Hey Cubs Fans: Lay off the Poor Cubs!

Mark Kirchwehm of Wauconda thinks Cubs fans are being too hard on his Cubbies in a "View from the Fans" piece on the Chicago Tribune website.

There have been times that the Cubs have been embarrassing to a town that loves its sports, but for the most part, they have always had decent players to root for, a picturesque ballpark to watch a game in, and plenty of good food and refreshments to keep anyone happy.

And:

Win or lose the Cubs represent all we should expect from our sports team; entertainment. Based on the attendance the past few years, it's apparent that the Cubs are succeeding at that, but somehow people are still waiting for more.

And:

In a culture where the term "healthy competition' is more acceptable than "good sportsmanship" it's time we look at our beloved Cubs in a new light. When I reminisce about all the joy, sunburn, laughs, exuberance and disappointments I've had at Wrigley, it's hard to imagine it being any more pleasurable if any one of those seasons ended in a championship. When I think about the generations of people who have had the same experiences, sharing them with friends and family over the years, it's hard to imagine them being any better if the Cubs won a championship. Sure, the Cubs haven't won a World Series in a 100 years, but to me, they'll never be losers.

So in sum, just give Mark a couple of decent players to root for, some food and drink, and a ballpark in which to watch a game and he's happy. Not one of his memories of his team would be enhanced by a World Series appearance or victory.

Good for you, Mark. I'm sure the Tribune Company wishes everyone shared your opinion...then they'd stop spending hundreds of millions of dollars on player salaries.