growing up:  a Cubs Louisville Slugger bat.  I actually used that bat in Little League… it was one of my favorites.  I have old ticket stubs too, and even remember a Cubs batting helmet that I would wear in the backyard, but I do not remember a jersey…

My son’s first jersey was an Urlacher one, then a Rose jersey, then a plain Blackhawk jersey.  He also has a Matt Forte jersey, but no Cubs jersey.  Hey, wait a second, I thought you said the Cubs were ranked #1 in your heart.  Yes, this is true, and that’s part of the reason I waited.  Same concept why I’m waiting to take him to his first Bears game; he’s attended all others.  I want him to remember it.  This first Cubs jersey is a big deal, and I want to make sure he remembers it; I plan on waiting to go to MY first opening day Cubs game with him on HIS first Opening Day game when he remembers it too.
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So which jersey to pick?  Initially, I went with Lester, because he is the man now.  He is the million (s) dollar man that will lead the Cubs to the promised land, or at least that’s the hope.  But, what if that doesn’t happen?  What if he gets hurt?  Would that make it a bad decision?  Then Mr. Cub passed away, and I thought what better way to pay tribute than have his first jersey with the #14 on the back.  Yes, that would be great, and yes, he is in the Hall of Fame, and yes, he was and will be always a Cub, but… he wasn’t even in MY generation, let alone his.  I want his first to be somebody that he’ll remember.  That also rules out anybody from my generation.  So, it has to be somebody on THIS Cubs team.

What about Castro or Rizzo?  He does have a Rizzo t-shirt.  What about Baez or Soler… or even Bryant or Russell?  Here is the future, ready to go… My question with all of the above guys, is will they be with this team long term.  I think the answer is Yes to most of them, but there may be another trade coming soon… especially with that crowded middle infield.  And which prospect will fizzle out?  Not all of them are going to be great, although I wish that were true.  Who is the right pick?

So, back to Lester… my original choice from the minute I started thinking about this.  Although he was with the Red Sox, and hasn’t pitched one inning with the Cubs, he will be finishing his career here.  He will be the ace of the staff until then, and hopefully he will be part of the 1st Cubs World Series team in my (and my son’s) life.  He is a pitcher; I was a pitcher.  He is lefty; my son is lefty.  He seems like a solid dude off the field; good work ethic, family man, charitable causes.  His number IS 34… you can’t go wrong with that number in this city.  That’s it… it’s settled.  His first Cubs jersey will be #34 Lester.  Now, what size???