This term is usually used in College Football; Michigan vs Ohio State comes to mind. But it seems kind of appropriate for the Cubs schedule this week. 2 against the Sox, 4 against the Brewers, and 5 against the Cardinals was on the slate between May 28th and June 5th. Did this week get your blood boiling a little bit more than normal?
It all started with the Sox. Not sure “rivals” are the word I would use to describe Cubs Sox games; more like brothers from another. Both playing in the same city, it makes no sense why we should hate the other team… yet, we do. I learned this pretty early on. Growing up liking both teams, I never understood why Sox fans hated the Cubs so much. I got to a point where I was like…screw you then… Sure, I watched a lot more of the Cubs growing up thanks to WGN, so the path was pretty much set, but then you throw all this crap talking in there, and my choice was pretty clear. The Cubs are MY team; everybody else is secondary and/or doesn’t matter to me. I’m happy for the city of Chicago when the Sox do well; I’m happy for my dad and all the other Sox fans I know. Yet, I get zero happiness out of seeing the Sox win. It’s not like I’m missing anything this year, considering the Sox may be the most underachieving team in the majors thus far. Sure, we knew the Cubs would suck, but it’s really surprising to see the Sox just a few notches ahead of us. I had guys tell me they were winning 130 games this year… Well, that series is complete for the year; good luck Sox… not.
The Brewers have become newer rivals for the Cubs, since moving to the NL. Funny, when I was a kid, the Sox Brewers seemed to have a pretty good rivalry. This one is highlighted by the proximity of the two teams; we’re known for taking over Milwaukee’s stadium, or Wrigley Field North as it’s referred to. The thing that pisses me off about this one, is that many Brewers “fans” will wear their Packers gear to the games; I know why. The Brewers have zero World Series championships, so go ahead and wear the gear of one of your other teams that has had a little more success. Weak, just like the Brewers and Yelich for that matter; a lot harder to hit the ball when you don’t know what’s coming huh Christian? We split the series with the Brewers this week, just like the 2 game series with the Sox.
Finally, the Cardinals rivalry. This one is known as such because of the length of time these 2 teams have been playing; St. Louis isn’t that far either. I was glad to hear the Cubs still own the overall record in the matchup, because I sure remember the Cardinals beating us a lot; they have a lot more World Series titles as well. Still, when it comes to baseball rivalries, it’s Red Sox-Yankees, Giants- Dodgers, and then Cubs-Cardinals, no? After splitting the double header on Saturday, the first 4 games between the Cubs and Cards have been split.
Sunday will hold the rubber match for the Cubs Cards 5 game set, and for rivalry week as a whole. Sure, these games do mean a little bit more; I’m not going to lie. Yet, the current state of the Cubs has my blood boiling more than anything; they have chosen this route… to be under average that is. Unlike other franchises, we do have choices… that’s what kills me. But hey, it’s Cubs until I die so… Go Cubs!!!
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